Meet Caroline Meade. An eighteen year old, singer- songwriter from Staten Island.
At just 18, Caroline Meade has already released her first album, Grow Up. She strives to put together bills with female led bands, has performed at venues all over New York City, and is truly a force in the DIY scene. Caroline started her singing career by participating in local musical theater productions and going on many auditions as a child. “I had a lot of struggles, I had a language processing disorder and went to occupational therapy for my weakened hand muscles. I was going through a lot and it just felt like everything that I did was to make up for what I was bad at,” Caroline shared. Musical theater was her outlet. Although she never made Broadway, she cherishes those memories of being in professional productions and the discipline it taught her. After her experiences in the industry, and noticing the toxicity in the environment she was in, Caroline made the decision to shift away from Musical theater and focus on what she grew to love more, songwriting.
Caroline's parents worked at MTV when she was a child. “Growing up I really saw the death of music television,” Caroline says, “I think it’s one of the reasons why music is a lot more exclusive now. The lack of representation of common music people like on TV is truly not bringing us together. I strive to bring back music inclusivity in everything I do.” Caroline also talks about an upcoming project she is working on. “I am working on a documentary that's not gonna come out for a while, and that's kind of the premise.”
At first, Caroline was scared to start writing. When she finally gained the courage to collaborate with some of her friends, she got inspired to start playing guitar. She fell in love. “I hope I can make people feel less alone when they listen to my music,” says Caroline, “I hope i can validate having certain thoughts that may not be spoken enough through music, or people may feel guilty for having.” Caroline talked about how a lot of the music that is out and super popular right now isn’t super relatable. “I want to show an actual thought process of an 18 year old, and how complex it is.” She also mentions, “my music is not just for me. I think about the people that are going to listen to my music. I make sure it’s not just something my friends and I would listen to, but a lot of people could listen to. I think music inclusivity is incredibly important right now more than ever.”
A lot of Caroline’s inspiration comes from the people she’s listened to. She loves the 1975, Tyler The Creator, Bruno Major, Lorde, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and St. Vincent. She also adds that her band members never fail to inspire her.
Last summer, Caroline started a project called “The Backyard Sessions” where she would invite a bunch of amazing singer-songwriters over to her house to be interviewed and film a couple of their songs and covers. She was able to connect with these people through their music and cultivate deeper friendships. The project was a lot of fun for her, and she is excited to continue it this summer. Caroline also has a new album she is currently working on, although she says you’ll be seeing a few singles from her first.
I asked Caroline what advice she would give to someone that wanted to start songwriting, and this is what she said:
“Don’t be scared to start writing music. You’re probably gonna write bad songs for a really long time before you write good ones. “ “Don’t take people’s opinions as facts. Know how to take criticism, but don’t depend on it entirely. We all have something to say that’s unique. You’re a lot more special than you think you are.”
I had a fabulous time talking to Caroline. Both Our Era and myself look forward to seeing what’s coming her way. You can check out her music here , and find out more through her instagram or her blog.
(Photo by Chloe Ivey)
