Find Out Why Gay Musician Cassidy Haley Has Given Up Fashion For Rock Music
Posted: 26th Jan 2010 Author: Michelle Penny Topics: Music
Hot, young and gay L.A.-based rock star, Cassidy Haley has already seen his debut album, Little Boys and Dinosaurs, named as one of the Houston Chronicle’s “Top 10 Albums of the Year,” alongside Kelly Clarkson, Green Day, U2 and Shakira, and with his first full-length record due for release in March and a US tour in April, it looks like 2010 is going to be a busy year.
Definitely one to keep a close eye on, Cassidy Haley may be a name you know for another reason – he was the founder of Skingraft, a clothing brand that has been worn by Adam Lambert, Fergie, David Cook, Alison Iraheta, Margaret Cho, Lil Rounds, Tila Tequila and other notable stars.
You just released your first EP, Little Boys and Dinosaurs, last year. It received rave reviews from critics and fans, and shortly after the release of the first single, “Whiskey in Churches,” the record ended up at No. 3 on the iTunes Electronic Albums chart. Are you pleased with its reception?
Totally! I never expected it! I released my album on Aug. 10, only a month or two after ending my days at Skingraft to pursue music. Having the album get to No. 3 on the iTunes Electronic chart really was the perfect message from the universe that i had made the right decision.
To someone who has never listened to you before, how would you best describe your sound?
My usual response is some ramble about electronic, pop, folk, goth, and glam-rock. But, I don’t know. Can’t music just speak for itself?
You are in the midst of recording your first full-length album. Can you give us a glimpse into what it will be like?
Well, I’ve been working with an incredible producer who is really pulling my music towards a bit of more classic, glam-rock…which I’m loving! We are in the tug of war of trying to maintain my synth and electronic desires with this real classic sound. So I’m really excited about the result. I’m also bringing in my band, The Sunshine Rebels, to play on it, so there are a lot more live instruments.
What was the inspiration that fueled the idea for the upcoming album?
I’ve always been a storyteller, although I didn’t realize that’s what I was…whether through my drawings, or my fashion, or my music, it’s always about spinning a tale. And, so this is my story. The album chronicles my journey of self-discovery, of breaking free of the shame imbued upon me by our less than accepting society, and of becoming a man. The story will be told on stage as much as it is told on the album, and it takes place in space and there are superheroes.
You are about to embark on an US tour in April. What can concertgoers expect to see at your shows?
Well I may have answered this in the last question, but i basically have a grand vision of an epic rock opera. Costumes, dancers, gymnastic feats, multimedia video interaction, set designs. A lot of this depends on BUDGET, so I’m working my butt off to have the money to see these visions through. I’m working with the street team on some fundraising, looking for sponsorships, grants, whatever..so if you have any ideas…?
Shortly after releasing the music video to your first single, “Whiskey in Churches,” Adam Lambert tweeted his fans to check it out. This helped propel your album and video up the charts. What is your relationship like with Adam?
Adam is an old friend. We were struggling artists together in the local scene for years before “American Idol.” My clothing company, Skingraft, dressed him for a lot of the show and his tour, but I don’t see him much anymore due to his being a superstar and all..
You call your fans and your street team, Cassidy’s Army. How did this originate?
When people started following me on Twitter and asking what they could do to help my career, I had a brainstorming session via Twitter and came up with the name. We brainstormed what roles would be needed to promote me and I took applications via email. Now I have an amazing team that is basically invaluable to my career. Web designers, a graphic artist, manager, business manager, lawyer…all on a volunteer basis. It is so touching to me that people are so invested in my success. And I know it’s exciting for them to be so involved in an artist’s career. Plus, when I become a huge success, they will know they played a huge role in making that happen.
You grew up with a lesbian mother and an electric car-making gay father. What was it like growing up in such a seemingly unconventional household?
Well, I didn’t grow up with my father. I was donor-inseminated, and didn’t meet him until I was 14. But growing up with a super progressive mother was pretty cool. I had my issues of course, especially with alienation at school. I had NO idea boys weren’t supposed to play with barbie dolls…and while the trauma of being ridiculed took a long time to work through, I feel so grateful that my mother didn’t try to make me “conform” to social expectations, even at such a young age. I now have a free, independent spirit that wouldn’t have been AS easy to hold onto otherwise, and really that has more to do with my mother’s philosophy of life than her sexual orientation. But I’m grateful either way.
In 2003, you founded a clothing brand called Ernte, and in 2006, you founded another brand called Skin.Graft. How did both come about, and what was the initial spark that compelled you to create both lines?
Well, to be honest, both were about paying my rent. I moved to L.A. to do music but really didn’t see how it would be possible to sustain myself with it, so fashion became the way to make money “in the meantime.” Eight years later, I am finally pursuing that dream. This is not to say that I didn’t enjoy being in fashion. It was terribly exciting working with celebrities and being in that glamorous industry, but in the end it just broke my heart every time I had to dress someone else, because I just wanted it to be me up on that stage.
You play acoustic guitar and piano. How did you learn to play both instruments? Are there any other instruments you play?
I learned to play guitar from an assumed lesbian folk singer, Lisa Zeiler, in the Bay Area. She was a part of a group called “Rebecca Riots,” which was one of my first inspirations to pursue music. I saw them perform and their songs were so heartfelt and political and emotional all at the same time, so i asked Lisa to teach me guitar.
On your upcoming album, you have some incredible guests, including a member of the Doobie Brothers drumming, and the engineer of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album. How did this come about?
My producer, Anita Hyde, is an old school rocker who is now using her connections to work with young artists such as myself. She has been the biggest gift to me right now, as I doubt I would be making this album if it wasn’t for her. She found me, took me under her wing and said “I’m making you a record.” Pretty freakin’ cool. I’m loving every minute of it.
Who are some artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Amanda Palmer is one of my biggest influences in terms of how to create your own career. Plus, her version of Death Cab for Cutie’s “I’ll Follow You Into the Dark” has kept me going through many a lonely nights. Amanda, if you’re listening, I have the PERFECT harmonies ready to go on that song!
What influences your art — both musically and in terms of design and fashion?
Superheroes, tragedy, and ultimate triumph. I have this insane imagination, and I always see the ultimate vision of everything and everyone i come across. I’ve pretty much always drawn my friends as superheroes because the tragic hero is so close to my heart. The secret identity, the struggle to be amazing…and of course the ultimate success.
You have your own record label, Sunshine Rebel Records. Do you plan to sign any other artists to that, or is it strictly a vanity label for your own records?
You know it started as strictly a platform for my music, but once it became legitimate I got really excited about a future where I work with other artists. I want to take the weirdos and the freaks, the old ladies and the twinks, and capture their most beautiful moments and turn them into stars. BUT, first I have a few million fans to meet.
What are some of the most exciting venues you have performed in?
The Henry Fonda Theater in L.A. was so cool, because the dressing room was like, dialed in…leather coaches and pictures of all the greats on the wall. Thanks so much for your time, Cassidy!
You can find out more about Cassidy on his official Cassidy Haley website, follow him on Twitter and buy his music on iTunes.
