Eileen Carey’s single “Bottle Your Crazy Up” topped the New Music Weekly Country Charts so when we came across the opportunity for a Q&A, you know we seized the moment.
Let’s break the ice. Who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you create?
I am a mom, wife, animal lover & a country pop singer-songwriter. I am from Cleveland, Ohio, and still a Buckeye fan. I don’t know what you call what I do, but people have tagged it everything from West Coast Country to Country Pop. I started out in music as a drummer and started performing at 13. My tempos are up, so most of whatever I do rocks. My messages are the thing though, and sometimes I am bit blunt, like in “Bottle Your Crazy Up”.
My short response is that my music offers an alternative view to people who are stuck. I bring a very positive, go for it, message to folks.
You’ve been involved in the L.A. music scene and now you’re in Nashville… do you like one over the other? How’s Nashville been treating you?
Not at all. Two great cities. I have always had a great time in Nashville. The reception that I have been getting throughout Tennessee and the surrounding states has been heartening. In fact I spent a lot of time in Nashville before, back in 2009-2010 with my last CD, my 3rd at the time, Movin’ On. I am in California now, but I am going to be back to Nashville right after the holidays, in February in time for the CRS.
Actually, my first national success came from participating in a country music radio contest. I covered Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” and it took off after a debut on Blair Garner’s syndicated “After MidNite” Country Radio show, which aired on stations in major and medium markets all across the United States. To be the only independent artist on the same list with major-label artists, and having your song picked by the fans – what more could you ask for!”
What separates your style of country from the rest of the pack? What artist (new and old) inspire or motivate you?
The subjects of my music are a bit different. No broken hearts club here. I mean life is too good to waste on hanging your head or drinking yourself to death.
I didn’t originally see myself as a country singer, but I released a cut called “That Town” and it received a surprising reception on country radio. I guess Country is natural to me. Some of the woman that inspired me are Patsy Cline, Chrissie Hind, Martha Davis and Cheryl Crowe. I am a Keith Urban fan. I think Miranda inspires us all. Love people like Lucinda Williams, but also like Taylor.
What was the last song you listened to?
Really been enjoying Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass”. The song sends a good message to all females, that it’s okay to be who you are, and not to worry that you’re not a size 0!!
Listen to the dance mix of Bottle Your Crazy Up below.
Who have you been working with since arriving in Nashville? Have you been playing live? What venues?
Susan Collier is my Nashville publicist and she always has me visiting the radio stations and performing in the area. My producer is Travis Allen Childress of Nashville Tracks, like myself, works in both cities. My radio team is great! Jerry Duncan, Lisa Smoot & Heather from Duncan Productions, Alan Young and Gene Kennedy. All out of Nashville.
When I play in Nashville I play with Dan Hagen of the Dan Hagen Band. He is my guitarist, Dann Sherill the drummer, Tony Nagy on bass. My long time Music Director and guitarist John “Groover” McDuffie (Rita Coolidge’s Music Director and lead guitarist) travels with me when he isn’t working with Rita.
Played Rippy’s* and Honky Tonk Central. Did two tours of the regions radio stations including stations like WDKN Dickson, TN, WLX 97.5, WLIJ 1580 AM, Kaptain Jack at Renegade Radio in town, The Wild Horse Saloon behind my dance mix. Did a couple of acoustic numbers for Rusty Reed at WLIJ in Shelbyville, TN. Same at WJJM in Lewisburg, TN, and so on.
Has the Internet helped you connect with fans and expand your reach? Is the digital realm making it easier for you to cross-pollinate and network in both L.A. and Nashville?
Without a doubt! As an Indie artist I rely on the internet for a huge portion of my promotion. Technology itself has made life easier in that it has become possible to record tracks in Nashville and finish them in Los Angeles without a plane ticket.
As importantly it allows an artist to take a greater role in managing their own career. To get a direct feel for a wide variety of people who might be interested in your work. I have real fans, downloads and support from places as far as Singapore and New Zealand. I get a great deal of airplay in Britain, Holland, Denmark, France, Germany and Belgium. Never been to Europe but I know some folks there now. That is the Internet.
The year is winding down into the holiday season… what’s in store for Eileen Carey in 2015?
Want to start working on my next CD. Maybe release another single off the Let It Go album. I am putting together a fundraiser for an organization called Fix Nation in Los Angeles that gives free spade, neutering and shots to feral cats. We are aiming at March. Of course, I will play my traditional summer shows at the California Fairs and Festivals. Also looking at taking my show to Europe in 2015. That will depend on the continued response from Europe for my music.
Where can we connect with you online? Stream your music?
- www.EileenCarey.com
www.facebook.com/EileenCarey23
www.Twitter.com/EileenCarey
www.Reverbnation.com/EileenCarey
Any last thoughts? Shout outs?
Persistence and Patience are the names of the game, and of course keeping yourself healthy in body and mind. I have a gift, but I realize that the gift is also a challenge. That is why I created a blog called The Music Mom, to share my experiences with other musical artist raising children.
As far as a shout out goes. I have a million folks to thank and say hello to. Especially want to say thanks to my team, my musicians, my family and my friends. They know who they are; and know I couldn’t do it without them.
