Meet Caroline Cotto

Hi Caroline, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Henry Miller said, “For there is only one great adventure and that is inward toward the self, and for that, time nor space nor even deeds matter.”

My purpose was revealed to me over time through the books I read and music I listened to in my youth. Growing up, I was quiet but had a great inner world that wanted to be expressed greatly. I received intuitive nudges to use my voice, but I didn’t know how – this caused me to retreat into solitude and go forth on an adventure inward towards the self. When I listened to music, I submerged myself in every note and lyric. The blues and rock ‘n’ roll songs I loved painted a beautiful canvas of freedom, love, pain and beauty. I felt deeply these emotions – and I knew I could connect to others through music. Though I was quiet, I had a superpower when I performed in front of an audience. People were shocked when they heard a big voice come out of a small girl. But, when I was singing, I didn’t feel like that small, quiet girl with curly hair and glasses – I felt heard and powerful. Maya Angelou’s ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,’ was a beautiful book of my youth. The title is so poignant and striking to me. I knew my strength and love for music could set me free.

Over the course of my childhood, I received signs from the universe, God and angels to use my voice. For example, I received a rock with the word ‘Voice’ on it in blue print – I still carry the rock with me to this day. I also remember people who encouraged me to sing – and I always ended up on stage performing or reciting poetry. I was curious about these signs and knew it couldn’t be just a coincidence. I learned things happen for a reason and couldn’t ignore the call.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am excited about the upcoming release of my debut record. I have carried these songs and stories with me throughout all my travels from New York, Paris, London, New Orleans and now the world will hear them.

I am honored and blessed to have worked with incredible musicians on this record. Chris Layton of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Arc Angels and Storyville played on two songs. It was a full circle moment for me as I have been inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble for years. I took a 6 am flight to Austin and arrived at Ron Flynt’s Jumping Dog Studio on a beautiful, spring day. It was a wonderful experience to track the songs and talk about the blues, Texas and our mutual love for Ford Mustang – I feature the car in my Cherry Red music video.

Country Music Hall of Fame drummer, Eddie Bayers also played drums on six songs on the record. I am very honored to have Eddie, a Nashville treasure who has recorded with Dolly Parton, The Beach Boys, Elton John and many other legendary musicians. The music of Muscles Shoals is very sacred to me – I am blessed to have Ronnie Eades, co-founder of the Muscle Shoals Horns on the record as well.

I am thankful for all the incredible Louisiana musicians on my record such as David Hyde, Nelson Blanchard, Jason Parfait, Lacy Blackledge, Chris Belleau, Elaine Foster, Dan Caro, Jack Joshua, Alain Baudry and Hammond Scott, co-founder of Black Top Records for his counsel. Thank you to Sandy Vasquez from California for adding his touches on my song Cherry Red too.

Many other brilliant minds and dear friends also contributed to this record. I am grateful.