THEAUSSIEWORD.COM’s special interview with Aussie artist Cassidy-Rae.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
Really, I was singing before I could talk. I played piano from the age of two. My parents raised me on the belief that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. They tried to open as many doors as possible. I just happened to choose the music door every time.
I love that when words fail, music speaks. I found myself drawn to music growing up therapeutically. My friend was 17 and I was 15 when she passed away to type 1 diabetes dead in bed syndrome. I didn’t know how to handle what I was feeling but I found myself at the keyboard singing and bearing my soul.
Music became a way to connect. I love being able to connect heart to heart.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
People. I’m motivated and constantly inspired by my friends and family. I would call them fans, but honestly, I talk to all of them around the world constantly, they are my friends.
Being able to create music where people feel that they aren’t alone, being able to share a smile or spread joy and good vibes, that’s what inspires me.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
Honestly, performing around the world to thousands of people singing my lyrics and my songs back to me, that’s a goal. I’ve had hundreds singing when I was performing on Carnival Cruise Lines, however, I want to one day sell out a US tour of my own to thousands of people.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Ask me before I released Cheers Y’all and the answer would’ve been no. However, when I released Cheers Y’all, I was in Brisbane and it debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country Music Charts. I literally ran out onto a balcony on the 22nd level of a building screaming in excitement at the top of my lungs. Next minute, my publicist rings me, asking if I would travel to Bundaberg. Next, to gold Coast. Next to Tamworth, then Broken hill then South Australia. Before I knew it, I was travelling the country sharing Cheers Y’all!
I have a new song coming out extremely soon so my plan is to be out on the road very soon again, performing and sharing the new song on radio!
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
Cheers Y’all started as a collection from every time I was able to raise a glass and toast to good vibes and good times both on the Carnival Cruise Lines and in Live Music Sessions. I want to collect all those good vibes – so even though I wrote this song, I think of it as everyone’s song. It’s blown me away honestly by how everyone has received this song. Featured on a Spotify playlist with over a quarter of a million followers.
My music connects hearts to hearts.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Everything and anything. I wish I could give a further insight, but before I know it, I’m at the piano and half an hour a song is written. Thoughts or experiences I’ve had or seen other people had percolate and bubble until it overflows into a single moment.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Constantly…
Success, what is the secret to it?
Success is defined by each individual, so I think that’s the secret. Define your success.
Every day, I seek joy. Find the joy in as many moments as you can.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I call them pinch-me moments and honestly, too many to count. Performing on the mainstage of Tamworth Country Music Festival, flown around internationally to perform in front of hundreds of people every single night on cruise ships, performing with the Australian Girls Choir in front of Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, President Barack Obama, the Pope in Rome and more. Charting at #1 on the iTunes Country Music Charts – so many incredible moments.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Too many, honestly, but I am inspired by all the females in this industry. Taylor Swift, Lyn Bowtell, Amber Lawrence, Kelsea Ballerini, Fanny Lumsden. They are powerful and fierce and creative storytellers.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
There is a top super secret project that I’ve been working on – I ended up writing 30 songs during COVID-19 (and I am not done writing yet!) so I want to release them before I keep writing more! I also have a new song I’m releasing this June – called “Dose Of You”!
Stay tuned to my website and socials to be a part!
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
Hopefully sharing my music and spreading good vibes with as many people as I possibly can on a larger scale. The music industry has transferred to online media and I find myself online constantly sharing so who knows if that could be the future of this industry?! I love performing and connecting with all my friends in person, so hopefully, that side of music never dies!
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My favourite used to be the music but it’s now become the people. Connecting heart to heart. My least favourite part – I’m not sure yet. I love every part – the creativity, the performing, the sharing. If anything, I would be frustrated at COVID for stopping me travelling on cruise ships, but it gave me an opportunity to share music in new ways I never thought possible. So I haven’t yet found a ‘bad side’.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Just a few!!!! Fanny Lumsden, Amber Lawrence, Catherine Britt, Delta Goodrem, Lyn Bowtell, Kasey Chambers.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
It allows me a greater opportunity to share my music to my friends around the world. I understand that it is changing the way the music industry works, however, I always try to look on the positive side of every situation and social media allows me to share my music to others that aren’t in the vicinity of where I am.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
Keep doing what I’m doing 🙂 Thankfully, as a Piano Bar Entertainer, I had the opportunity to perform in front of hundreds of new friends every night and I try to stay in touch with as many as I can.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I have collaborated with Michael Carpenter from Love Hz Studios on creating and producing my songs. Honestly, I would love to collaborate with more and more artists and creatives in this industry – it feels like a family. And, of course, Taylor Swift – to be able to perform with her would be a dream come true.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Be authentic. Love what you do. Because this industry is about passion and heart.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
Y’all are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I’m so grateful to call you friends and so blessed to share this music and this journey with you. Thank-you. Stay awesome!
Any last words?
Thank-you. For the opportunity to share more of myself. To share my music. I couldn’t be where I am today without all the support!
Website: www.cassidy-rae.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CassidyRaeMusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CassidyRaeWilso
Instagram: www.instagram.com/CassidyRaeOfficial