Caroline Romano: Hi, thank you for having me! I’m 17 years old, born and raised in Mississippi, and I’ve been playing guitar since I was 9 years old. I started writing my own songs not long after learning guitar, and I took my first trip to Nashville at the age of 13 when I asked my parents to take me there to play some open mic nights. I fell in love with the City, and I immediately knew that I wanted to play my music for as many people as possible.  I have lost count of how many trips my family and I have made to Nashville since that first one.  Sometimes it seems like writing and recording music in Nashville is more a part of my day-to-day life than my life in Mississippi.  A lot has changed since my first trip to Nashville, including the release of my first few singles. I have been blessed to have the last two singles make their way onto Radio Disney!  I’m very thankful for everything in music that I have gotten an opportunity to experience and very excited for what the future holds!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrtEyV7lQox/

SMJ: “Come With Me” is a song that a lot of girls will be able to relate to, how much of it was based off a personal experience?

CR: I like to say that I write a lot of my songs from the perspective of how I see things in my head, even if that’s not exactly how they are in real life. I’m sure most girls have witnessed a guy involved with a girl who maybe isn’t quite right for him. I know I’ve personally witnessed that situation a time or two in my own life.  I am kind of shy in real life, so writing music gives me an opportunity to express myself in ways I normally wouldn’t!  I wrote “Come With Me” from the perspective of what I would say if I actually had the guts to tell a guy to just “come with me” instead of staying with the wrong girl.

SMJ: Do you have any plans to release a music video?

CR: Creating music videos is one of my favorite parts of releasing a new single.  I think it’s so awesome to see my songs come to life on a screen.  I would love to record and music video for every song I record, but that is just not possible for anyone. While “Come with Me” may or may not be my next video, I can tell you that my next video is going to be a lot of fun! You just have to wait and see!

SMJ: Would you like to experiment with other genres of music? If so, which ones?

CR: I definitely enjoy experimenting with other genres of music and adding bits and pieces of certain genres into the pop sound I have now. I think it’s very important to make each new song stand on its own two feet and not end up with an album where every song sounds the same.  Right now, I really like incorporating elements of country and folk music because I do so much work in Nashville. I’m working on experimenting with some hip-hop and rock elements as well, all while keeping a pop theme.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Brgm_uKl6Ia/

SMJ: Tell us a bit about the creative process of writing a song.

CR: The process of writing a song comes differently to me every time, which is just one of the many reasons I love songwriting so much. Sometimes, I’ll start with a melody I keep hearing in my head, and other times I start with a word or phrase that I’m really into at the moment.  Songs can just flow out of me when the moment is right, and all the pieces come together. Songwriting isn’t always easy, and some days I just don’t feel the emotion in the song as I do on other days. In the end, it all comes down to how passionate I am about the subject of the song.  If I really need to let out my emotions and thoughts into a song on a given day, it almost always turns out the way I want because it’s genuine and fueled by passion.

SMJ: Are there any artists that inspired you growing up?

CR: Growing up, I was heavily inspired by artists such as Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne and Shania Twain. In more recent years, I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello and countless others. I love to hear how each artist sees the world, in both its beauty and its pain. I also think it’s really cool to watch how an artist performs their music live. It’s important to me that I learn from other artists’ successes, mistakes, and innovations so that I can learn to be the very best version of me. I hope to one day inspire other young artists in the same way I have been inspired by those before me.

SMJ: You have collaborated with the likes of Jacob Whitesides…. If you could collab with any artist, dead or alive, who would you choose?

CR: Hands down, I’d always choose Ed Sheeran to collab with. I’m amazed at how versatile his voice and writing style are with different genres of music, and I think he’s a lyrical genius.  I mean, the guy can rap, do Irish folk songs, and pop love songs– and all on the same album!

SMJ: Does the prospect of fame scare you?

CR: I will write and record music regardless of whether I ever become famous. I will do that because I love doing it!  If I ever have to deal with fame, I only know from watching others that fame can definitely be a double-edged sword.  I am so grateful that I have been brought up by parents who constantly instill the values of faith, family, humility and gratitude.  If I didn’t have a family like mine, who I know will always love and support me, then I think the prospect of fame would scare me a lot more. I think it’s incredibly important to always remember where you come from, and that fame is fleeting.  The most important things in life are found in those you love and who love you in return.  I’m very grateful for the support system that I have in my family, and as long as I have them, I know I don’t have to fear the struggles fame may bring.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrOhjIGl4Xw/

SMJ: What advice would you give to someone wanting to break into the entertainment industry?

CR: The most important advice I can give to someone trying to break into the entertainment industry is to learn to be patient and persevere.  I like to think of the music business as a roller coaster. Sometimes things are moving slow, but in an instant, they can be moving at lightning speed. It takes perseverance to know that you won’t be stuck in either situation forever. The only way to fail is to completely give up. As long as you have thick skin and an attitude of perseverance, you can do anything you set your mind to!

SMJ: Can you share with us any upcoming projects?

CR: I am constantly writing new music and working exciting projects! I’ve got a lot up my sleeve for the near future, but it wouldn’t be any fun if it wasn’t a secret! Just be expecting some new music very soon!