Singer, songwriter and guitar player Caroline Jones has had quite a few accolades since arriving upon the music scene, and the recognition keeps coming. Her latest EP, Chasin’ Me was produced by Ric Wake who’s worked with Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. Caroline wrote all of the tracks on Chasin’ Me, with the exception of two written for her by Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally, and Zac Brown. Her music has amassed over 6.5 million streams across various platforms, and the video for “Chasin’ Me” spent three weeks at the coveted number one spot on CMT.com’s 12 Pack Countdown. In August 2019, she made her late-night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Caroline has toured with Zac Brown Band four three years, supported Kenny Chesney on his Song for the Saints tour, and throughout 2018 she toured with Jimmy Buffett & The Eagles, Zac Brown Band, One Republic, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Vince Gill and Kip Moore, among several others. Caroline also hosts Sirius XM’s Art & Soul, which finds her chatting with musicians from around the world about their music, writing songs, and having them perform intimate acoustic performances.
Caroline’s EP for her new single “All of the Boys” will be released across digital platforms for purchase and streaming on Friday, March 27. We chatted with Caroline about touring with Lee Brice, Sara Evans and her fourth year touring with Zac Brown Band. Caroline also sheds light on her writing process, her new single “All of the Boys,” and her fun music and entertainment favorites. Watch an exclusive making of video for “God Made Me” below:
You had a big and busy 2019, and 2020’s shaping up to be the same. While touring with Lee Brice and Sara Evans, what did you learn from them musically and artistically?
Caroline Jones: With both Lee and Sara, I got to play theaters, which is one of my favorite types of venues to play, sonically speaking. Both artists have a great rapport with their crowds and fantastic musicians behind them. I really enjoy seeing every artist I have the privilege to open for interact with their unique fanbase. Every artist-fan relationship feels subtly different, so there are lessons to be learned from every touring experience.
You’re also reuniting with Zac Brown Bad this September and for the 4th consecutive year. What are you most looking forward to when you all are reunited?
Caroline: ZBB have become like family to me. I look up to them so much as fearless artists, masterful musicians and truly good people. In 2020, I most look forward to seeing their varying setlists (they change their show every night so no two shows are ever exactly the same) and collaborating on some new onstage moments together! I am so honored to join them onstage during their show every night for a song or two.
How has your writing process evolved from when you first started out?
Caroline: Great question! I wouldn’t say that my writing process has evolved as much as I have refined my writing style itself over the years. The process is still the same as when I was a little girl — a lightning bolt of inspiration, a spark of an idea. It’s the best feeling in the world; it’s the feeling that fuels all creative people. Now, though, I am more discerning about the content and quality of what I write. I’m more deliberate about how I follow inspiration, how I structure melodies, lyrics, and sections, etc, based on the evolution of my musical taste and style.
We are excited for the EP for your new single “All of the Boys,” coming March 27. We originally heard the album version of the song on your EP Chasin’ Me. You also shared the behind-the-scenes look at the recording of your song “God Made Me,” which is also on Chasin’ Me. Can you share the story behind this song and recording process?
Caroline: “God Made Me” is a very romantic, heartfelt song about the sacredness of real love and intimacy. The song features some of my favorite lyrics I’ve ever written. We had been playing it live for a few months on the Zac Brown Band tour before we brought it to life in the studio, and I think you can hear that energy on the record, especially as the song builds through the second chorus and into the bridge. I co-produced the song with Ric Wake, who has produced Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and many more. Nir Z played drums, Glenn Worf played bass, and I played all the guitars and keyboards on it. Gustavo Celis recorded and mixed it.
Who was your first concert, and do you have a favorite one so far?
Caroline: One of my first concerts was Mariah Carey. My Mom played her music all the time when I was a little girl, so I knew every word, every riff, every inflection. My favorite concert I’ve ever been to is probably The Eagles on their 2018 stadium tour. I got to open a few of the shows along with Jimmy Buffett as co-headliner with The Eagles. It was an experience I will forever treasure. The guitar playing, the songs, and the sound quality (especially for a stadium show) was unmatched.
What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?
Caroline: Probably one of the Mariah Carey CDs. Rainbow.
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Caroline: Too many to count! Some of my biggest influences are Fleetwood Mac, Queen, ABBA, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Keith Urban, Patty Griffin, Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift, Zedd, Coldplay, John Mayer, Kacey Musgraves, Vince Gill, and Tori Kelly. All over the map!
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Caroline: I love One Direction, especially their album Four! Brilliant production and a lot of great songs like “Steal My Girl,” “Fool’s Gold,” and “Fireproof.”
What are you currently listening to, reading and/or watching?
Caroline: I love Jacob Collier, Tori Kelly, The 1975, Kygo, Alessia Cara, Maggie Rogers, Kacey Musgraves and Ben Platt, just to name a few amazing current artists. There are a bunch of amazing guitar players and musicians exploding on social media right now whom I really admire, like Mateus Asato. I’m always watching old Spencer Tracy, John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn movies, or Schitt’s Creek.
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