Mariae Cassandra, a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from the Perth area of Ellenbrook, has taken out this year’s triple j Unearthed High competition. Cassandra previously attended Ellenbrook Secondary College and began homeschooling this year to focus on her music.
Impressing with her song Million Billion Trillion, which is dedicated to her best friend, Cassandra has already received comparisons to the likes of beabadoobee and Clairo. About the winning track, Cassandra said, “This song is about the fear of losing my closest friend because you know how much we hate friendship breakups.”
To let Cassandra know about her win, triple j Drive hosts Abby & Tyrone surprised her by appearing at her house and presenting her with the trophy.
As part of her prize, Cassandra will receive a songwriting session with one of four Australian artists – Cosmo’s Midnight, Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers, Peach PRC or Kobie Dee – plus flights and accommodation to the session, mentorship and support from artist and industry experts.
This year’s triple j Unearthed High competition garnered 1,127 entries from youngsters around the country. The four finalists who got into the top five alongside Cassandra included Chris Vincent, That Gurl Bella, Zafty, and Frank And Louis. RIAH was crowned the winner of this year’s Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative.
In a statement, triple j Unearthed Music Director Dave Ruby Howe commented on Cassandra’s talents: “Mariae Cassandra’s songwriting has such a rare sweet and sticky quality that the Unearthed team has been hitting repeat on Million Billion Trillion for roughly that same number of plays!
“As we usher in a new Unearthed High champion with Mariae, we’re in awe of an artist whose hooks and lyrics are gonna inspire fandom and obsession in equal amounts.”
Following her win, Mariae Cassandra performed her first-ever headlining show at Midland Records in Perth.
