A young upcoming female country music singer songwriter, Caroline Marquard, has had one whirlwind of a year by releasing her very first single to the world this past summer, and is gearing up for new music plus many more new things for fans in 2019.

The artist originally from Switzerland, now a Tennessee native, recently got to chat with me about moving to Music City and what it’s like being a songwriter as well as a singer. Marquard also talks about what it was like releasing her debut single, Not A Rolling Stone, some of her musical influences that inspire her, and how it’s very important to her to stay connected with her fans.

Emily Ann Wells: Who are some artists that inspire you personally of musically?
Caroline Marquard: Taylor Swift and Sara Bareilles for sure. They both play by their own rules and do it so well. From Taylor Swift’s effortless crossover from country to pop, to Sara Bareilles writing the music for Waitress the Musical. Game changers! Personally, I admire how they always stay true to themselves and never let anyone mold them into something they don’t want to be.

EAW: You’re originally from Switzerland. When you moved to Nashville, was there anything in particular you had to get used to or adapt to?
CM: Nashville and Switzerland are two very different places; I love them both! I’ve lived in multiple places in the US, most recently NYC before I moved to Nashville. So, the transition wasn’t too difficult. It is my first time living in the south, and I think the biggest thing I had to adapt to were the people. Everyone is so nice! I really wasn’t used to people being so helpful and friendly.

EAW: You’ve had your own songs cut by several artists. What is that like getting your song cut?
CM: It is the coolest thing ever. I love getting to hear someone else bring our song to life and putting their spin on it! Getting to collaborate with artists and write from their point of view never gets old, it always keeps me on my toes and challenges me to be a better writer.

EAW: You just released your debut single, “Not A Rolling Stone.” What was it like and what did it mean to you to finally release some of your own music to the world?
CM: It meant the world! I’ve been waiting so long to have music out and the fact that I got to release this song first is a dream come true. My family was in town during my release, so it was really special to have them around me cheering me on when it came out!

Click the image to download the single on iTunes

EAW: If you had to be a singer or songwriter, which one would you be and why?
CM: Ah, I don’t know if I can decide between being just a singer or a songwriter. At the moment, I’d have to say a Songwriter. I’m not sure I could ever be a singer who sings songs I didn’t have a hand in writing. I think some of what makes singing so special to me is getting to say what’s on my heart in my own words.

EAW: You’ve traveled many different places. Which one is your favorite to visit and why?
CM: That is such a hard question. I love exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. I recently went to London and absolutely fell in love with it! There is nothing better than afternoon high tea, but I have to say my favorite place to visit will always be Switzerland. It’s the most beautiful idyllic country, and you can’t beat the chocolate there! It just feels like a breath of fresh air every time I go and is a piece of home.

EAW: If you could only accomplish one thing in your career, what would it be?
CM: To be connected! I know that sounds weird, but my dream is to really feel connected with my own music and my listeners. I think everyone just wants to feel understood and my goal is to give that to others and to feel that myself. I think success comes with that naturally.

EAW: If you could tell anyone to go listen to any one song to describe your sound, which one would it be and why?
CM: My new single! I think it really encapsulates me as an artist right now. The vibe and message is my sound in a nutshell. I have many different sides that I can’t wait to show in the future, this song is just the start!

EAW: When and what can fans except from new music from you in the future?
CM: I’ll be releasing more new music next year and I’m so excited for it. My hope is that my fans will get to know me a little more with each new song.

There is no doubt that this lovely upcoming singer songwriter, Caroline Marquard, has what it takes to create a great career in the music industry. She recognizes a lot of the key things of what this profession requires, including one of the most important things which is connecting with the fans. This young artist definitely has a bright future ahead of her.

Be sure to follow Caroline Marquard on her social media including on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at her website, www.carolinemarquard.com.

What do you think of my Exclusive Interview with Caroline Marquard? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me a comment below or on social media!