Cassandra House
Written by: Cait Elizabeth - July 2019
Edited by: Travis Ryan
Introductions
Cassandra House is an indie/folk-rock singer-songwriter backed by a killer band. With a powerful, earthy voice she commands attention, naturally finding herself in the spotlight. Cass is joined by Dave March (bass/vocals), Anthony Pravata (lead guitar), Chris Marshak (drums/percussion), Jacqueline Routh (vocals), and Jonathan Preddice (cello/vocals). She has been on the stage from an early age, making her debut covering rock songs at 12 with an all-girl band. By 14, she was active in school music and theater programs and had begun writing originals. After taking classes at Berklee College of Music and traveling the world for awhile, Cass settled back on the island to finish college and return to performing. She met Dave March roughly 10 years ago and credits him with “propelling my music to a place where I was proud of it, and where people could hear me on a larger level.” With Dave on board she began to build a band in 2012, at which point recording began on her first EP. Anthony, a friend of (several) friends then joined on guitar. Later, when Dave suggested adding some cello to their sound, Jon signed on, followed by Chris through shared mutual friend Rob Bruey. They met when Cass opened for Rob’s CD release party at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. Chris also introduced the band to Grammy Award Winning “Wizard” (as proclaimed by Cass) Ben Wisch, who produced their first full-length, crowd-funded release, The Roam.
Cassandra’s songs all feel personal, but “Little Flower” is especially so; it is her favorite and very close to her heart. While living in Northern California, Cass found herself drawing comparisons between a bouquet of wildflowers she’d been gifted and her soon-to-be born niece. She wrote and recorded the song on her laptop, but it was shelved and forgotten for some time. Heartbreakingly, Cass’ niece passed away at five. The song was rekindled and painstakingly rearranged by Cass and the band. It serves as a touchstone for her career, a constant connection to both her roots and her dreams for the future. “It makes me feel like I’m singing to her every time I sing it,” Cass shares.
Tours & Shows
Any time on the road is fair game for jokes and antics. The team spends their time between stages goofing around, making stops in Baltimore, Charleston, Nashville, Asheville, Wilmington, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Boston over the years. Cass has played several states, in many music festivals including Bradstock and the Great South Bay Music Festival, and in sold out venues she’d “always dreamed of playing”.
Support & Subscribe
www.cassandrahouse.net
Inspiration & Influences
Cass points to Patty Griffin, Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Freddie Mercury, Grace Potter, and Gillian Welch as influences that have helped shaped her sound.
“Don’t let anybody ever tell you you cannot. Don’t be afraid to take the reigns on your own damn thang. Sit in the driver’s seat. Run toward your fears. Sing loud. You’re never too much, and yet you’re always enough.”