Cassandra Vasik

Cassandra Vasik
Biography

From her early teens, singing in her hometown of Blenheim, Ontario, it was a crazy, unpredictable trip from singing in choirs to becoming a lead singer in an on-the-road rock band. Cassandra then pursued her singing career by moving to Toronto,. Fiercely determined and ambitious, she was playing the bar circuit in Southern Ontario, scoring several appearances on The Tommy Hunter Show in the mid 80’s. Eventually she connected with the song writing team of Tim Thorney and Erica Ehm, Their effortless rock-influenced country songs led to the spectacular 1991 debut album Wildflowers (Einstein Bros/Sony). “An outstanding debut” blared the headline in Billboard Magazine. Four Top Ten singles sprang from the debut and she walked away with the Juno Award for Country Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as the Canadian Country Music Association’s prestigious Vista Rising Star Award. She toured live extensively opening up for Clint Black, Randy Travis, Steve Wariner & The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

The buzz surrounding the second album, Feels Like Home (1993, Epic/Sony) easily put it right onto the charts, matching Wildflowers’ output with songs. Success continued with four Top Ten singles, national tours and increased exposure overseas.

After Feels Like Home, her record company suggested a couple of projects, but Cassandra was uninspired by the labels requests. After a mutual agreement, she decided to leave the label and continue to pursue making the music she loved. She stayed with writing partner Tim Thorney and focused on creating a unique sound that would embrace the musical influences of her past as well as focus on a new direction. Together they spent a year with ‘no pressure’ just open jam sessions inspired by listening to great music and playing acoustic guitars. The result…a compilation of new material, new experiences, new sounds, and of course New Shoes.

New Shoes marked exciting changes in her musical direction. Previously known as a “New Country” artist, Cassandra felt closer in style and substance to singer/songwriter artists that fit in the “Adult Album Alternative” format. While not making a complete departure from her “Country/Folk roots, New Shoes delivers a new style of songs featuring intelligent and meaningful lyrics wrapped in well-crafted melodies. Punctuating the album are musical performances featuring Jerry Douglas, Bobby King, Ottmar Leibert and Hugh Marsh. Cassandra stayed in Toronto, and found her inspiration listening to classic records from Ry Cooder, Little Feat, Los Lobos and countless old soul recordings. After a few starts and stops, Different began to take shape.

‘One of the great things that happened between ‘Feels Like Home’, New Shoes and this album were the trips to Nashville to experience playing with some gospel singers. The vocal blend was so amazing, it inspired me and revived my passion for singing. We brought Lyle Lovett’s singers Everett (Drake) and Quinton (Bush) back to Toronto and incorporated them into our music. It felt like I had arrived at a place I was trying to get to years ago.’

Different is an explosive new direction for Vasik, that makes for a riveting listen. Soaring gospel-tinged vocals, gritty guitars and a meaty Hammond B3, make this a brilliant soulful, roots-oriented sound to be experienced. Expect something ‘Different’.

Under the Influence” is a refreshing new project for Cassandra Vasik inspired by her musical experiences and influences of the past, present and future. This long, anticipated return to the music industry has already proven that the fans are ready and anxiously awaiting to hear Cassandra Vasik and her new group 'Under the Influence' as soon as possible.
Proven to be incredibly therapeutic, this musical collaboration is sure to touch the soul of music enthusiasts worldwide.

For booking information contact:
C. St. Denis (519) 682-0643
crstdenis@sympatico.ca
For further details and career history, please visit www.cassandravasik.com