Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Sears
Hi Caroline, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve written songs for as long as I can remember—my family has home videos of me at three years old playing a guitar I made out of an empty tissue box and some rubber bands. A few years ago, I decided I wanted to start sharing my songs more publicly and hopefully meet some other people with the same interests. I moved to Austin in July of 2022 and started going to open mics. Playing onstage is challenging and exhilarating. I love how each performance is different, even if I play the same songs. A few new opportunities have arisen from those open mics. For most of 2024, I hosted at The Hole in the Wall once a week with a rotating lineup of other songwriters. There’s an event called the Songwriter’s Happy Hour that happens every Wednesday from 6-8PM at The Hole in the Wall. The event was created by Ethan Azarian, who is the original and current host. It’s an oasis for songwriters and I would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates songcraft.
My favorite part about playing live music is that it has made me a better fan. The musicians I’ve met in Austin have been so encouraging, and the dedication that people show to their crafts is inspiring. It’s an honor to have a little bit of time onstage to entertain whoever might be in the room. It’s also an honor to be in the audience and to receive whatever the performer decides to share.
I have played solo for the first couple years, but I recently teamed up with some other talented musicians and started playing with a backing band. We’re stepping into the studio this April to record my first album, which should be released sometime this summer. I have a short EP and a live album available on all streaming services.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing worth having is easy. One of the main struggles is finding the time to juggle everything. I have a day job working as a customer service agent, plus I try to make sure I have a life outside of music. I do yoga and go to Barton Springs with my friends. I take Spanish classes and try to call home regularly. I cook and do my best to keep my apartment clean. Having a life is a big responsibility, and in this modern age when corporations are constantly trying to steal our attention, it’s really important to stay focused on the things that are most important to us. If we don’t keep a close eye on how we’re spending our time, we can run out of it very quickly. The good news is that all of it is fuel that I can use for making music. When I take something from my real life and re-purpose it into a song, it’s my way of giving back. Playing live music is a wonderful way to build community, and we can use our community to give to one another in a million different ways. The time that I spend taking care of myself or others or my city always comes back to me in one way or another.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I don’t think anyone needs to do anything special to be set apart from others. Every artist is so individual. One of the things I love about Austin is that you can go to an open mic and watch 20 people stand up and play the acoustic guitar, one right after the other. And what you’ll find is that not a single person plays guitar the same way or writes songs the same way. I don’t know what sets me apart.
I find a lot of value in my storytelling and my lyricism. Life can be so confusing, and a lot of things can’t be rationally understood. Songs help me figure out what I’m trying to say. Writing an event or feeling into song is a good way to honor it, set it down, and move forward. As I’ve been keeping track of my story, I’m finding that it’s not much different than anyone else’s. I win, I lose, I play again.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support me is to share my music with someone you know! I also sell merch at live shows. Even coming up to say hi after a show means the world to me. I love shaking hands and making friends. Another way to stay up-to-date is to follow my Instagram. I’m putting a lot of work into this album we’re about to record, and it would be really great if the album could be given away to someone who might get some joy out of it.
instagram.com/car0linesears
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carolinesears.bandzoogle.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/car0linesears
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carolinesears
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5esLwOpKmcgN0H0hO6Noxj?si=uugNSmMsRLiHIMz8-xV9LA
Image Credits
JP Dingens
