 01/11/2005 Cass
Born: Edmonton, London, 1976 /
Personal motto: Never give up /
Musical style: Soulful, deep, honest, edgy and real
Describe yourself: Honest, reflective, impatient, fatalisticand passionate.
Athough you may not recognise the name at first, it’s the voice that’ll get you every time. Cass, who is best known for singing on and co-writing ‘Touch Me’ with producer Rui Da Silva, which topped the UK chart early in 2001, selling some 300,000 copies, knew from the start that dance music wasn’t the direction she wanted. So she decided to walk away and start again. She wanted success, but she also wanted it on her own terms. And if you see her perform live, you’ll know exactly what she means – she gives it 100% every time. Once she parted ways with Da Silva, Cass began working with a friend in a bedroom in Chingford until she found a style that finally felt like her own. Initially about her frustration with record companies, ‘Army of One’ was the first song she really felt she owned. The final piece to the puzzle was to find the right producer. After playing the song to Rollo Armstrong at his studio, he immediately declared he wanted to work with her. But he had commitments with Dido and Faithless, so in the meantime she hooked up with Craig Dodds (Sugababes) and wrote three songs with him. Raw, honest and brimming with real emotion, all of her songs come from the heart. To accompany the release of her debut album, ‘Come Here’, Cass will be embarking on a nationwide tour supporting Tom Baxter.
What is your biggest achievement so far?
My Number 1 single when I was working with Rollo. And supporting Lauryn Hill.
Who are your musical heroes?
Dolly Parton, Annie Lennox.
Tell us about your new projects…
Releasing my debut album, ‘Come Here’.
Are there any artists you would like to work with?
There are lots, but specifically Dr Dre, Annie Lennox, Eminem, Chris Martin and Dolly Parton.
What is catching your ear at the moment?
Gorillaz and Jeff Buckley’s ‘Grace’.
What do you do to chill out after a hectic night performing?
Have a large glass of wine and a long hot bath.
Who would you invite to a dinner party, and why?
That’s easy. Dolly Parton, Annie Lennox, Chris Martin, Missy Elliot, Eminem and Dr Dre. They’re all amazing artists but all so unique. So after we’d finished dinner, I’d drive us all over to a studio, and we’d grab some mics and probably freestyle the most amazingly unique song ever!
What is your recipe for success?
Work hard and believe in yourself.
What makes you happy?
Festivals and holidays. When the sun’s shining, everybody’s happy and no one has a care in the world. That makes me smile.
What makes you angry?
The congestion charge in London, and speed cameras. I think they’re such a rip off.
What was the last CD/record you bought?
‘Demon Days’ by Gorillaz. Love it!
What is your favourite song?
Hmm… that’s a difficult one, but I guess ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon, just because it’s such a classic.
If not an artist then what?
To be honest, I can’t really see myself doing anything else as I love music so much. But if I did have to choose it would have to be something creative.
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