Caroline Romano
Caroline Romano is a singer/songwriter from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
The 17 year old pop artist unveiled her debut single “Masterpiece” (Ft. Jacob Whitesides) in 2017. Followed by her second single “Ready”, which made it to Radio Disney, Romano has designed a colorful pop sound with catchy melodies and anthemic records.
She got the opportunity to share the stage with numerous artists such as Daya, Shawn Mendes, Kelsey Ballerini and Whitesides.
Romano revealed her latest single “Come With Me” last September .
“I wrote “Come With Me” with a producer friend of mine in Nashville. I’ve seen guys before who are with girls that don’t seem to treat them quite right. Sometimes I wish I could just walk up to a guy and say “Hey man, she’s not good for you. Just come with me instead!” Of course, I would never actually do that, but it’s nice to image what it would be like if it happened,” explains Romano.
Caroline Romano will be releasing her debut EP this February. “Come With Me” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Please introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi! I’m Caroline Romano, I’m 17 years old, and I’m from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Music has been my number one passion for as long as I can remember. I started playing guitar at the age of 11, and I began writing my own music by the age of 12. I experienced bullying in middle school and high school, so music really became my outlet of expression and comfort. I begged my parents to take me to Nashville for my 13th birthday to play open mic nights, and I completely fell in love with the city. I’ve been working nonstop since then, writing and performing new music. In March of 2018 my song ,“Ready”, made it to Radio Disney, and I’ve been blessed to have 2 more songs on Radio Disney since then. I’m releasing my first EP in February, and I’m so excited to continue writing and playing new music this year!
Do you remember your first musical memories?
My very first musical memories involve me singing Veggie Tales and Hannah Montana songs in my mom’s old mini van. Music has always been my favorite outlet of expression, and my parents encouraged my love for music from a very young age. I’ve always been very theatrical, and I remember performing little “concerts” in our living room for my parents. I’ve always been hooked!
When did you start singing?
My parents say that I began singing as soon as I learned how to talk. My mom sang to me a lot as a baby, and there’s video of me singing nursery rhymes when I was a year and a half old.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to all of the Disney Channel music (Hannah Montana, The Cheetah Girls, High School Musical), as well as current artists such as Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne. I also grew up listening to lots of Michael Jackson, Prince, and Evanescence.
Do you remember the first song you've ever written?
The first song I ever really finished was one called “Chase Your Dreams.” I wrote it when I was 12, and it’s basically about the risks and rewards of going after your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. It really showed my parents that I was serious about pursuing music.
When did you decide to become an artist?
I’ve always dreamed of becoming an artist and creating music for people all over the world to hear. I’m naturally pretty shy, but not when I’m performing. I never feel more comfortable than when I’m on a stage, so I’ve always felt performing is what I’m meant to do.
What did your family and friends think?
My family could not be more supportive of my dreams. They are always willing to help me in any way possible, and I am so grateful for all that they’ve done for me. It seems like my mom and dad have driven me back and forth to Nashville nearly every month since I was 13, and they’ve traveled around the country with me in support of my music. I’d kept me music career pretty much a secret from my friends until “Ready” was on Radio Disney, and people around my hometown started finding out. They were really surprised because I’m pretty shy in everyday life. Most people have been really supportive, except for the occasional haters.
You recently released a Christmas project called "Remember Christmas". What made you want to release a Christmas project?
I wrote “Remember Christmas” when I was twelve years old as a Christmas present for my mom, and I’ve always loved the song. I’d never done a Christmas release before, and it’s such a special time of year. Naturally, I was really excited to release “Remember Christmas!”
"Come With Me" is your latest single. What's the story behind this song? Who did you work with?
I wrote “Come With Me” with a producer friend of mine in Nashville. I really enjoy writing some of my songs from the standpoint of what I imagine I would say if I were in a certain situation, even if it hasn’t happened to me specifically. I’ve seen guys before who are with girls that don’t seem to treat them quite right. Sometimes I wish I could just walk up to a guy and say “Hey man, she’s not good for you. Just come with me instead!” Of course, I would never actually do that, but it’s nice to image what it would be like if it happened. That’s part of what makes songwriting so fun!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I try to take inspiration from every aspect of life. Sometimes I’ll see someone walking down the street and write a song about them and what I think their life is like. Other times I’ll just journal about my day, and it will turn into a song. I write about how I view the world around me, so all of my songs have bits and pieces of my thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
You have shared the stage with artists like Shawn Mendes and Daya. What did you learn from these experiences?
I learned a lot about stage presence, and it was really cool to see how these amazing artists interact with the crowd while on stage. I took a lot of notes! It was also really fun to see artists who started off in the same place I’m in now and worked hard to have a wildly successful career. I’m very grateful for those experiences.
What does singing make you feel?
I know it’s sounds kind of cheesy, but singing truly makes me feel free. It’s like emptying all of my emotions and sharing them with an audience. The world and it’s problems just melt away when I start to sing. Singing brings me a freedom that nothing else can. It’s my favorite thing in the world.
What appeals you the most about music?
I think what appeals to me the most about music is the fact that it’s a universal language that connects the whole world. Someone can write a song that captures exactly what you were thinking, and there’s something very comforting in the fact that someone else understands what you’re going through. Music is so powerful, and I think it truly saves lives.
Who's helping you build your artistry and your sound?
Over the years I’ve met so many amazing people in Nashville and Los Angeles who have supported my dreams and career. I work with various producers and writers on my songs, and I’m constantly growing and learning with their help!
What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to write a thousand songs and throw them all away. Then you might be close to writing a hit song. It really showed me that there is always room to improve, and there’s not an excuse to not write and better my craft everyday.
If you had to sum up your year 2018 in a few words, what would you say?
2018 was one of the best years of my life. So many of my dreams started to come true, and I also got to hear my music on the radio for the first time, as well as walk my first red carpet. I met so many awesome people in 2018, and I’m so grateful for all I got to experience.
What are your plans for 2019?
I plan to release lots and lots of new music in 2019! I’m also really excited to begin playing more live shows. I can’t wait to see what this year holds, and hopefully a lot more dreams will come true for me in 2019!
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
So many different things would make the world a better place, but one of the most important things, in my opinion, is for everyone to try to understand one another. That’s one reason why I’m so in love with music. It really helps you see and better understand things from the perspective of others. So many terrible things could be avoided if we all just took a minute to stop and get to know people and where they are in their journey. Being kind is one of the greatest things we can do for each other, and I think we all need to take more time each day to be kind to one another.
What's your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to make music that is heard around the world. I want to play in front of as many people as possible. I want to travel and create music that can be a source of comfort and joy for people. As long as I get to make music for a living, I’m one happy girl!
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