But Troy Cassar-Daley is a rarity himself — a genuinely down-to-earth fellow who likes to do things the old-fashioned way in an increasingly cynical and new-fangled music industry.

“I think it shows the people in Warrnambool and Hamilton that I care,” Cassar-Daley said while in The Standard office yesterday.

“In this day and age, for people to come to your show when they’ve got so many choices on what they can do with their hard-earned money, it’s worth the extra effort.

“It’s a bit old-school.

“But it’s great to see who you’re talking to.”

A good sign of his genuine nature was his decision to donate a signed guitar to the teenagers featured yesterday in The Standard, who are trying to raise money to attend a conference in Canada for young carers.

Cassar-Daley said he was touched by the plight of the youngsters, who care for older family members with mental illness while juggling school.

The guitar will be raffled to help raise money for the teens’ trip.

Sage Hill Adolescent and Kids program manager Peter McMahon said he was blown away by Cassar-Daley’s unprompted generosity and thanked the singer for his support.

While the country music star was in Warrnambool for his press duties to promote the release of his new album Home (March 2) and shows at the Hamilton PAC (March 17) and Warrnambool’s Wannon Rooms (March 18), he took part in a live blog on The Standard website, giving fans a rare chance to ask questions.

mneal@stnadard.fairf ax.com.au