(Photo Credit: Laura E. Partain)
We had the opportunity to interview Americana artist Caroline Spence! She elevates the craft of songwriting to another level through her work and it's apparent on every track she has. She has a brand new album titled Mint Condition coming out on TODAY, so be sure to check that out. Also, see what she had to tell us below!
1. How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
I've been drawn to music for as long as I can remember and have always been compelled to create it. I moved to Nashville about 8 years ago to take it up a notch and released my first album in 2015.
2. Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
I'm a songwriter, first and foremost. To me, that means that the lyrics are everything. However, I almost always sit down with a guitar in hand and just start singing stuff off the top of my head. Then something clicks, like a line falls into place or a phrase speaks to me, and then I sort of work around that seed of an idea. I also stumbled upon new melodies easiest this way.
3. What artists have inspired you in your career?
When Faith Hill cut "Stealing Kisses" by Lori McKenna, I figured out what my dream was: to write songs good enough for someone to want to record but still be able to make your own music. That's what inspired me to move to Nashville in hopes of becoming a professional songwriter. My artist career grew organically out of being the one who had to perform my songs in order to get them heard by the world. Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin have also treat that path in a way that I admire. I'm also inspired by my community of artists here in Nashville and that I've met touring around the country: Erin Rae, Kelsey Waldon, Michaela Anne, John Moreland, Maya DeVitry, Robby Hect, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Andrew Combs. So many more. Their hard work and craft of song keeps me on my toes and their friendship keeps me going.
4. Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
I'm not a guitar or gear nerd at all. In fact, I should probably have more "gear" than I do. But I love old guitars. I just recently purchased a 1963 Gibson SJ. There is a sound in that old wood that you just can't recreate.
5. Can you describe the vibe at your live shows? Also, what do you enjoy most about a venue when you do a show?
The best part of the live show is connecting with the audience in a personal way. My music is very emotional but I'm a pretty goofy person, so it's nice to show the audience the whole picture of who I am. I love a venue that creates an environment where people can really lose themselves in the experience and not be distracted if they don't want to be.
6. What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
I've learned that, for better or for worse, I can only be exactly how I am and so my songs are really pieces of me. I really believe in telling the truth and not being cool. I believe in songwriting as a craft. I think the more you write truthfully about yourself, the more you end up connecting with other people. That's what I hope to do with my songs: let people find themselves in my stories and not feel alone.
7. Do you have any upcoming projects you would like fans to know about?
My album, Mint Condition, is out on May 3 on Rounder Records. I am so excited for it to be out in the world.