Rider Essentials: Cassidy-Rae

Turning heads ever since she won the starring role in her first school play, Cassidy-Rae’s passion for music began in the family home where she was singing before she could talk and followed in her brother’s footsteps, learning piano at two-years-old. A stand-out student in her school choir and a proud member and leader within the prestigious Australian Girls Choir, some of her more exclusive, noteworthy performances include former President of the United States Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Hugh Jackman at the launch of Les Misérables premiere and The Pope in Rome. 

Her recent singles, Meant To Be, Dose Of You and Cheers Y’All all went to number one on the iTunes Country Chart. Before that, the catchy contemporary country-pop, Ton of Bricks as week as I’m On Vacation both debuted at #2 on the iTunes Country Singles and AMRAP Metro charts respectively. Her latest single, Amazing (which currently sits at #44 on the Countrytown Music Network Hot 50 Country Airplay Chart) was written amidst the turmoil of the pandemic. Dedicated to the health workers (the unsung heroes of the pandemic) that are truly amazing, the track was produced by Sydney’s Love HZ Studios renowned producer Michael Carpenter.

We caught up with Cassidy-Rae to find out the things she always takes on the road with her for this week’s Rider Essentials.

1. Guitar

I find myself constantly singing to the radio or creating a new song in my head on the road so a guitar for me is always nearby. I grew up learning piano, but the guitar is so portable, and the road trips give me time to play my favourite songs. What's a good road trip without a sing-along!?!

2. Notebooks

You never know when a good song pops into your head – and it feels so much more real writing it all down on paper. I love jotting down memories from the day so I can look back and remember some of the really awesome moments on my adventures. Also, I have a notebook full of my affirmations –live with an attitude of gratitude!

3. Tea

I'm not ashamed to say I am addicted to tea. So, this is a MUST HAVE for my road trips (and basically at all other times of the day). If we run out of tea, you better believe, there is a priority trip to the nearest tea shop for some more! My favourite type of tea is T2 New York Breakfast – vanilla and caramel. mmm ....

4. Cookies

You always need fuel for the road, and, for me, cookies are the best road trip energisers! I've even been known to try a different type of cookie each week (a New Year’s Resolution, just to spice it up!) Which definitely makes it interesting cooking cookies in hotel rooms, or even caravans. My favourites are brookies – half brownie, half cookie, 100% goodness. Hit me up for the recipe > www.cassidy-rae.com/join :) 

5. Friends

Whenever I'm travelling, I love to stay in touch with friends and family and share the adventures, so I take them wherever I go, sharing via my phone! No matter whether I'm travelling around Australia or around the world, having the phone and sharing live makes it feel like my family and friends (that aren't there with me) can join in with me. I've been able to take my phone and share adventures from New York, Nashville, Florida, Louisiana, to Bahamas, to Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Sydney, lockdown, to the MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN! After all, friends are the family we choose.

Keep up to date with everything Cassidy-Rae on her Facebook page here.

For more of our Rider Essentials series, go here.

Image: Supplied