Exclusive: Caroline Romano wishes to eliminate the sense of loneliness from the world with her music
Known for her exceptional songwriting abilities and distinct, passionate voice, the gifted young Caroline Romano is already setting the music world alight. The Mississippi native's heartfelt lyrics, pop idol looks, and wisdom-beyond-her-years belie the fact that she's still just an 18-year-old. Currently studying in Nashville - her brand of catchy, soulful, radio-friendly pop, makes her sound like she's been a singer-songwriter for many years! And truth be told, she's actually been doing just that - her nostalgia-filled song 'Remember Christmas' was written when she was just 12.
Clearly, writing amazing tunes comes naturally to the brilliant Ms. Romano, who seems a cinch to turn out like the talented Taylor Swift did. If you want to know more about this great young artist, there's nothing better than hearing it from them in their own words!
Q: Your music is honest and straight from the heart. Could you describe your music in your own words?
A: Thank you for saying that! It’s always my goal in writing my music that it never ends up as background noise. I’m drawn to lyrics that really pull you in, and it’s so important to me that others can tell exactly where the songs are coming from. I’m not trying to pretend that I’m something I am not, so I won’t write about things I’m not truly feeling or haven’t experienced. I’ve always heard the soundtrack to my life through pop music, so that’s exactly what accompanies the lyrics I write. It’s made up of sad, happy, confusing, and love-struck songs straight from the mind of Caroline.
Q: You're good at connecting with your listeners on an easily-identifiable level. What has been your biggest influence for this?
A: The biggest influence behind needing relatable lyrics has been my past experience in listening to other artists. The artistes I choose to listen to at my highest and lowest points always tell it like it is. Music that feels like it’s speaking directly to you impacts you the most. It’s a powerful, comforting thing to hear a song and realize that an artiste has been through the same thing you may be going through. I’ve been able to find so much comfort and joy through songs that mimic my own life experiences, and I can only hope to do the same with my music.
Q: What's the story behind the song 'The Dark side of 17'?
A: I wrote 'The Dark Side of 17' a few months before I turned 18. The age of 17 was a low one for me, yet everyone around me was telling me it should be the greatest time of my life. People treat their teenage years as if they are the golden ones, and every decade beyond them is just some sort of post-glow. For me, my teenage years were hard, and I’ve always found my joy and comfort in chasing this dream. I know that there must be other kids who believe that their future can be far greater than their high school years. 'The Dark Side of 17' is about the harsh realities of what this age can really be like for some people, and I pray that it can provide some hope and solace for other kids like me, who are creating a future even greater than their past.
Q: Obviously, your parents would have played a huge part in your growth and maturity - what music or artistes did they play for you growing up?
A: My parents play an enormous role in my musical growth and maturity, as well as my overall character. They have been my biggest supporters since day one, and I think it’s so awesome that they took me seriously as a little kid, when I told them I wanted to chase this dream. Growing up, I remember them listening to a lot of Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, The Backstreet Boys, Bryan Adams, Queen, and other iconic artists. I remember we always listened to a pretty diverse range of music, so I’m really grateful for that early exposure.
Q: Is your song 'Babysit' based on one specific person from your past or an amalgamation of experiences with a particular type of immature person?
A: The character in 'Babysit' is definitely based on a variety of people my friends and I have known or been with in the past. I think almost everyone knows of that one person who hasn’t grown up just yet, and I’ve seen firsthand how it can put a huge strain on relationships. I wrote 'Babysit' with two of my friends in Nashville, so we were able to pool our collective experience in the song!
Q: As of right now - what's that one song (or songs) that gets you dancing no matter what?
A: This is a tough one because there are so many! Literally any Post Malone song ever will get me up and in my feels at a moment’s notice. He is the king of killer beats. As far as just feel-good, move your body types of songs, I really like 'Roxanne' by Arizona Zervas, 'Hot Girl Bummer' by Blackbear, and 'Maniac' by Conan Gray.
Q: The 'Me and You' video has a very romantic 1980s TV show vibe - what kind of shows do you enjoy watching?
A: The romanticized 1980s TV vibe was definitely my biggest inspiration behind the 'Me and You' video. I’ve recently been watching some episodes of 'Cheers' with my friends! That being said, most of my favorite TV shows are from the ‘90s. 'Friends' and 'Seinfeld' are some of my all-time favs, but a 2019 show I’m in love with is 'The Umbrella Academy' on Netflix!
Q: If you could inspire someone with just one song, what would you most like to impress upon your listeners?
A: It may not be profound, but the only message I could ever hope to spread through my music is the sense that we are not alone in this world. We’re not alone in the things we feel, think, say, or do. I think one of the worst things in the world is to feel like you are the only person who has been through a certain situation. Life has taught me, particularly through music, that is never the case. I want to bring a sense of connection, comfort, understanding, and joy through the music I create. If I could have the entire world listening, that would be all I could ever hope for.