After making a serious impact with her much-loved debut album ‘BFF’ last year, US singer-songwriter Caroline Hale has seen her presence on the scene go from strength to strength. And having captured the hearts of so many with her tender songwriting, she recently returned to the fold to deliver his vibrant new EP ‘Live At Stable Hall’.
So with that release doing the rounds right now, we sat down with her to discuss her origins and influences, as well as what she plans for the months ahead too.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
The San Antonio native began playing guitar at eight years old, having simply told her parents it was what she wanted to do. Perhaps, she notes, it was the influence of the many music-centered shows on the Disney Channel. ‘The Disney girls like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato were in everything I watched as a young girl,’ she says. ‘I think they were way more inspirational than I thought they were.’ Outside of her childhood television habits, she absorbed inspiration from across the musical spectrum, from the Beatles and Metallica to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Taylor Swift.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Growing up, the radio shaped my musical taste, introducing me to a diverse range of genres—everything from pop and acoustic to country and classic rock. Those early influences still resonate in my work today. Artists like Kacey Musgraves, Phoebe Bridgers, Billie Eilish, and Maggie Rogers inspire me with their contemporary sound, while legends like Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac, and Emmylou Harris bring a timeless blend of 70s country and rock that I strive to capture in my music.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
The story goes, I told my parents at the age of eight years old that I wanted to play guitar. I never gave them an explanation as to why I wanted to learn guitar other than, “I just want to.” At the age of 14, I gained my mentor, Martin Strayer, and he encouraged me to write songs. Since then, I knew there was going to be no plan B for me. It was music or nothing. I started playing live consistently about two years ago, during my junior year of college (2022). The “playing live” bug is real, let me tell you.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
For me, the creative process usually begins with the music. I’ll be playing guitar, and when I stumble upon a chord progression or riff that feels right, I start singing a melody over it. That’s when the story begins to unfold. A lot of the time, I find that these lyrics have been living in my head for a while, and as soon as they get the opportunity to come out, the song begins to take shape. In terms of production, I love to experiment. The production should enhance the song without overshadowing it—it should add depth and another layer to the narrative, elevating the entire piece.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Honestly, living life with purpose, excitement, and curiosity for the world is what inspires me. I write what is truest to me, and typically that’s about moments in my life that have impacted me in ways that are good, bad, or in between.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
The themes of my songs vary, but the overarching message I want listeners to take away is that my music is real. At the end of the day, we’re all sharing this world, and our experiences are often more similar than we realize. I hope that my songs resonate with listeners in a way that offers them a fresh perspective or deeper understanding of those shared experiences.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
As a female musician, the journey requires tenacity—you often have to work twice as hard just to get noticed. But I embrace that challenge. Rather than making ripples, I’m determined to make a cannonball splash. Building credibility takes time, patience, and confidence—qualities I’ve had to cultivate and continue to refine. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger, and I’m committed to proving that through my work.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
I think the people I’ve met along this musical journey have been extremely rewarding. My mentors have shaped my entire journey in the most invaluable of ways: “After becoming proficient on multiple instruments, the real turning point came when, at fourteen, Hale gained a mentor. After watching a Hale performance in a teenage rock showcase with his stepdaughter, Martin Strayer—sound engineer, musician, and songwriter who’s worked with multi-platinum artists like Ariana Grande, Madonna, The Chicks, Soundgarden, and many others—offered to guide her through the world of making music. ‘He essentially taught me how to write songs,’ she says. Alongside her work with Strayer, she also studied the pop songs she listened to on the radio. ‘I’d say to myself: I love these songs and want to figure out why everyone else loves them too.’ All of that diligence and practice led to the eleven songs included on BFF. Working with producer Gordy Quist from The Band of Heathens, who helped her develop the tunes by emphasizing melodies, adding transitions, and strengthening bridges, Hale applied everything she’s learned so far to making a record that transcends her age and accents her experience.” – Caroline Hale bio via carolinehale.com
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
It’s easy to get in your head and get caught up in where you want to be vs. where you are. That’s when I ask myself, “Why do you love music?” That question immediately brings me back to that eight-year-old girl who just wanted to play guitar because that’s what she wanted to do. I love music because it makes me feel free.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
Fans can expect A LOT in the near future. I was in the studio all week working on a 5-song Christmas EP, which will be released around the holidays. We’re also working on getting new original material out in the spring. Fans can expect a more developed sound, both lyrically and sonically. I can’t wait for you guys to hear what I’ve been working on!
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I see my name in bold letters on festival lineups and selling out headline shows across the country. I believe that anything is possible if you’re willing to work hard enough…
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Listen to Caroline Hale’s new EP ‘Live From Stable Hall’ below.
