In commemoration of Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited a variety of artists to contribute essays exploring themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
•• •• •• ••
Today, Nashville-based alt-R&B artist and multi-instrumentalist Casper Sage reflects on the experience of being a Black artist in America for Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month initiative.
Casper Sage finds inspiration in unexpected places. The 23-year-old singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist creates music that balances introspection and nostalgia with rich and driving energy—a unique blend he refers to as Afro-Surrealist Dreamcore, influenced by both grand elements (like nature and mathematics) and specific inspirations, such as Kerry James Marshall’s striking portraits or Tony Soprano’s dream sequences. “I want it to feel like you’re floating,” Sage explains. “I aim for a balance that is both relaxing and stimulating.” His debut EP with Warner Records, ‘SAGEhaven’—featuring up-and-coming artists midwxst and amindi—achieves this with thoughtful, emotive tracks that are personally grounded.
Originally from Oklahoma City, Sage grew restless “with the culture of conformity.” He has always sought deeper connections. In 2019, he released ‘Winter,’ a vibrant blend of song and rap that explored deep emotional themes. He refined his artistic skills independently—from the 2020 track “Frank Ocean Playing in Heaven” to a 2022 rendition of Dijon’s “Rodeo Clown”—while also formally studying at Belmont University in Nashville, where he draws inspiration from being a distinct R&B artist combining sounds and feelings from far-off places.
The motif of yearning resonates throughout his music and, for Sage, serves as a path to self-discovery. He perceives a reciprocal relationship with the universe—believing that what he seeks will come back to him. “I feel that all things are interconnected,” he shares, demonstrating wisdom beyond his years. “When we create something new, we’re returning to something familiar.”
Read Sage’s complete essay below, and stay tuned for updates on his upcoming EP, which will be released later this year!
•• ••
•• ••
by Casper Sage
Blackness is not merely something I embody—it is something I actively create with.
It’s evident in how I craft melodies, elongate words, and construct soundscapes that resonate like home, even as I continue to define what home truly means.
Having been born and raised in Oklahoma City, a place that has influenced me in ways I'm still exploring, I had to navigate my path as a Black artist there where my own interpretation of Blackness was not always reflected. I needed to forge my own space, and music was my means of doing so.
Now residing in Nashville, I am undergoing yet another transformation. The energy here is distinct—firmly rooted in tradition yet always advancing. As a Black musician in a city renowned for country and Americana, I contribute to a burgeoning movement of artists redefining expectations, advancing the culture, and affirming that our voices are welcome in all arenas.
The quest for warmth—discovering light in unfamiliar territories, transforming coldness into something vibrant—inspired my upcoming single, “Nu Division” (set to release in early March) featuring Amindi. The track speaks to renewal, about warming a cold heart once more. It embodies love in its most transformative essence—the kind that changes you and revitalizes you. Sonically, it mirrors this journey, transitioning from isolation to connection, from being guarded to being open.
Casper Sage © Connor Peterson
This theme extends into my forthcoming EP, SAGEhaven—a realm where I can express my true self freely.
The project acts as both a refuge and a declaration: a reflection of my past, present, and future. It pays tribute to the Black artists who have influenced me—D’Angelo’s warmth, André 3000’s freedom, Sade’s patience—while striving towards something distinctly my own.
For me, creating music transcends mere expression; it serves as preservation. It involves documenting the intricacies of Black life as I perceive it, in all its beauty and contradictions. SAGEhaven embodies that commitment.
This Black History Month, I honor the artists who paved the way for voices like mine—who taught me that music is more than mere sound; it represents legacy. With each song, I aspire to contribute to that legacy in a manner that is authentic, genuine, and limitless. – Casper Sage
•• ••
:: connect with Casper Sage here ::
•• ••
•• •• •• ••
Follow Casper Sage on
Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook
Discover new music at Atwood Magazine
📸 © Connor Peterson
:: Stream Casper Sage ::
In “Speed Freak,” a song where the artist escapes death in a surreal realm filled with stray dogs and speedy cars, Youth Lagoon showcases his determination to continue evolving his unique sound.
Naomi Westwater presents their essay, ‘Tips & Tools for Tenderness When the World Is Hard: Cultivating Rest and Ritual,’ featured in Atwood Magazine's Black History Month series!
Alt-R&B singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Casper Sage reflects on his experiences as a Black artist in America for Atwood Magazine's Black History Month series!