Chloé Caroline
Chloé Caroline is a singer/songwriter from California. She’s a Country artist. I’ve always been a fan of Country music because of its honesty and its incredible melodies. She is obviously a great writer, but also a solid singer with a great personality.
Country music is timeless. And I believe her music will be. Chloé is a story-teller, someone who knows how to create catchy/beautiful melodies and her latest single ‘Indian Summer’ is a great example of that.
Introduce yourself.
Hey there! I’m Chloé Caroline and I am a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Manhattan Beach, California who lives in Nashville, TN.
Describe yourself as an artist.
I like to describe my sound as “California Country”; a cross between my beach-town roots and pop influences like Colbie Caillat and Michelle Branch, but with a country flair in the likes of the Dixie Chicks or Kacey Musgraves. I strive to write music that has infectiously catchy melodies and pair them with lyrics that are extremely relatable yet unique and make you think, some more than others of course.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up in an extremely musical family as my dad sang in bands and wrote music before working in the entertainment industry. He originally exposed me to Cat Stevens, The Beach Boys, Dolly Parton, The Carpenters, Carole King (I could keep going) and from there I became acquainted with a bit of every genre and an appreciation for all sorts of music. I also began to find new music on my own through YouTube and would spend hours researching other songwriters of every genre. I was always drawn to country and folk though from a very young age. The Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain were my first two concerts!
When did you realize you wanted to become an artist? What’s the hardest thing about it? And on the opposite, what’s the best thing about it?
Since third grade when my teacher asked us to draw what we wanted to be when we grew up (I drew Britney Spears!). But I definitely was interested in other things too and thought I may end up going to med school or becoming an author until my songwriting became more serious. I began recording videos/demos and after somebody told me they cried because they related to my music, I became hooked and knew this is what I had to do. The hardest thing about being an artist is realizing that you will not be everybody’s cup of tea and that you have to remember the reason you are doing it is ultimately for the music. First and foremost, I am a songwriter, and I write because not only is it therapeutic but I can’t get enough of creating something I believe in all from nothing. If someone doesn’t care for it, then that is ok because I wrote it for a purpose. The best part of being an artist is getting to see somebody’s letter or picture that they made you detailing that your song makes their morning ride to school better. It’s the moments like that that are constant reminders of the love and support I get from my fans.
Watch her ‘Indian Summer’ official video here
What got you into Country music? What do you like the most about it?
There has always been a storytelling and an honesty behind country music that has always felt very natural and comforting to me. I love that I can use melodies that may be completely pop or indie-pop but with authentic lyrics and a mandolin, it can fit somewhere on the country spectrum. I also think that no fans are dedicated quite like country music fans are. It is almost as if we are one big family that loves to have fun but also sob our eyes and really tell it from the heart at the same time. They want real stuff.
Define Country music in three words.
Honest, Strong, Ever-Changing.
How would you describe your writing process?
It really changes depending if I’m writing by myself or with another writer. It also depends if I already came up with the melody or have to start from scratch with an idea or word on a blank canvas. Usually, I write the melody first and then it all kind of comes together at once. I voice-memo everything I come up with so that I can remember and then listen back when I’m with my guitar.
How do you get your inspiration? How often do you write songs?
Usually from first-hand experience, a friend’s experience, a memory, a problem I noticed, that sort of thing. But honestly, everything. I have gotten inspiration from simple things like a morning rainfall or quote I saw on Pinterest haha I also get inspired by other writers who are even better than me who come up with the most clever ideas. I write every day at least once a day but am always coming up with stuff when I’m doing basic things, like I’m in the car or at the gym.
Do you remember the first time you got on stage? How was it like?
I wish I could remember but I probably was like 4. I grew up in church choir and did piano and dance recitals, talent shows. I’ve always been addicted to the energy from the audience though but it’s funny because I wouldn’t even call myself somebody who likes to be the center of attention, I actually am quite the opposite, I just love to sing. I was a cheerleader for six years so that has helped me become comfortable in front of large crowds.
In your opinion, what makes a timeless song?
A song that has an overall theme, melody, lyric that can always be applicable no matter what year, genre, artist, etc. It’s the song that makes you stop what you’re doing and become completely immersed.
What is your favorite song to listen to? Why?
I literally can’t answer this because there are too many! I would say September by Earth, Wind, and Fire is on the top of that list though to make me instantly happy. Or Dancing in the Moonlight (the Toploader) version.
What’s your favorite song to perform?
Daddy’s Song. Wrote it in 15 mins in my freshman year dorm room about my dad, he’s my hero.
Watch Chloé perform ‘Daddy’s Song’ here
Who’s your biggest influence?
Once again, I would say my dad. Its rare that a 5 year old gets exposed to so many cool artists and bands and that most definitely has played a role in what I create today.
How would you describe the music industry?
Growing and constantly surprising me on every level. It’s never consistent. I like to describe it as a wave. One that is so big that you have to hold on to your surfboard for dear life to ride it until the end.
What does music make you feel?
All the feels. Happy, excited, nostalgic, really really really sad… but mostly, passionate because it is my world.
What does the rest of the year has in store for you? Any upcoming projects?
Well I just graduated university and this will be the first year I get to focus almost entirely on my music career. I will continue to write and record to put out a new album and make videos and other content on a regular basis. I will also be gearing up to play some awesome shows. Stay tuned!
Connect with Chloé:
https://www.facebook.com/chloecarolinemusic