The Rockpit always likes to get behind great local talent. Cassidy Paris might not be a name you’ll recognize yet but she could very well be one to watch. Her first single ‘Stand’ was written with ex-Danger Danger vocalist Paul Laine – it’s a great song and hopefully the start of a lot more to come.We caught up to ask Cassidy all about the single and where she’s headed musically…
The Rockpit: Hi Cassidy, thank you for taking the time to talk to The Rockpit today. Tell us about the process of writing and recording the new songs.
I wrote my new single ‘Stand’ with a friend named Paul Laine. We worked together on my previous single ‘Talk About It’ and it turned out great so it made sense to keep writing together. Paul Laine is a solo artist and also sang in a band called Danger Danger. He is the vocalist and main writer in DarkHorse and a fantastic producer. We have written together both face to face and via Skype.
The Rockpit: What were some of the things you wanted to achieve with the release?
I had fantastic feedback from my debut single ‘Talk About It’ so this follow up is all about spreading the word further. Obviously my main aim is to complete a full length album but until the end I’m happy promoting singles – which helps get word out about my music.
The Rockpit: Do you enjoy the process of creating? Are you someone who continually writes or does the best come out under a little gentle pressure?
I love writing and creating. Even though I have just turned 15 years old I have been writing songs for a few years now. I started playing guitar at the age of seven and began singing lessons when I was ten.
The Rockpit: What does it feel like as an artist waiting for the songs you’ve lived with for some time to get released to the fans? Is there a sense of excitement or a little panic in there too?
To be honest. It’s a little bit of both. It’s hard to predict how people will react to new material…..but so far the response has been really awesome. I’ve had people write beautiful messages of encouragement from all over the world which is really nice!! I absolutely love writing and performing so messages of support validate my hard work.
The Rockpit: How does it compare to previous releases/songs?
My new single Stand is more of a ballad compared to my up tempo debut single Talk About It. For me, if a song is good – it’s good!
The Rockpit: What were the lyrical themes of the songs?
I think both of my songs have a great purpose in what I’m about as an artist. ‘Stand’ is a bit more of a story that talks about standing up for yourself and I think my vocal performance has improved which is great. My debut single ‘Talk About It’ is a faster rock song and was a great way to introduce my music to the world. I like catchy memorable songs and even though both singles are a bit different in pace, I think both songs tick these boxes.
The Rockpit: What were the main inspirations for the release/songs?
Lyrically both of my songs touch on my feelings about being a kid. Music is a great tool to promote positivity, and being a girl in the music industry can sometimes be challenging. That’s why I love artists like Lizzy Hale, Pink, Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift. All of these women have had fantastic success and are all great role models to girls around the world. I am also aware that singers such as Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Lita Ford and the Wilson sisters paved the way for many of my favourite artists.
The Rockpit: Did you imagine how these songs would play out in a live situation?
I have already started playing my songs live. I recently returned from playing live shows in Tokyo, Japan supporting my dad’s band The Radio Sun and we had a ball! We played two shows, did an instore signing session at Disk Union Record store and did an interview with the biggest rock magazine in Japan called Burrn! It really was awesome!! I have also played many shows at schools within Melbourne which has also been really great!
The Rockpit: What can people expect when seeing you live?
My shows are my chance to really connect with an audience. I really love performing so I hope that comes across to the audience. I’m always learning so I’m sure I’ll get better as I gain more and more experience.
The Rockpit: How were the shows in Japan? Any highlights to mention?
The shows in Tokyo, Japan have been my highlight so far. The Japanese people were so nice to me and very supportive by buying my t shirts and asking me to sign pictures and posters.
The Rockpit: Do you play cover songs and if so, what kind of covers do you perform?
I’ve recorded a bunch of live covers on my TouTube page (search Cassidy Paris). Anything from Taylor Swift, Mr. Big, Enuff Z’Nuff and Plumb – I hope people like them as all of these artists have influenced my original music.
The Rockpit: Do you have any upcoming live dates?
I will be launching my new single ‘Stand’ by playing more live shows at schools within Melbourne….and I have two upcoming big shows in Chicago, United States where I will be playing at Melodic Rock Fest 5. I can’t wait!!
The Rockpit: How did you get started?
It’s my dream to be a singer/songwriter. My dad has played in bands for many years so he has been a big influence. I have seen him play in The Radio Sun and Black Majesty and at times travelled with him overseas where he’d play concerts – a fantastic and inspiring learning experience.
The Rockpit: What have been your greatest challenges to date, and your favourite moments musically?
Most people have been really supportive of what I’m doing but it does get you down a bit when people are negative or write silly stuff. If people don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it…. I suggest they look at themselves before they judge me. I’m not perfect…. I’m just having fun with my music!
The Rockpit: With technology changing so much over the last few years and seemingly not slowing, and TV force-feeding us the lowest common denominator, what hope is there for rock & metal music?
I wish there were more avenues that supported Australian talent. It would be so cool for Australian television to have a daily 30 minute music show…..i guess things like YouTube have cornered that market. I did an interview recently with a fantastic team of people called liveformusic.tv (a new Australian music tv show which can be streamed via YouTube which is great).
The Rockpit: From what you’ve learned so far what is the most valuable advice you’ve been given so far as a musician?
My parents have always encouraged me to follow my dreams which is really cool. Paul Laine has taught me a lot about songwriting and my singing teacher Jason Old has really helped me with my singing. All of them want me to enjoy my music which I am!!
The Rockpit: Who are some of your main influences?
Besides my dad, Paul Laine and Jason Old my favourite artists are Lizzy Hale from the band Halestorm, Taylor Swift (who I was lucky enough to meet backstage at the age of eight at her Melbourne show), Avril Lavigne, Pink, Biters, H.E.A.T, Dokken, Def Leppard, Joan Jett and Heart.
The Rockpit: Do you believe music can still change the world?
Absolutely – or definitely can have an influence. Music is universal. My trip to Japan proved that. Even though some of the people didn’t know how to speak English – they knew the words and melody of my single, which was really awesome!!
The Rockpit: If you could be a fly on the wall for the recording of any album in history, what album would it be?
One of my favourite albums is H.E.A.T – Address the Nation. I love that album and lead singer Erik has such a fantastic voice.
The Rockpit: What is the meaning of life?
Happiness – Dream Big!
People can purchase Cassidy’s songs via digital download and watch her film-clips on YouTube. Please subscribe to Cassidy’s YouTube page!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5aVyAXszq0 (Stand promo clip)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGWTEOhUxq8 (Talk About It promo clip)
Like Cassidy Paris on social media here :
www.facebook.com/cassidyparisofficial
Instagram : cassidyparisofficial
Youtube : cassidyparisofficial
Twitter : @cassidyparisj
