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Interview with
CASSIDY RAE

(11th July, 2021)

Interviewer – Dave Bruce

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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you start writing music?
Since before I remember, I have been singing.  My life has always been music.  That being said, I never grew up saying I wanted to be a musician. I wanted to be in a role where I could connect with people.  Where I could share information, make my space a better place.  My parents had the motto “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”.  So I followed music with every opportunity I got.  I realised later on, well after my professional career had started, that I wanted to share music and connect with people around the world through song.
I started writing music at the age of 12 but it wasn’t until 15 that I wrote a song that I wanted to share publicly – which became my debut single “Be Strong”, an anti-bullying anthem inspired after the death of my best friend.

Which music did you grow up listening to? How has it influenced your current style? 
I wish my answer to this was simpler.  I listened to everything and anything I could growing up! My family and I would have competitions on the way home from school, competing to see who could sing the loudest to whatever song was on the radio.  In long car trips, it would be Shania Twain and Faith Hill on repeat.  My dad was a fan of Michael Buble so upon arriving home, I would hear the chorus of “Moondance” throughout the house.  My CD collection contained Delta Goodrem, Adele, Dolly Parton, all the jazz classics in a 10-disc box, Sara Barielles, Shania Twain and Taylor Swift. 
I’m constantly inspired by a range of sounds and genres which ultimately has shaped my style of music to be this unique collaboration of contemporary country and singer-songwriter pop with influences from other genres dancing throughout.

How would you describe your sound? 
An infectious, original blend of contemporary country-pop. Heartfelt lyrics dancing throughout mesmerising & passionate vocals, mellifluous tunes & soul-bearing story-telling.

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Why do you think people resonate with your music?
When words fail, music speaks. I write from the heart about experiences, relationships and connections. I believe people can relate to the stories and concepts I explore in my songs. I believe I bring joy, inspire and allow people to feel connected to something more. 

Your new ‘Dose Of You’ has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution. 
I love writing songs about relationships. However, not all love songs need to be about men. This song was about my addiction to cookies.  Working as a Piano Bar Entertainer with Carnival Cruise Lines, I was travelling from ship to ship and found myself lost in these gigantic 16 level ships. The coolest way I found myself around was the arrival of the freshly-baked, divine tasting chocolate chip cookies that would appear at set times around the ship.
I found myself drawn to the piano one night after performing, singing “Dose Of You”.  I wish I remembered how long it took me or the details around writing it but I write so many songs every week.
To be honest, I didn’t want to produce and release this song. It was from the recommendation of my family, producer and friends (I don’t call them “fans” because we talk way too much to be anything less than friends).

Do you have any more new music in the works?
Yes, I do! Very soon actually…
I will say that I produced over 30 songs with my amazing producer/friend Michael Carpenter at Love Hz Studios.

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Do you have any shows/tours coming up? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I was due to perform at Hats Off To Country in Tamworth – unfortunately, due to COVID, that was cancelled.
I do have more performances, however, I’m not sure if they are going ahead (what fun COVID can be).  Thankfully, I stream live every single weekend.

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why? 
Taylor Swift.  The way that she performs is incredible.

What’s next for you in the near future? 
Releasing more songs and travelling on the road! I have been LOVING connecting with my friends around Australia, sharing music.

What are your longer-term aspirations? 
To do what I’m doing on a bigger scale!

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What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? 
The emotional connection.  The people.

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
I am terrible at favourites.  Legitimately. It’s all dependent on the moment and the feeling. TMI but here goes…
Album – I’ve never had one favourite album.  I like so many songs from so many different albums.  But I have listened to on repeat, unashamedly, the entire albums of Taylor Swift, Adele and Delta Goodrem
Artist –  Taylor Swift. For more than just her music.  Meghan Trainor, for her songwriting perspective.  Delta Goodrem, for inspiring me to continue with my love of piano.  Faith Hill for her romanticism. Shania Twain.
TV Show – I have made more this more than once so it could be classified as a favourite – Dawson’s Creek.
Place to visit – USA. Paris. Italy. Bahamas. Turks and Caicos.  Loving exploring my backyard at the moment – Byron Bay, Wondai, Broken Hill, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg (visited more frequently than most places recently due to my very exciting co-hosting opportunity on KIX FM with Justin Thomson.)
Venue to play – Bluebird Cafe, Nashville.  Or the cruise ships.  Or anywhere in Tamworth.  Or online.  Honestly, I love performing but it’s not about the place – it’s about the people (although, bluebird was pretty special).
Food –  Tabbouleh. Chicken Schnitzel.  Spaghetti Bolognese.  Cookies.
Drink – T2 Tea New York Breakfast – the only easy question in this section.
Person in History –  my mum. She inspires me everyday, and while she never takes centre stage, she is the reason I am who I am.
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) I don’t want a tattoo.  I like my skin the way it is and, as you can see, it’s hard to pick just one thing.  So, I figure, if I like something enough, I’ll get it as a painting to hang on a wall so I can still see it everyday.

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Photo – mr_redearth

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Follow CASSIDY-RAE
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram
YouTube – Spotify

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Press Release 21st June 2021 below

CASSIDY-RAE
releases new
Country-Pop single
‘DOSE OF YOU’
and debuts at #1
on the Country Charts

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In follow up to her highly successful #1 iTunes Country Chart release ‘Cheers Y’all’, Cassidy-Rae returns with a new track that deviates slightly from previous releases.  ‘Dose of You’ delivers sultry tones and sublime vocals in this feel-good song.

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Dose Of You is desire personified. The song shares the aching, yearning, hunger for more, in any facet of life. Every lyric filling the appetite yet leaves you longing for another dose. Wandering songstress, Cassidy-Rae, inspired from her US tours pre COVID-19, drew on intimate memories of life and love to create this infectious country-pop sound, that will have you wanting more of Cassidy-Rae.  The track was written by Cassidy-Rae, produced by Sydney’s Love HZ Studios by renowned producer Michael Carpenter and debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country Charts on the day of release.

As a graduate of the Country Music Academy of Australia, Cassidy-Rae is a powerhouse to be reckoned with, appearing at major events such as Tamworth Country Music Festival, Blue Water Country Music Festival, Ballina Country Music Festival, Sydney Blues and Roots Festival and more.

With over 80,000 followers across social media, Cassidy-Rae continues to connect with fans worldwide over Covid, performing and sharing her life through two Facebook Live Streams – Sunday Sit Down and Live Music Sessions every week.

Past releases from this talented songstress include ‘I’m on Vacation’, ‘Throwback’ and the heartfelt ballad ‘More’ which have all sustained solid airplay on Australian Radio, airplay on CMC/CMT, streams over 231,000 on Spotify and over 400,000 views on YouTube.  Previous single ‘Cheers Y’all’ reached #28 on the major Music Network Charts, additions to Spotify’s ‘Fresh Country’ and Apple Music’s ‘Aussie Country’ playlists and the music clip was also officially added to CMT. 

From party anthems to heartfelt ballads, Sydney based Cassidy-Rae is a talented and versatile rising star.  Her vibrant, confident and authentic performances from her guitar and keyboard, have proven why she has amassed such a loyal following. Her mesmerizing vocals, and larger than life stage presence ensures she is an artist with a huge future and one to watch.

On touring news, Cassidy-Rae will be heading to Tamworth to perform at the Hats Off to Country from 1-4th July.

Cassidy-Rae’s new single ‘Dose of You’ is out at radio and all digital platforms on June 21st.

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AMNPLIFY – DB