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Chicago’s festival roar gave way to a quiet, unexpected moment inside RPM Italian, where Paste Studios captured a brief but powerful performance by Cassandra Coleman. The setting felt more like a private listening room than a restaurant. In that hush, a two-song set revealed a voice with room to breathe and a band that knew how to listen.
Why RPM Italian became a perfect live-music backdrop
The restaurant’s sleek interior and soft lighting framed the session. Instead of a stage, musicians settled among tables and low conversations. That proximity changed the energy. Laughter and easy rapport between the players made the space less formal and more collaborative.
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RPM Italian’s modern finish amplified the intimacy. The venue’s acoustics let every harmonic detail come through. In a city buzzing with Lollapalooza activity, the session felt like a private detour.
Cassandra Coleman’s opening: a debut single that fit the room
The group began with “Coming of Age,” Cassandra’s debut single released in June. Her voice landed immediately in the room and held attention. The performance was quiet but committed, emphasizing nuance over volume.
Even with a sparse set list, the songs stretched wide emotionally. Listeners found themselves leaning in, noticing phrasing and breath. That restraint allowed the material to resonate longer than the clock on the wall.
Musical details: simple arrangement, rich texture
The instrumentation was intentionally pared down. That choice magnified the vocals and opened space for subtle interplay.
- Alec Shaw — acoustic guitar, steady rhythmic foundation.
- Charles Myers — 12-string acoustic, providing a bright, shimmering layer.
- Ashley Perez — harmony vocals, soft and complementary to Cassandra’s lead.
The twin-guitar blend created a full sound while remaining uncluttered. Ashley’s harmonies threaded through the arrangements, matching tone and dynamics with care. The result felt organic, like a small living room concert scaled up to fill the dining room.
How the session stood out during Lollapalooza weekend
Paste Studios recorded this performance as part of a series of intimate sessions staged around the city. These mini-concerts were produced in partnership with Lettuce Entertain You and Shure Microphones. Together they turned restaurants into listening rooms.
Amid festival crowds and headline noise, the RPM set offered a contrast. It demonstrated what live music can do when it’s given space to unfold slowly. What lasted two songs felt like a complete musical statement.
What to watch for next from Paste Studios on the road
These on-location sessions spotlight artists in unconventional settings across Chicago. The collaboration between Paste Studios, Lettuce Entertain You, and Shure aims to pair talented musicians with venues that enhance the performance.
- More short sessions at notable restaurants are scheduled.
- Each session highlights different production techniques for intimate venues.
- Recordings will appear across Paste Studios channels and partners.
Stay tuned for additional Paste Studio “On the Road” sessions that continue to document these small, revealing moments of live music in the city.
