CAROLINE is a rising teen pop singer based in Los Angeles with Southern roots in North Carolina. She first burst into stardom on Instagram with her covers, most notably Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus and Shallow by Lady Gaga with 10 million views each.
She then gained more popularity upon the release of I Know Better in November 2019 with over two million streams and later in January 2020, Already There was a viral TikTok hit with over 100 million views and two million streams. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, CAROLINE is releasing her music to uplift her engaged fanbase, CAROLINE's BFFs, through these tough times.
The Teen Magazine has spoken to her about her journey, current plans, and the possibilities for the future.
Humble Beginnings
CAROLINE has been singing her entire life and it has always been a dream of hers to be a pop singer. "The more evident my passion became, I knew I had to go for it!" She said. Taking inspiration from female singers, such as Taylor Swift and Madonna, she began to publish covers on her YouTube channel, which eventually helped her gain popularity, along with her debut track I Know Better. “Definitely singing covers helped people know who I am but I think putting out I Know Better was a game-changer because when people saw my songwriting they got to know me and who I am a lot better.”
Her Musical Career as a Whole
Although she loves social media and connecting with people, she always wants her music to be the center of everything she does instead of her as a person. Personal experiences are the roots of her songs, in which she writes what she's going through to process what is going on. "I'm not someone who talks about their feelings much so it's very helpful to have writing as an outlet," she said.
She also talked more about her latest release, I Know Better, admitting that it was a song she needed to write. "This process was a little different because it was based off of a song I wrote years ago but then updated. When I went into the studio that day to revise, this topic of ending a relationship was weighing heavy on my mind so it really worked out that this was the song we were writing that day. I think it's really special because the lyrics are so real to me and I hope that other people feel the same way," she said.
In terms of what challenges she encountered as her career went on, learning how to manage everything and keep moving forward has been the most difficult. Yet regardless of what goes on, she hopes “to put an endless amount of music out and to reach more people with the messages in [her] music.”
Connecting With Fans & Current Events
Communicating with her fans is something she enjoys, and in fact, it is her favorite thing to do. "I love livestreams, DMs, duets, video chats and Roblox! I'm so lucky, my BFFs are truly the best and kindest people in the world!" She said.
She also fully supports Black Lives Matter and hopes that this is a moment in history that changes the way many people think. "So many turn a blind eye to racism because they don't think it's their problem but it's everyone's issue! I've been trying to help in as many ways as I possibly can, petitions are one of my favorite ways to support, change.org has many great ones! I'm also trying to spread awareness in every way that I can and trying to live with an open and loving heart. Kindness is contagious and the more kindness, love, and empathy we see, the less racism we'll see because the root of racism is hatred, selfishness, and a lack of empathy. The goal should always be equality."
Not only is being a singer challenging but being a normal teenager has its challenges as well. She supports every single teen out there, knowing that their problems can be disguised as things that people look forward to and reflect back on. "I think teens are such a hard time for everyone and it's so important for teens to know they are not alone. A lot of people act like being a teenager is the best and you have no responsibility but it's really hard and overwhelming.
I would also say remember that middle school and high school is temporary! It feels like forever but things will change. Finding an outlet like singing, painting, sports, etc. is also a great way to get through the hard times," she said.
Fun Facts
Closing out the interview, I had the opportunity to ask her a couple of fun facts about herself.
1. What is your favorite drink?
I love tea!!
2. What is your dream vacation destination?
Brazil.
3. What is your favorite movie/tv show?
Gilmore Girls.
4. Do you have a hidden talent?
Not really but I can do the splits.
5. What is something people don’t know about you?
I'm very passionate about criminal justice reform.
6. What is your favorite music genre?
Pop.
7. What is your zodiac sign?
I actually don't know.
8. What is your favorite instrument?
Piano.
CAROLINE was a delight to work with! If you'd like to know more about her, you can check her Instagram profile at @carolines_music. You can also listen to her newest track We Should Break-Up and her other tracks on the following platforms found here.
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Photos provided by CAROLINE.
