Cassandra Robertson could no longer sit on the sidelines. An environmental engineering degree brought her full-time work, but her attention was drawn to negative situations calling out for positive solutions.

“I had been writing music and playing guitar and singing in the closet, I like to say, hidden away,” said the Oregon resident.

Three years ago, she started playing open mikes and in songwriter rounds, then realized that she wanted to do it full-time for philosophical reasons.

“It was the times we are living in, and not a lot of musicians are talking about the events … and possible solutions. I couldn’t hear many places where music I was playing was being played,” she said.

She focused on the guitar “for the ease of taking it around, although I play with a band when I’m in my hometown. My inspiration was Woody Guthrie and those times when troubadours went from town to town, sharing the music.”

Robertson calls her genre “acoustic conscious folk music.”

“It’s pretty simple and to the point about solutions and the consciousness of it. They’re not just love songs that you hear a lot … they’re more topical and trying to create a little more consciousness through singing and being aware of what’s happening in the world.

“I deeply care for the health of the planet and the people living on it. Because I can write songs and have an ease on stage, this feels like a really good role for me. After a lot of soul-searching, prayer and meditation, the message was real clear that this was part of my path,” Robertson said.

Her first album came out two years ago and the second one, “Impulse to Dream,” is out now, less acoustic than the debut CD and with a fuller sound.

Robertson is performing regularly while holding down a part-time job related to environmental engineering.

Robertson also took lessons from a vocal coach.

“Now I have more richness and a higher level of quality. My voice changed dramatically.”

Her voice, example and message help separate her from other singer-songwriters, Robertson said. Audience responses include a feeling of inspiration for her following her heart rather than staying locked in a safe job, an appreciation of her suggesting solutions through songs, and positive feedback on her rich alto voice and ease of performance.

“I may bring theater and comedy into the show later (but) that’s a little bit in the closet still.”