Richard Caissie

Vancouver Island recording artist Richard Caissie, recently released his debut album “Safe Harbour” to great reviews. A strong focus on songwriting as well as a full year in the studio has produced a very rich and vibrant album.

These songs draw you in and entice you to hum, sing, and tap your foot. When you reach the last track you can’t help but hit the play button again to start it from the top.

“I was very fortunate to have such wonderful talent join me on this album” Richard comments. Two time Juno winner Sue Medley and Juno winner Valdy both made appearances in the studio.
Sue helped pen the duet “Leavin’ Train” as well as lent her incredible voice for this song.

Richard was also joined by Rick Bossom on keyboards, Robb Flannery on drums, Rodrigo Figueroa on lead guitar and bass, Helena Jung on cello and songstress Helen Austin on background vocals.

Richard was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as one of nine siblings in an Acadian French family. Music was an integral part of many family celebrations over the years and at the age of 16 Richard picked up his first guitar. He began playing acoustic music, building a repertoire from his favorite artists at the time, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Harry Chapin, The Eagles, Simon and Garfunkel and as his music gradually matured, his own style began to bleed through from elements within his Maritime tradition.

Richard has impressed audiences and inspired comparisons to such legendary performers as James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, and Valdy. Few singer/songwriters are able to engage with such diverse audiences, and present authentic and timeless content in their songwriting.

In the early 1990’s, Richard turned his efforts to songwriting. His ability to craft deep and meaningful songs quickly became apparent and within a year, his natural bend toward songwriting earned him an invitation to perform in concert with Valdy, one of his first musical heroes. In 2000, Richard won honours in the Vancouver Island Original Music Competition, placing 2nd out of 60 acts. Later, when asked to open for east coast sensation J.P. Cormier, Richard not only received rave reviews from the audience but from J.P. himself who was hearing Caissie’s music for the first time.

The narrative content of Caissie’s songs show a rich diversity of personal and social commentary, as he moves audiences with songs such as “Bottle Takes The Hand”, an intimate look at the negative affects of alcohol. Through various styles of music Richard draws his audiences through scenes like a dimly lit, smoky jazz bar in “Fool For You”, a packed sports arena in the adrenalin pumped anthem “We Are The Flames”, and even a reflective journey out to sea in “Safe Harbour”.

The inspiration for his songwriting remains close to the human condition, as he states, “People relate to my music, because it relates to life. The triumphs and struggles of our lives and human nature are timeless, and what life is really all about.” A natural storyteller, Richard loves the challenge of seeing and describing the truth in all situations, bringing people together to share an emotional connection if only for the length of a song. Caissie is a songwriter and performer whose music can be appreciated by a wide variety of audiences.

You can learn more about Richard’s music at www.richardcaissie.com