A Chat with Eileen Carey (23.07.26)
Award-winning West Coast pop-country artist Eileen Carey continues to carve out her own path with uplifting songs, chart success, and a sound that blends catchy pop melodies with heartfelt country storytelling. Her latest single ‘This Is Where’ explores the idea that sometimes letting go of a relationship is the beginning of personal growth and new possibilities. We caught up with Eileen to discuss the inspiration behind the song, her evolving career, and what lies ahead.
OSR: Your new single ‘This Is Where’ explores the idea that the end of a relationship can be the start of personal growth. What inspired you to write this song, and how personal is the story behind it?
Carey: Everyone has a past, but this is not personal. Observation and meaningful songwriting! Lily Wilson and I talked about a lot of things, and we wanted something different. Something more loving and appreciative of a past relationship. This is a song about two people who truly deserved their love for each other so much that they let go knowing that they had different destinies to reach.
OSR: Rather than focusing on heartbreak alone, the song carries an uplifting and hopeful message. Was it important for you to approach the subject from that perspective?
Carey: Absolutely! I like to think that emotional clarity is one of my regular themes. I have a long history of pointing out the benefits of self-esteem and positive outcomes from it. Releases like ‘Faith’, ‘Every Day’, ‘On The Rise’, as well as ‘This Is Where’, point to better outcomes. Have the self-respect to learn from life’s changes. It’s just not my nature to spread negativity.
OSR: Your music has often been described as ‘West Coast pop-country’. How would you define your sound, and how has it evolved over the years?
Carey: West Coast pop-country is a bright, melodic blend of pop-country hooks, California storytelling, and light rock influences, creating a sound that feels sunny, upbeat, and polished. It leans less on Nashville twang and more on smooth, radio-friendly production, with themes of independence, optimism, open-road freedom, and coastal life woven through the lyrics. The result is country music with a warm West Coast glow – catchy, accessible, emotionally uplifting, and built for both pop listeners and country fans.
OSR: You’ve enjoyed impressive success on the independent charts. What does achieving multiple No. 1 singles mean to you as an independent artist?
Carey: It has been a big part. Grab folks for two or three minutes away from their troubles, I’ve done my job. It has helped create interest by the media and on social media. To be in rotation with the world’s best music is thrilling.
OSR: You’ve performed alongside legendary artists including Don McLean, Rita Coolidge, Jefferson Starship and The Motels. Which performances have left the biggest impression on you, and what have you learned from sharing the stage with such iconic names?
Carey: I think that every artist and performance lives in my head rent-free. They are all so unique! They all have their own personalities. Frankly, I pay very close attention to them. They are all my teachers.
OSR: Your live shows are known for their energy, audience interaction and feel-good atmosphere. What do you hope fans take away after seeing you perform?
Carey: Empowerment is what I talk about in many of my songs, so the answer is yes, and it comes naturally to me. Songs like ‘Faith’ to ‘On the Rise’ to name a couple. I have so much fun on stage, and I think that energy carries over to the audience. They seem to let go through the songs, the sing-along melodies, the up-tempo pop and country rhythms, and the dynamic live set created by the incredible band behind me. I like to talk to people in the crowd from the stage sometimes. I think they take away honesty. Eye-to-eye real themes, I am personal with my fans on the stage, and as I have always said, the stage is the place I am most comfortable in life, so I guess my joy translates.
OSR: Beyond your music career, you’re also the founder of The Music Mom blog and a beauty ambassador for Joe Blasco Cosmetics. How do these creative outlets complement your work as a songwriter and performer?
Carey: When I get an offer from brands I use and appreciate, I am glad to represent them.
OSR: Looking back on your career, what has been your proudest achievement so far, and is there a particular milestone you’re still hoping to reach?
Carey: There are a number, really. All the chart success is meaningful to me. The achievement that comes to mind for this answer would be my winning The New Music Awards 2022 & 2023 Crossover Artist of the Year. It represented to me the breadth of my music. Knowing that I am reaching all kinds of people.
OSR: As listeners discover ‘This Is Where’, what message do you hope they connect with most, and what can fans expect from Eileen Carey over the coming months?
Carey: Lily and I talked about a lot of things, and we wanted something different. Something more loving and appreciative of a past relationship. Shows coming up are; Doobie Doubles at the Canyon Agoura Hills, Agoura Hills, CA Saturday August 8, @8 PM; Yachty by Nature @ The Whisky A Go Go, August 22, 9:30 PM; Kern County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 @ 9:30 pm (Main Stage) and Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 @ 2:30 pm (Frontier Stage); Betty’s Grill, Nashville, TN, Thursday October 1, Time TBA: Seraphine’s Chicago Legacy @ Canyon Agoura Hills, Agoura Hills, CA, Acoustic Trio, November 7, 2026, 7:45 – 8:30.
Many thanks to Eileen Carey for speaking with us. Find out more about Eileen Carey on her Spotify and Instagram.
