Caroline Romano has something to say, and millions of people are listening. At just 20-years-old, the self-proclaimed “loudest sort of introvert” has already written and performed into the hearts and ears of an anxious generation. With her debut album, Oddities and Prodigies, on the horizon, Romano is ready to take on the world.
Driven by steadfast determination and undeniable talent, Romano released her first single, “Masterpiece,” at the tender age of 15. By the age of 17, she’d moved from her hometown in rural Mississippi to Nashville in order to fully commit herself to her craft. Just one year after relocating to Nashville, she caught her big break with the release of “I Still Remember (ft. R3HAB),” which became a global sensation and entered the Billboard Dance Chart.
Romano’s songwriting abilities showcase her witty, introspective and hopeful take on modernity, romanticism and the highs and lows of being young in today’s world. Her music is refreshingly honest, which is probably why it’s struck a chord with millions of listeners and key tastemakers like Hollywood Life, EUPHORIA, Sweet High and Just Jared.
After releasing a number of successful singles in 2021, Romano is now ready to share her 16-track debut album, Oddities and Prodigies. From misty-eyed ballads to fiery pop-punk anthems, Oddities and Prodigies is a vivid snapshot of her personal and musical journey over the past few years. From tackling what it’s like to struggle with depression and anxiety to examining first loves and first heartbreaks, the record is an all-encompassing look at Romano’s personal growth and resilience. “This album is everything I know in 16 songs,” she says.
Listen to "Oddities and Prodigies" now on Spotify:
"I don’t know what I’d do, or even where I’d be without music. It is my medicine, my oxygen, one of my greatest loves and greater teachers." - Caroline Romano
INTERVIEW
When did you first discover that you wanted to pursue a career in music, Caroline?
Caroline: I can’t remember a time when music wasn’t one of the most important things in my life. I think I’ve always known its what I would end up doing. I guess it really started on my first trip to Nashville. I had begged my parents to take me for my thirteenth birthday to play the songs I’d written at open mic nights around the city. That’s when I completely fell in love with performing and the idea that I could tell these stories I was writing to people who would listen. I was instantly addicted, and it’s been a wild pursuit ever since.
What three words would you say best summarize your music?
Caroline: Melancholy, introspective, and hopeful.
Tell me about your recent album release titled, 'Oddities and Prodigies' .. what was the inspiration behind writing it?
Caroline: “Oddities and Prodigies” has been a life motto of mine for quite some time. I don’t think you can have one without the other. Looking back, I think it’s always been the underlying theme of my music. However, I think it's sometimes hard to see the pretty parts in our own oddities, or the beauty in our own tragedies. Growing up is hard, and I’ve never gotten the hang of it. I’m a terrible driver, I take antidepressants, and I’ve never said "I love you" to a boy. I make impossible plans, and I’m my own worst critic, yet I still believe I can reach these goals of mine. The inspiration behind it was just my own observation of being young in today’s world. I figured there had to be others who felt the same way that I do at nineteen and twenty years old. I thought the best way to find out for sure would be to write about it.
Do you have a favorite song on your new album? If so, why is it your favorite?
My favorite song off the album is “Leaving Wednesday”. A lot of people are surprised to hear that that song is my favorite, but I think it’s the best song I’ve ever written. It’s really simple, but I feel like it says everything I’ve ever wanted to say in two minutes and forty six seconds. I’m really proud of that song.
Most artists say that through their art they learn more about themselves, heal injuries… in what ways has music helped you?
Caroline: I don’t know what I’d do, or even where I’d be without music. It is my medicine, my oxygen, one of my greatest loves and greater teachers. For some reason, things seem to make so much more sense when they’re written down in lyrics and sung in a melody. It’s the only way I’m able to be myself.
What does your average day look like as a music artist?
Caroline: My day somewhat depends on what season of the release cycle I’m in. I write everyday, whether it be in a co-writing session at a studio, or by myself at home. I’m making music pretty much every day. A few days out of the week I’m usually recording something, whether it be a demo or cutting the final version of a song. There are lots of meetings and zoom calls and coffees with the people I work with in the industry. I try to make time to practice the instruments I play, but that usually always ends up being late at night. If I’ve got a performance coming up, I spend the nights leading up to it rehearsing with the band. It all just depends really. Some days are absolutely insane, and some I barely have to leave my house. It’s almost always one of the two extremes.
You’re already so incredibly accomplished as an artist, Caroline! What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to other up-and-coming artists?
Caroline: Thank you so much! That means the world! I’d say the biggest piece of advice I could give to other up-and-coming artists is to stay persistent. It might be cheesy and overused, but it couldn’t be more true or important. It’s so easy to get caught up in the time it takes to move even an inch in the industry. There’s nothing more discouraging than waiting for numbers to rise on streams, or playing a gig to an empty room. However, the only way you could possibly fail is if you stop trying. You have to stay persistent in the belief you have in yourself, your music, and your dreams. You’ll be unstoppable if you do.
What is the next "big thing" the world can expect from you?
Caroline: The world can expect lots of new music this year. I’m already working on the next project and I’m so excited. I hope to take these songs out on the road this year as well. There's lots coming up!
Watch Caroline's music video for "Oddities and Prodigies" on YouTube:
Watch the music video for "Dizzy" on YouTube:
Listen to Caroline's music on Spotify:
