Meet Cassandra Sebastian, aka Cass3y, a local singer/songwriter, musician, performer, host, and entertainer. Cass3y once represented Malaysia at the international level on the TV show, Bolt of Talent, which also featured famous singer Michael Bolton. In today’s interview, Cass3y talks about her experiences in the local music industry. Here’s is a story of hustle and following your dreams. Enjoy!
1. Hi Cass3y, please give us a brief introduction about yourself!
My name is Cassey, I’m 24. I sing, perform, and I write songs. I also do voice overs, and I’m an all round entertainer.
2. What made you decide to become a singer/songwriter?
I’ve been performing professionally since I was 16 years old and after graduating from my bachelor’s degree, I figured that I owed it to myself to pursue my passion for music fully for a few years and see where it takes me.
3. Is there anything in particular that inspires your songs or performance?
Growing up I was inspired by strong female artists such as Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Lauren Hill and many more, they are amongst the few that influenced my style.
4. What was your experience like, starting out as a singer?
When I was first starting out, I didn’t think much into it as I was still in school and that was my priority, all I knew was that it made me feel happy and empowered.
5. How did you balance your time as a student, a singer, and your personal life?
Balancing working, studying and my personal/social life was difficult at times but I set priorities to my goals, so school first, work second, I managed to mix my work and social life together as thats what music tends to do, and the rest of my time is spent with my loved ones.
6. Please tell us about your experience in Bolt of Talent.
Bolt of Talent is a reality TV show aired on StarWorld/FOX starring Michael Bolton as the star and mentor.
I competed with a fellow Malaysian as well as singers from Taiwan, Philippines, and Thailand to join MB on his Asian concert tour. I represented Malaysia and placed third in the competition, it was surreal being apart of the show with meeting MB, and having many cameras focused on you but it was definitely a career-shaping experience for me.
7. Please tell us what you’ve come to know about the local music industry?
What I’ve come to know about the local industry is that everyone’s trying their best to create amazing music to share their passions.
And while not everyone has had a breakthrough yet were all constantly learning, evolving and getting better at our craft in our own creative and professional ways.
8. What could an aspiring musician do to get started?
As an aspiring musician, the only way to get started is to start.
Practice your instrument, work/collaborate with like-minded musicians and be hungry for the opportunities ahead.
9. What were some of your biggest highlights in your musical career?
Oh wow… lets see.
Bolt of Talent is definitely up there, highlights would include performing at the Australian Tennis open in 2014, Zalora x KLFW, Harpers Bazaar Pink Tea party 2015, Miss Universe Malaysia in 2015, and I also performed at the Hublot World Cup event just recently 2018.
Among many others.
10. What advice would you offer to people who want to make music in Malaysia?
I still have a long way to go to be considered as “making it” in the music industry.
But if I were to give advice to aspiring musicians who want to make it in this industry it would be to know how good you are at your craft, work smart, and to be unafraid and brave in what you whatever to achieve.
11. Any personal mottos?
“Do no harm but take no s***”
