CASS EAGER BIOGRAPHY

Cass Eager has found herself in a multitude of musical destinations over the years, from the acoustic roots of her 2007 debut ‘Beautiful Day’ to the funky festivities of 2009’s ‘Santa’s Got Soul!’ and now with the release of her new EP ‘Down On My Knees’ Cass continues her journey with Soul always packed in her suitcase.

‘One of Sydney’s most gifted singer-songwriters, whose refreshingly honest, raspy, almost Joplin-esque like voice is hers alone, and whose songwriting will spellbind the listener.’ Drum Media.

‘Eager’s voice is the driving force of her music.’
Whistler Question, Canada.

A graduate of Bondi Beach’s thriving funk scene, Cass Eager’s music takes heed of Soul and Blues, solidly dished up with Roots & Rhythm. Her distinctive pipes have drawn comparisons to everyone from Janis Joplin to Bonnie Raitt, but Soul Sister Cass is no pale imitation.

Cass has a vibrant history of performing, and that voice of hers has travelled regularly along Australia’s East Coast, Darwin and WA, and also taken her on three Canadian and US tours (the
latest with Ash Grunwald), Eygpt and The MIddle East, and five visits to East Timor. Performing in such diverse locations as CBGB’s in New York to beachfronts in The Solomon Islands has given Eager a depth & richness that comes from experience.

Cass is no stranger to festivals either. She has showcased at industry conferences in Canada and the US at SXSW (US), NXNE (Can), CMW (Can), MMC (US) & Crankworx Festival (Can). In Australia, Cass has played the Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival (NSW), The Gympie Muster (QLD), Sydney Blues Festival (NSW), Festival of the Sun (NSW), Peats Ridge Festival (NSW), Broadbeach Blues Festival (QLD), Gumball Festival (NSW) and the Vintage Blues & Roots
Festival (WA).

Her music has also developed close ties with the surfing community, playing benefit concerts for SurfAid International and the Surfrider Foundation, and playing the Rip Curl Pro Surfing & Music Festival, Bells Beach (VIC).

She was featured on the cover of Sydney’s ‘Drum Media’ after being announced as a finalist in the Blues/Roots category of the 2007 MusicOz Awards, and was also a finalist in John Butler’s JB Seed Award and the APRA Professional Development Award, both in 2009.

In Australia, Cass has performed with artists including Ash Grunwald, The Beautiful Girls, Alex Lloyd, Diesel, Lior, Paul Kelly, Jeff Lang, and Chase The Sun. In 2006 she crossed the Canadian and US continent for a 21-date tour with Bob Egan (Blue Rodeo, ex-Wilco). Eager has also appeared on seven other CD compilations, including a Hurricane Katrina benefit CD.

Much of Cass’ musical inspiration has stemmed from her humanitarian efforts in East Timor. Touring there five times, twice with the Australian Army, she performed for UN peacekeepers and in various orphanages. What started as an assignment to entertain the troops in the newly independent country turned into a rich relationship and affinity with the people there, especially children.

To raise money and awareness for this tiny nation, Cass donates her energies to various Australian benefit concerts. Her visits there culminated in a performance to over 40,000 people at Dili Stadium with Paul Kelly and Peter Garrett. Cass appeared on ‘Timor-Leste - Freedom Rising’ compilation CD (EMI/Capitol) put together by Paul Kelly in 2005, along with artists such as John Butler, Missy Higgins & The Cat Empire. Cass launched the CD in Dili to a 500+ crowd. In recent years, Cass’ third Armed Forces tour took her to Egypt and The Middle East, with 5 shows across 3 countries in 8 days, and her fourth to The Solomon Islands in 2008 with guitarist Jan Rynsaardt.

Visiting royal Prince Harry saw Cass perform at Kerry Packer’s polo property on his Australian visit, and asked her for a repeat performance the following week, with Cass being requested to give the Prince guitar lessons.