Pride Rock was a night that proved alternative music has its place at the heart of Pride. Headlined by Cassyette, one of the most exciting voices in alternative rock and metal right now, the night was packed with power, vulnerability and raw energy. Taking place at Brighton’s Chalk, Pride Rock, hosted by White Lightning PR, brought together a line-up of emerging act Sypha and Brighton-based Stone Angels, before closing the night with headline act Cassyette.
Opening with one of her most streamed tracks, September Rain, the room was instantly drawn in. Its gentle, country-tinged guitar intro carries hints of ’90s grunge before giving way to Cassyette’s unmistakable husky vocals. As the song builds, her voice moves effortlessly from soaring belts to powerful screams, culminating in a huge chorus that sets the tone for the rest of the night.
Visually, Cassyette commanded the stage. Dressed in a sheer cardigan, leather boots and a bra, she carried a confidence that matched the intensity of her performance. Every moment felt intentional, proving she knows exactly how to own a room. Throughout the set, the band moved seamlessly between genres. Tracks like Oops (It’s A Bad Idea) brought a poppier edge, getting the crowd jump along, while heavier songs reminded everyone why she has become such a force within the alternative scene. The atmosphere inside Chalk felt less like a standard gig and more like a celebration.
The room was full of energy, with Cassyette creating a space where everyone felt included. Between songs, she took time to celebrate individuality and the LGBTQ+ community, making the connection with the audience feel just as important as the music itself.
The set also gave fans a glimpse into what’s next, with new tracks Splinter and Metamorphosis making an appearance. The latter, a song centred around transformation and self-discovery, hints at an exciting new chapter for Cassyette. Whenever these tracks officially land, fans will have something special waiting for their playlists.
Fan favourite Perch brought some of the biggest energy of the night, with the crowd fully embracing the chaos and opening up the circle pit. It was a perfect example of the community that exists within alternative music - loud, passionate and welcoming. One of the standout moments came with Porcelain. Beginning almost like a lullaby, the track showed a softer and more vulnerable side before exploding into a heavy breakdown. It was a reminder of Cassyette’s ability to balance emotion with the raw power that defines her sound.
Ending the night with Dear Goth, another fan favourite, Cassyette left the crowd on a high, closing a set that felt both intimate and unforgettable. Having a queer artist headline a rock and metal event during Pride Month feels important. Pride celebrations are often associated with major pop performances, and while those artists have their place, it is refreshing to see alternative music represented too. Events like Pride Rock create another space for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate, especially within independent venues like Chalk, where accessible events allow more people to be part of the experience.
Cassyette’s performance wasn’t just a great gig, it was a reminder that Pride belongs in every corner of music. Alternative rock has always been about challenging expectations, and Cassyette is proving there is a place for queer voices at the forefront of the scene.
