THERE’S a warmth and honesty to Jem Cassar-Daley that becomes obvious on first speaking to her.
Ahead of her Ipswich show alongside Budjerah, the Brisbane-born singer-songwriter spoke candidly about music, storytelling, family legacy and the deeply personal nature of songwriting.
Raised in one of Australia’s most recognisable musical families, Cassar-Daley said music was woven into her life from her earliest memories.
“Music has obviously been a massive part of my life since I can remember,” she said.
“I remember going to school and starting piano lessons and falling in love with that. That was my absolute hyper fixation for many, many years, and it still is.”
The daughter of country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley and television and radio personality Laurel Edwards, Cassar-
Daley said both parents shaped not only her understanding of performance, but also storytelling.
“My mum’s career and her lengthy career in radio had such an impact on me growing up,” she said. “She just really has this ability to bring so many people together in a room and have such a great yarn.”
She credits her parents for exposing her to a vast tapestry of music, from classic Australian artists played during weekend radio shifts to contemporary songwriting influences.
Much of her music draws from deeply personal experiences, something she admits can make performing emotional at times.
“Sometimes you’re singing back on something and thinking, ‘Can I perform this live or am I going to fall apart every time I do it?’” she laughed.
“But I try to keep it as honest and real as possible.”
Cassar-Daley also reflected on the influence of culture and storytelling through generations of her family.
“Storytelling has been such an ingrained part of my life,” she said.
“That’s how generations of my family have shared stories – through song and art.”
Despite carrying one of the most respected surnames in Australian music, she said finding her own artistic identity took time.
“A lot of people think I’m automatically a country artist because of my last name,” she said.
“But I really just try to write the music that resonates with me and be truthful to who I am.”
That honesty has helped shape a growing fanbase drawn to her blend of indie-pop and emotionally raw songwriting.
“I think music has this incredible ability to remind people they’re not alone,” she said.
With a powerful voice, deeply personal songwriting and a grounded authenticity that shines both on and off stage, Jem Cassar-Daley is proving she is far more than a famous surname, but an artist carving out a distinctive voice entirely her own.
Cassar-Daley performs with Budjerah and special guest Birren at Ipswich Civic Centre on July 10, with tickets available through the venue website.
