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Interview - Cassie Valentine

One of the biggest winners in this weeks Chart Heat Album Chart, scoring her first top 3 album in the process, was RnB singer Cassie Valentine. Valentine's debut album "Pink Romance" jumped up five places in the chart from 8th last week, usurping some top superstars in the process. 

We asked Ms Valentine into the offices to have a chat with us about her album, her new single, and her biggest influences in the business.

Hi Cassie, welcome to Chart Heat. It's been a very successful week for you in the album charts this week. You must be delighted with the rise in position?

(smiles) Hi, and yes, I was very surprised to see it jump so high this week. I still consider myself to be fairly new, so to see it go from #8 the first week to #3 the second week is amazing.

And what do you think caused such a brilliant leap in this particular week?

Well I think it's all due to the amazing songs on the album. So far I've had positive responses for each single I've release off the album. I also feel that promotion is another key point. My label and my team have all done an amazing job getting my name out there. 

For debut albums, it's normal to peak a lot later than albums from seasoned artists do, are you hoping to see Pink Romance jump even higher?

Ha. That would be a dream come true for most artist but honestly I'm just doing it for the music. Don't get me wrong, to see my music do well is amazing but the last thing I want is to get a big ego. 

And who inspires you? Who do you aspire to be like in the industry?

My mom is the one that inspires me the most. Shes always been there for me and I love her for that. Um as of now I love everyone in the industry and I think they are all great. At the moment I'd rather just be myself. I don't want to be like or compared to anyone else. My all time goal with my music is to make a name for myself and be different.

Do you see other artists of similar experience as you as friends, or rivals? And who?

Yes. Most people already know that Mandy William and I are best friends. I met her when I first started and she's been an amazing friend ever since. As far as rivals go I personally try not to hate anyone. However there is one person that I really can't stand. I don't believe shes an artist, well actually I'm not even sure what this chick does but I really dislike Cassie Summers. That's all I'm going to say because It's getting on my nerves just mentioning her name right now.

Your new single, Fear, was released yesterday, and it is powerful. That must have been a hard thing for your friend to relive?

Oh yes. It was extremely hard at first but after getting some help shes able to talk about it now. 

And was it emotional for you recording it?

I don't think there's any words that could explain how hard it was to do this song. It took a long time to get it finished actually because I was too emotional to get through the whole thing.

Most artists wouldn't touch such a subject ever. What gave you the confidence to tackle it?

I got the confidence when my friend was actually strong enough to talk about it to people. She started helping others with the same problems and I admire her for that. So I knew I had to do my part by getting the message out.

Are you hoping to raise awareness of the issue of abuse by singing such a song?

Yes of course. I'm personally working on starting up a foundation soon that will help victims of rape and domestic violence. I hope that it will be a success and I also hope that other artists will join in to spread the word.

And you called it the most eagerly anticipated song from the debut. You must be really proud of it?

(smiles)I'm very proud of it. Hands down it's the best song on the album and I hope that everyone will love it as much as I do.

What's your own personal chart prediction for this week? Don't be all modest now!

(laughs) Well I can't say that I've gave it much thought but I'd love to see it at #1 this week. If not #1 then just to make it in the top 5 would be an honor. Like I said before it all doesn't matter as much to me. I'm just here to make music and to let everyone hear it.

Thanks Cassie 

Thanks for having me here today.