‘Theodore’ is the new single from rising star Mariae Cassandra. It’s an angsty, emotive track that wears its pop-punk influences on its sleeve. The verses are intense and punchy, while the chorus drops down into halftime and delivers an incredible hook. “I was 16 when I came up with ‘Theodore’. I was alone in my silly bedroom, feeling like the world was collapsing. I didn’t have anyone to really confide in and talk to, and I struggled with trust issues. As much as I wanted that ‘one person’, I never chose to open up,” she says. “So a week before I left in-person high school, I was filled with confusion and desperation. Do I do music? Can I be normal? Is there anyone that could understand me fully? I picked up my guitar and wrote the song ‘Theodore’ over the course of 2 days.” Mariae Cassandra’s debut EP, Everything In My Backpocket, drops on November 21st, 2025. -Dan Peeke