No one could have predicted that Australian pop's most promising princess would emerge from country roots.
Troy Cassar-Daly has blazed a path through outback radio stations and country music festivals that would have been easy for daughter Jem to follow, but the talented singer-songwriter knew her art lay on a different course, heading straight into the world of indie pop.
Jem has continued beating her own impressive trail, winning Queensland Music Awards' Best Pop Award and Song Of The Year for 'King Of Disappointment', alongside NIMA New Talent Of The Year and QMA Indigenous Artist Of The Year wins.
She presents a new offering with 'Clichés', a deliciously produced fever dream of warm tones backed by cutting lyrics. It's the kind of honesty that turns artists into legends, leaving it all on the page for the fans to relate to.
Hi Jem, it's great to chat with you today. I'd love to know your Dad's reaction when you told him you were carving your career in pop instead of country. How did that go down?
It was no surprise to my Dad!
I grew up loving indie and pop music, so it just made sense when I started writing music at a young age. Every day after school I'd watch video clips from the 2010s and knew it was the path I wanted to take.
You're not afraid to put the truth out there in your songs. Do you find songwriting an easy way to be honest with yourself?
I find songwriting is just like jotting into a journal.
I write most days and it's a very cathartic way of getting my feelings out on paper. Sometimes I just press record on my voice memos and play the piano and see what falls out – most of the time it makes absolutely no sense, but sometimes I find an idea in the chaos!
What's the most unexpected place you've written a song?
I write a lot of songs on the plane actually!
When I have no wi-fi, I go to my voice memos and try to delete some (I currently have 1,600!) and I find myself writing verses over melodies I have in my phone. I'm always deep in thought on the plane, I find it's a great place to reflect on the past and plan for the future.
Let's talk about 'Clichés'. Do you think it's better for someone to let you down easy or just be brutally honest?
HAHA! This is such a tricky question because I think it's a bit of both!
It's so important to be real and transparent with someone, but I think there's a way with words in order to not hurt someone you care about.
Have you ever used any of these cliches yourself?
I'd be lying if I said one of these hasn't made an appearance in my vocabulary at some stage in my life. It's always hard letting someone down!
The production is lush and sonically gorgeous. Why did you choose that feel for the song?
Thank you! I wrote this song with producer Brock Westover and songwriter Jordyn Dodd.
The chord progression, synths and guitar have a little '80s groove to them and the uptempo feel really juxtaposes with the lyrical intent of the song – I love a happy song with sad lyrics. Honestly, this was one of the most relaxed co-writes I've ever had.
You're playing Horizon Festival on the Sunshine Coast. What are you most looking forward to?
It was very sad to hear that Solbar closed its doors, however the Sunshine Coast community are so strong and always pull together to create some very memorable moments and I can't wait to play at The Met with my band.
I'm really looking forward to discovering some new artists! With 35-plus events happening, I will be spoilt for choice.
You have been touring a lot. What's your number one tip for touring?
Allow yourself plenty of time. Time to get to the airport, load gear, check in etc. I find that having extra time means I'm not rushing and getting stressed out! That sets the tone for performing.
You have opened for some legendary acts. Is there someone you would love to open for?
I have been so fortunate to share the stage with some artists that I have looked up to since I was a little girl.
If I could open for anyone in the world, it would have to be Kacey Musgraves! Her music, particularly 'Golden Hour' lives rent-free in my mind.
What else do you have planned for 2026; anything you can share/ reveal to our audience?
2026 has been off to a very busy start!
I have been working very hard behind the scenes on my debut album, which has been a real rush.
Narrowing the Dropbox folder down to just ten songs has been a challenge, but maybe that means a deluxe edition will be on the cards down the track too. I have never been so excited to share something before – this album is a raw and honest extension of myself.
Jem Cassar-Daley plays Horizon Festival at The Metropolitan (Sunshine Coast) on 9 May. Jem also plays Open Season's Blak Day Out alongside Beddy Rays at The Princess Theatre (Brisbane) on 24 July.
