Eileen Carey
Eileen Carey discusses her new single “This Is Where,” authentic West Coast Pop-Country songwriting, career lessons, inspiring music, creative ventures, and exciting plans for her next chapter.
1. Your new single, “This Is Where,” explores the idea that the end of a relationship can also mark the beginning of personal growth. What inspired you to write this song, and was it influenced by a personal experience or observations of others?
Honestly, it started as a conversation, not a heartbreak. Lily Wilson and I sat down wanting to write the breakup song nobody writes: the one where nobody’s the villain. Two people who loved each other enough to admit they were headed different directions. I wanted a song that thanked somebody on the way out the door instead of throwing their stuff on the lawn.
2. Your music has often been described as “West Coast Pop-Country,” blending catchy melodies with heartfelt storytelling. How do you approach balancing commercial appeal with authentic, emotional songwriting?
I don’t sit there doing math on it, trying to calculate hooks and choruses like I’m balancing a checkbook. I write what’s true to me first. If it happens to be catchy, great. But that’s just how my brain works. I’d rather be honest and hummable than calculated and forgettable.
3. You’ve shared the stage with legendary artists such as Don McLean, Rita Coolidge, Jefferson Starship, and The Motels. What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from performing alongside these iconic musicians?
You learn something different from every single one of them. Watching how they command a room without ever looking like they’re trying. I take notes constantly, even now. Sharing a stage with people like that is basically a masterclass you don’t have to pay tuition for.
4. Your songs frequently carry themes of optimism, resilience, and empowerment. In today’s world, how important is it for you to create music that leaves listeners feeling hopeful and inspired?
Enormously important. I think self-esteem gets treated like a bonus feature in songwriting when really it should be the whole engine. “Faith,” “Every Day,” “On The Rise,” now “This Is Where,” they all circle back to the same idea: you can go through something hard and still come out the other side standing up straight. I don’t feel it’s my job to hand people more darkness. The world’s got plenty of that already.
5. Beyond your music career, you’re also the founder of The Music Mom blog and a beauty ambassador for Joe Blasco Cosmetics. How have these creative ventures influenced your perspective as an artist and songwriter?
They keep me honest. The Music Mom is me talking straight to other women juggling a creative life with real life. No filter, and no pretending it’s effortless. And working with Joe Blasco has me thinking hard about presentation, about showing up for people looking and feeling your best. Both remind me every day that being an artist isn’t only what comes out of my mouth on stage. It’s how I carry myself everywhere else, too.
6. With multiple chart-topping singles, numerous awards, and a growing international audience, what’s next for Eileen Carey? Can fans expect a new album, more singles, or perhaps some exciting collaborations in the near future?
Lots! I’m heading back into the studio in Nashville this fall to record a batch of new songs. Can’t say more than that, you’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, catch me live: Yachty by Nature at the Whisky A Go Go on August 22nd, the Kern County Fair main stage in late September, the Big Fresno Fair on the Craft Brew Stage October 13th, Betty’s Grill in Nashville in October, and I’m opening for the Fleetwood Mac tribute Mirage at The Canyon in Agoura Hills on October 16th. Then my Acoustic Trio is back at The Canyon opening for Danny Seraphine’s Chicago Legacy in November, and I close out the year at the Whisky opening for Bill Allen’s Cowboy Sweetheart on December 20th. Busy is good. Busy means people are still listening.