p>If you like Dua Lipa and Carly Rae Jepsen, you’ll love this next artist! “Music has always been a core part of who I am,” Caroline Romano claims, “I’m naturally a very shy and reserved person in day-to-day life, and as a kid, I really struggled with coming out of my shell. Music was sort of an escape from my shyness and inhibitions. I can’t remember a time where music wasn’t one of the most important things in my life.”
At age 11, Romano started playing guitar and writing her own lyrics. Now, Mississippi native Caroline Romano has had quite a resume for the start of her career (at age 19!!!), sharing the stage with artists like Daya, Shawn Mendes, Why Don’t We and Kelsea Ballerini. “I’m very excited for the future,” she says, “and I’m just so grateful that I get to do what I love every day.” Recently, she released “I Still Remember” (R3HAB remix), which has over 2 million streams so far.
As her love for songwriting grew, so did her ambition. For her 13th birthday, she asked her parents to take her to Nashville and play original songs at open mic nights around the city. “That’s where I really fell in love with performing,” she recalls, “And it was then that I realized I wanted to do music for the rest of my life. It’s all been somewhat of a beautiful blur from there, but I think the thirteen-year-old version of myself would be very proud of how far we’ve come.” So inspiring, and we’re here for it!
Romano’s latest single “I Still Remember” (R3HAB remix) has already made its mark, producing a “truly incredible” response from fans. It’s a true jam. Written in 2018, “I Still Remember” came to be from a few songwriting — friends and Romano in Nashville. “The process of writing it will go down as one of my favorite songwriting sessions of all time,” confirms Romano, “Because not only was I writing with friends, but there was a very palpable energy in the room when writing and recording the song. I think we all knew there was something special there.”
What Romano loved most about writing “I Still Remember” is that the entire process was collaborative, very conversational, and fun. “We were just hanging out and talking about what it means to be young and infatuated with someone you love or once loved. Then, at the end of the day, there was a song.” Well, we’re all grateful that they took the risk and ran, funding the reward and light at the end of the tunnel. “I felt there was something special to it, so I wanted to hang on to releasing the song for the right moment. That moment definitely came this year in releasing it as a R3HAB remix.”
When the pandemic resolves, perhaps we can see Romano performing at new shows. Her dream tourmates include Taylor Swift, My Chemical Romance, AJR, Lauv, Ed Sheeran, Yungblud, and Charli XCX. “I know that’s a bit all over the board,” she laughs, “But I absolutely love each of their performance styles, and they’re some of my all-time favorite artists!”
Whether it’s performing, releasing music, writing, etc., Romano believes that music is all about people and connecting with them. “Things have basically been turned upside down during this time, and many musicians, including myself, are still trying to figure out how to navigate the current scene.” Unfortunately, live performances are pretty nonexistent for the foreseeable future, which is probably the biggest change to come about in the music industry during the pandemic. All musicians and touring projects have been altered in the industry both financially and creatively.
As both a singer and a fan, Romano reflects on how it’s been a tough season. “I know I really miss going to live shows, not to mention how much I miss performing! Thankfully, technology has definitely been our friend during this time, as it’s allowed us to all still connect. I’m thankful the industry has taken all of the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe, but I pray we’re able to connect through music, live and in person, soon.” That is true and can be easily forgotten among our stress.
Romano has been surrounded by family and loved ones during quarantine, as she has altered her routine to a more laid back style, which has been different than her “beautiful and chaotic” schedule that she misses. “I’ve really enjoyed the creative aspect of quarantine, as I’m writing music like I did when I first began songwriting at twelve, thirteen years old. It’s just me and my guitar in my childhood bedroom. I’ve felt very inspired by nostalgia and family, and I think the self-reflective aspect of quarantine has led me to write some new music that I feel really excited about.”
To help with our quarantine, Romano suggests to continue “surrounding yourself with loved ones when safe and possible,” as well as to “channel all of this extra time and energy” into something creative. “Whether it’s baking, art, exercising or anything that makes you happy,” she advises, “I feel it’s really important to channel this time into something good.
When Romano isn’t rocking on stage, she is listening to her some of her fave musicians including Queen, Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne, 5 Seconds of Summer, Kesha, Lauv, AJR, Ed Sheeran, Yungblud, MCR and Charli XCX. We love these picks, too!
Despite the current pandemic, Romano’s goals are still her primary focus. “My biggest goal is to always be improving — to always be better than I was yesterday,” she claims, “Whether it’s songwriting, performing or any aspect of this career, my goal is to always make it the very best it can be. I don’t ever want to put limits on my dreams, and I’m a firm believer that beautiful things will happen when it’s meant to be. I know, at the end of the day, that I’ve got to give it my all and then give it to God. I know He has amazing plans for me, and I believe music is a big part of that plan.”
To keep up with Caroline and her rise in the music scene, follow her on Instagram (@carolineromanomusic) and check out the song on Spotify!
Featured Image: Instagram (@carolineromanomusic)
