Cassidy Paris– 18 year old singer & guitarist who is Super proud to be fully endorsed by Fender Squier.
Interview conducted on December 27, 2020
By Dan Locke
As a teenager growing up in Australia, there’s likely very few others out there with ambitions of being a “rock star”. Especially considering rock music isn’t exactly regarded by the mainstream as the “coolest” thing in the 2020’s. 17yo Cassidy Paris however is an exception. Delivering an infectious brand of high energy rock, with a catchy melodic edge, Cassidy is determined to make rock music a ‘cool’ thing again and inspire a new generation of younger fans to not only listen to rock ‘n’ roll, but maybe even pick up a guitar, instead of a phone
How was your birthday?
It was very low key, due to restrictions. But it was a nice night. It’s great to finally be 18!
You are from Melbourne Australia. What is your upbringing?
I grew up with my brother and parents. Both my parents are primary school teachers and my dad also plays and has played guitar in a few rock bands, The Radio Sun, Wicked Smile and previously Black Majesty.
How did you discover music?
As I mentioned, my dad has always played in rock bands and I have been lucky enough to go and watch him play all over the world. He has always exposed me to a wide variety of music and this has been a pivotal part of my musical journey. I became interested in playing guitar first and then singing at the age of around 10 years old. But didn’t really get serious about singing until the age of 13. One day one of my dad’s friend’s (Paul Laine) came to stay with us from Canada and he is a singer and we just sang together. Then the next time he came, we wrote a song together. Then its kind of just went from there. He is an amazing person, plays basketball with my brother and spent time on music with me. He is a part of our family.
How did you start to write music?
I think I must have been around 10 and I just wanted to be like Taylor Swift at the time and started to write. It wasn’t that good, but my dad always encouraged me to keep writing.
Describe your music.
I feel my music is quite different from anything out there at the moment. It has some 80s and 90s rock elements with a more modern infusion.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
Yes, I remember my parents got me a pink acoustic when I was around 4 years old with my name on it. Yes, I still have it.
What makes a good songwriter?
I think a good song has catchy hooks and an awesome chorus. Lyrics are also a very important part.
What is the process of writing your music?
Normally I come up with an idea and pitch it by recording ideas on my phone and from there I reflect on it and often send the ideas I like to my producer.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The first song I wrote was called Photograph but I never released it. My first release was Talk About It.
In 2018, you released your second single “Stand” tell me about that time in your life?
Stand was written about a period in my life when I was experiencing a lot of negativity and bullying for pursuing music. It was basically written about being strong and standing up for yourself whatever the situation is.
In 2019, you released your EP “The Broken Hearted” in which you had the chance to work with Paul and Andy. How was it?
It is amazing working with such talented people. I learn new things every day and feel so fortunate that I have the opportunity to learn, grow and develop as not only an artist but a person. I strive to be like Paul and Andy who support younger artists on their journey.
Tell me about “Like I Never Loved You?
Well, I wanted to write something with a bit more attitude and I have been through some situations with people, where you are very close with them and then other people interfere in the situation and they follow. They don’t support you or stand up for what is right and you basically become strangers. So, you go from being so close to them ignoring you and not standing up for what is right because they are so consumed with popularity, rather than doing the right thing. I have been brought up with a very strong moral compass. It’s important to me to be a nice person!
What is your favorite track from all of your releases so far?
It fluctuates depending on my mood, but at the moment I have to say “Like I Never Loved You’
How do you stay healthy while performing?
I try and eat healthy and stay fit. I am an avid gym junkie and I love boxing.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
There are pros and cons. I like the fact that more people can hear my music but there’s the downside of not much income from streaming companies & a few other things.
You just graduated from school. How does it feel?
It kind of feels surreal, not quite got a hang of it yet. For me personally, I am glad to be out of an environment that for the most part didn’t embrace me for who I am and I was bullied for the most part of my schooling for pursuing rock music. I was however lucky enough to make a few really good friends who always supported my music and those people will always hold a special place in my heart.
Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
It has already had a huge impact and if things do not improve it will continue to impact the live performances.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
As a student completing Year 12 online, mostly study and listening/writing music.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
As I understand it, I can still continue to perform my original songs so it won’t affect me that much. I think Facebook are trying to stamp out a lot of the covers being performed.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
It’s definitely going to be a challenging time.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means things like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
I’ve heard of some artists paying for streams and likes. I think this is terrible. It’s so easy to see if an artist has a following, so faking it or paying to play is pretty embarrassing.
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I did apply and got accepted to become a primary school teacher (following in my parents’ footsteps all the way lol). So, I will be completing that university degree over the next few years.
What is your happy place?
Obviously writing and playing music and being with my family and friends.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
I’d like to say thanks for your support & a big thanks to my fans who like/support what I do.
You can check out my social media pages via Cassidy Paris Official.
Thanks again, Cassidy
You must be logged in to post a comment.