Failure and heartbreak are things no one wants to go through but are crucial to who we are and who we become. During the creation of her new EP, “it took me falling,” Nashville-based alt-pop artist Caroline Romano learned to embrace taking a leap even if it means falling, because the outcome could be better than you ever expected—though it might not seem like it at the moment.
MSM had the chance to ask Romano some questions ahead of her EP’s release about the tracklist, self-discovery, her EP release show, and more.
MSM: What is your favorite song on the EP, and why?
CAROLINE ROMANO: “it took me falling” is my favorite song on the EP because I think it sums up the entire idea so well. It was the very last song I wrote for the project, and it was one of those moments where the words just seemed to write themselves. I think it's a song I’ve been waiting my whole life to write, and I couldn’t think of a better way to close out the EP.
How do the 3 previously released singles on the EP (“Cruel and Unusual Punishment,” “Up The Stairs,” and “Unsteady”) compare to the other 3 that are being officially released for the first time (“Not Used to You," “There It Is,” and “It Took Me Falling”)?
Sonically the first three releases each kind of mirror a song that will be released with the EP. They cover the spectrum of everything from super high-energy pop to stripped-down acoustic tracks, and I love that they exist on both sides of the project. I think the first three releases also set the stage for the story of the EP, and the remaining songs fill in the details and paint the rest of the picture. It’s always important to me for a project to have a defining arc, and I think each song has a role in telling the story from start to finish.
When did you start learning to trust the fall instead of trying to prevent it?
Truthfully, I’m not sure I started trusting the fall until I started writing this EP last year. I think falling in love with someone in a way I’d never fallen before really opened my eyes to the fact that all of my previous heartbreaks are what led me to the right thing in the end. Slowly, over time, I’ve learned to embrace the unknown and the bruises that have taught me so much. It takes falling to end up where you are supposed to be.
Which is a worse “cruel and unusual punishment” in your opinion: seeing that your ex has moved on from you or running into their family/friends after you’ve broken up?
Ooh, this is tough because neither is fun. I think the one that stings the most, though, is seeing that an ex has moved on. You know it’s coming, but it’s rarely something you’re prepared to realize. That’s a ripping the band-aid off type of moment.
How are you preparing for your first Nashville headlining show on March 13th?
I’ve created a brand new setlist and, in many ways, a brand new show for March 13th. I’m rehearsing a lot with my band, and I’m working to be able to know this set like the back of my hand. It’s been so fun to create new merch and visual designs to coincide with this project, and I do a lot of rehearsing through talking points in my head throughout the day. Getting ready for a show is my favorite kind of anticipation, and I’m especially excited for this one!
What does feeling steady in a relationship mean to you?
I think it feels like knowing that that person is with you at the end of the day, no matter what. No matter what emotions, challenges, or feelings you’re facing at any point in time, it’s knowing that that person loves you regardless, and you love them. There are no conditions that can separate you, and no storm that can sink what you have. It’s peace.
If you could have a songwriting session with one artist, who would it be?
There are so many amazing artists I’d love to have a session with, but right now it’s got to be Erin LeCount. I am absolutely obsessed with her music. She’s incredible.
If you were on NPR Tiny Desk, which songs would you definitely want to perform?
“Cruel and Unusual Punishment,” “Not Used to You,” “Bodybag," and “girl in a china shop” are all songs I would love to perform on NPR Tiny Desk. They’re just some of my overall favorites, and I think it would be fun to find different ways to present them. They’re all very fun to play, and I think that is such a fun and unique performance setting.
You’ve described yourself as being shy and quiet on a few occasions. What myths would you like to dispel about being the “quiet girl”?
I think people may assume that being the quote “quiet girl” means you must not have a lot to say, but I think the quietest people actually have a lot to say and often have ways of saying it pretty loudly. I find that quiet girls and introverts are often some of the loudest people when you get to know them.
What are your ins and outs for this year?
In: thick socks, peppermint tea, trying new things, beets, walking outside, music from 2016, and saying what’s on my mind.
Outs: hot coffee, parallel parking, feeling like you have to say yes to everything, and minimalism.
