MIM MAGAZINE
Interview with Eileen Carey
Eileen Carey is an award-winning singer, mother, and music’s best kept secret. Over her career, Carey has amassed over 25 awards and has performed at nearly 80 notable venues.
What motivated you to pursue music professionally?
EC: As a kid I fooled around playing drums. Would sing in lots of school shows as well. Music was always my first love. I came to California to make movies and I was booking entertainment for a hotel chain, and realized I could do as good as the people I was booking. So, I started writing songs and cut a couple in the studio. One was my take on Patsy Cline’s hit “Walking After Midnight.” which was the winning track in a Nashville radio syndicated fan contest where it just won out over Martina McBride. The other track was “That Town,” a nostalgic look back on my youth spent in Ohio. “That Town” soon took off on Adult Contemporary radio. These first two songs convinced me that I really did have the goods to succeed in the music industry.
Where do you draw inspiration from when creating music?
EC: Everyday life. Something I have seen, something I see in the news, someone, feeling or thing that catches my attention. An example is how I came up one of my successful songs called “Meet Me Halfway.”One day I was in a car standing at a traffic light waiting for a greenlight to cross when this young woman is so busy on her phone that she started to cross despite the red light, and I thought that we have become a culture so invested in our social media and phones that we lose sight of what is in front of us, our basic humanity and focus on what is real and in front of us.
Maybe we are so distracted by technology that we cannot communicate with each other directly enough to compromise, or really know each other anymore. Maybe if we looked each other in the eye, we would be less driven to misunderstanding.
Are there any specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your music?
I am a story teller, positive, catchy and accessible. My songs offer distinct, prominent messages about personal empowerment and emotional fulfillment. I want to make a difference in people’s lives. My music always brings a positive message. I try to give people a different way of hinking, a view that offers them alternatives, support, and encouragement. We all have our trials, but I’m 100% convinced we can overcome them by maintaining the right attitude in life.
Music is magic because it is the closest thing to our hearts and souls. My music is all about making lemonade out of lemons.
Can you discuss a piece of music you are particularly proud of and the story behind it?
I am particularly proud of my new single “Every Day by Eileen Carey.” I think it describes who I am as much as any release I have ever had.
The world is filled with ups and downs, so I want to help people see things in a more positive light and find a better place in life. My new release, “Every Day,” is a song written with Lily Wilson, who I’ve have been writing with for some time now, that describes my philosophy of life as well as any I have written.
“Don’t want to be blinded by fear, and I know what I got to do. When I want to jump I find a better way, I get back up, I get back up every day, every day.” - “Every Day”
I wanted to ring in the new year with a tune that oozes resilience and optimism. Because, well, that’s pretty much how I try to see the world. On that note, I’m proud to announce that my new single “Every Day” is now streaming. The song is a reminder to rise above all those pesky little worries that greet us each morning.
What role do social media and online platforms play in building your fanbase?
Much of my success as an Indie has come through my footprint in social media and online platforms. Despite all the questions about streaming services like Spotify, for an Indie Artist it is indispensable in the development of one’s brand in the current music business artist development model. I put out a monthly newsletter, event pages every show, and I am always available for interaction with my fans through my platforms which I try to respond to and do most of the time.
Performance Experience:
I perform live as often as possible. I get the greatest rush out of performing live. The stage is the place I am most comfortable with in my life. I have performed at nearly 80 venues, and I am joined on stage by an amazing collection of talented musicians who are notable in their own right. They include my music director John McDuffie (lead guitar, vocals), Lynn Coulter (drums), Devitt Feeley (acoustic guitar, vocals), Gia Ciambodi (vocals), Carl Byron (keyboards) and Alexis Skjlarevski (bass).
I have been opening for headline artists for six years now, and it has been the other key aspect with social media and radio that has been driving my career. Opening for classic acts has been a tactic of mine for the past 5 -6 years. I have shared stages with everyone from Don McClean, Rita Coolidge, multiple performances with The Starship, Ambrosia and The Motels, to Berlin, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Peter Noone, Raul Malo of the Mavericks, Johnny Rivers, Wilson Phillips, Albert Lee, Al Jardine & Wilson Phillips, Missing Persons, Pure Prairie League, etc., etc. etc. What comes to my head here.
I also regularly play the clubs, honkytonks, and theaters in Nashville. Also, the California fairs and festivals, including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles County and The California State Fair among others.
That direct connection with your audience is paramount. I have a very loud and enthusiastic following, who are music fans as well as my fans. I try to play shows that not only make new fans from exposure to the headliner’s audience but to reward my audience with the coolest headliners I can open for when they come to my show.
How do you stay updated with current trends and developments in the music industry?
Change is the “word” in the music industry. Everything is constantly evolving. Grooves, instrumentation. I am a student of popular trends, though I am myself, I incorporate ideas that I appreciate. I like all kinds of music, and I try to listen to everyone.
Can you talk about any challenges you have faced as a musician and how you overcame them?
When I was twenty-three an A&R guy in Nashville told me, “You’re too old. Go home.” He is now one of my biggest supporters.
Despite the success I have had over the years in radio as a woman that came up through the country music industry getting play on radio was and still is difficult. I have been able to overcome that by making good records and knowing which promoters can get women on the radio. Persistence really!
I don’t believe that anything should hold back talent, effort, and aspiration. Not gender, age, or race.
How do you balance the creative aspects of music with the business side of the industry?
Before I decided to take my chances in music, I studied hotel management, so I am both brain sided so to speak, lol. Also, I have a staff of folks who I have been with for some time now and can trust to support my management efforts.
Have you won any awards or received recognition for your music?
I have won twenty-five awards in my career. I am currently the New Music Weekly New Music Awards’ “Crossover Artist of 2023,” The Independent Music Awards “Fan Favorite Mainstream Artist 2024” and their “Crossover Artist 2024.”
What is coming up for you in the near future?
I just released a new single which is picking up steam on radio called “Every Day” (see link above) and I am ready to release the video for “Every Day” now.
Got a show sharing the stage at The Canyon Montclair, on the 22nd of March with Nelson. Second time I am sharing a stage with them. And on the 26th I am performing at the Producers Choice Honors Red Carpet Press Event at the Sunset Station Resort & Casino in Henderson, Nevada. Producers Choice Honors – March 26, 27, 2021 Icon Series Red Carpet Press Event.
I am currently nominated by the New Music Weekly for three 2024 awards, “Female Breakthrough Country Artist,” Female AC/Hot AC Breakthrough Artist” and “Crossover Artist 2024.” Your vote would be appreciated. NMA Ballot - New Music Awards.
Connect with Eileen Carey:
Website: www.eileencarey.com
YouTube: https:www.youtube.com/c/eileencareymusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eileencareyofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecareymusic/channel/
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/EileenCarey
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/EileenCarey
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6klplEzavVzXgWYLbUjoLv
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/eileen-carey/id4240542
ReverbNation: www.reverbnation.com/EileenCarey
