It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.

Cassandra Llea is trying to beat the odds and be one of the few to make it as a professional performer.

Llea, who calls herself St. Louis’ best-kept secret, will continue her quest at 9 tonight when she performs at Mattoon’s Jeleniz Martini Bar.

The musician has also performed at St. Louis’ Bottleneck Blues Bar, corporate and private functions as well as other venues throughout the Midwest.

Llea was surrounded by music her whole life, but listening to the different styles of artists and seeing them perform live made her want to be a part of the business.

Some of Llea’s favorite musicians are Aretha Franklin, BB King and Christina Aguilera. She also enjoys the performance styling of Janet and Michael Jackson, James Brown and Prince.

The 21-year-old began performing when she was 6 years old when she took up gymnastics and started dancing. At 13, she took her talents in more of a musical direction by singing and writing her own songs.

Llea, who also plays the flute and keyboard, gets an “unexplainable rush” from performing.

“To be in front of people doing what you love to do and watching them enjoy it, it’s just a really incredible feeling,” she said.

While she loves and lives for music, Llea does not like the politics of being a full-time performer, but like any politician, there are fans and supporters, and Llea has plenty of those.

“Of course my friends and family,” Llea says. “But I also get a lot of support from my fellow musicians.”

Balancing time with friends and family can be difficult for the musician, but she does her best.

“It’s hard sometimes, but I always keep some time for family,” Llea says. “I try to include them in my career as much as possible when times get busy.”

However, Llea’s social life and musical life tend to blend together.

“My social life is pretty much my music life,” she said.

As for Llea’s future plans, she is currently working on a debut album titled, “This is Me.”