Getting to know... Shannon Cassidy

Meet Shannon Cassidy, host of her own Kiwi music radio show on Fresh FM, and member of the Nelson Sambassadors. Shannon talks to Nelson Magazine about her love for her daughter Everly, and our local music scene.

I will never shut up about... Kiwi music, to the point of having my own Kiwi music radio show on Fresh FM called “Homegrown Only”. There is something about the feeling music gives you, especially hearing a track for the first time. Then finding out the artist calls New Zealand home. We are so lucky here in New Zealand with our ridiculously large talent pool considering our population.

I’m a real nerd about... Being a mum, which I feel in itself is an extremely nerdy answer. My wee girl Ev is my absolute world and being her mama is awesome. There is nothing quite as incredible as getting front row seats to watching someone learn and grow. From the early days when I was in awe watching her take her first steps, and learning to clap her hands, to now listening to her singing Blackbird by the Beatles while brushing her doll’s hair. It still blows my mind that this was that tiny baby I took home from the hospital when we were fresh out of lockdown in 2020.

As a child, I was really into... Snare drumming. When I was nine, I asked mum for a drum-kit for my birthday. She said if I committed to lessons and proved it wasn’t a phase (like my recorder, violin, and guitar phases), that she would look into getting me some drums. Three years later, the burgundy red Pearl kit in Beggs window display got loaded into the back of mum’s Subaru station wagon and took pride of place in my bedroom, which I’m sure my sisters, and the neighbours, were thrilled about. The same kit is now in my home and my daughter is now showing the same passion I have for the most annoying instrument to move house with. Drumming continues to be a big part of my life, and I now get the honour to play the caixa which is the Brazilian snare drum, with my incredible samba family the Nelson Sambassadors.

When I need advice I go to... My mum, for everything. Whether it’s about where I can find my favourite coffee beans on special, through to life changing decisions, she’s my speed dial. My mum is an absolute legend and the queen of advice, and she’s always bloody right. Mum’s truly do know best.

The world would be a better place with more... Respect. I was lucky to work at a rest home when I was 16. A casual summer holiday job that became a part time postion which I juggled with high school, out of respect for my role and the people I got to assist. This job taught me another depth of respect, and showed me every day that everyone has their own story. Some of the most frail and quiet people I cared for had the most incredible stories. From a female pilot, war veterans, through to a woman who on her 102nd birthday I asked what she thought was the secret to a long life, and her response? “Never been married, never had kids”. Respect every person you cross paths with, you never know the journey they are on.

The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done is... Spontaneous and permanent? My bestie Rachel and I thought it would be a great idea to get “matching” wine glasses tattooed on our wrists while in Wellington after a night out. Turns out they aren’t matching at all, but it’s a great conversation starter and an ode to our friendship and brilliant decisions.

One thing I’ll never do again... Is this, when I follow up on a previous question with not getting a tattoo while on holiday with zero thought or planning...