"Music and literature connect others to the human experience. In my song, "Awake to Love,” I sing about how the world is led by fear and this causes war, destruction and evil. If we focus on love, we can find peace on this earth. When people hear my music, I want them to feel - their beauty, pain or complete joy. I want them to find the strength to walk their own path and to see that their life is art."

Caroline Cotto: Beauty, Love and Truth

Imagine leaving your country in search of beauty, love and truth. That’s exactly what Caroline Cotto was brave enough to do after her 22nd birthday. She toiled away in the NYC music scene for years before she left to live in Paris and explore Europe for artistic opportunities to enrich her writing and music. She dreamed by the Seine, wrote in cafes and wandered the Louvre for hours. She describes this as her own beautiful version of the Lost Generation. Caroline then lived in London playing blues and soaking up the history of her rock heroes before moving to New Orleans. Fiery blues, rock and soul songstress Caroline Cotto’s first full album “Bayou Sun” (2023) is a musical tribute to her quest for her own individual truth. Before landing permanently in her now home of New Orleans, she spent years soaking up experiences while living in New York, Paris and London, walking the same inspirational paths of her artistic influences, writing her own music and poetry, and playing in downtown bars and clubs. "Bayou Sun" was Cotto’s own stunning autobiography, with each track divulging crucial weaves that have formed her life tapestry of faith, love, and self-understanding. Cotto states that she has a curiosity not only for the capacity of love in the human soul, but also that of suffering.

(Caroline Cotto / Photo by Lily Magnolia Rose)

Cotto insists that she has learned from her years of travel and through making this album that faith, daydreaming, and love are her greatest powers. Caroline Cotto is an artist who has thought deeply about her experiences. Her poetic lyrics and soulful voice weave the story of a woman on a journey to her salvation, a woman who has sacrificed the familiar for her dreams, a woman with incessant curiosity and desire to better herself and the world- and she never goes a day without writing by a burning candle. Now, Cotto has to be pinching herself as her latest rockabilly-leaning single features one of the Stray Cats, Slim Jim Phantom. The result is the catchy, groove-fuelled single "Lone Man" (2024). "Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom were the perfect trio to me," Cotto says. "So when I found myself years later in the studio with Slim Jim, this was a dream come true." Lone Man shines with punchy, rockabilly-leaning goodness thanks to Phantom's back beat and Cotto's own guitar work in the bridge. Old-school influences like Little Richard, Presley, and Buddy Holly can be heard as it slowly builds before launching into a glorious, closing foot-stomping rave-up.

Interview by Michael Limnios           Special Thanks: Caroline Cotto & Eric Alper

How has the music and literature influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Henry Miller (Tropic of Capricorn) 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. The blues and rock n roll songs I loved painted a beautiful canvas of beauty and pain. I submerged myself in every note and lyric.  The voyages made by great artists captured my heart and inspired me to embark on my own odyssey. I left New York in search of beauty, love and truth. I left to find my freedom in the cafes of Paris where Rimbaud ran madly writing his poetry and Picasso painted the sky with doves. In high school, I read ‘A Moveable Feast’ where Hemingway recounts his time in Paris. I felt a kinship to him and like other writers, I desired a life elsewhere. I had attachments to no one and nothing – a modern day expatriate in love with the glamour of the 1920s. Paris was my sanctuary and history was at my fingertips. I spent my time in movie theaters watching classic films, reading in bookshops, wandering museums, writing in cafes and speaking to strangers in the moonlight. Then, I moved to London to sing in bars in Soho where Hendrix roamed in his magnificence. My commitment to my art nourished my soul and showed me new opportunities. Eventually, I planted roots in New Orleans. I knew I would end up in the South, the birthplace of blues and jazz. Looking back, I smile at that young girl with her guitar, and suitcase in hand venturing into the heart of the unknown.

"My goal is to inspire the new generation to walk their own path and feel their emotions. It is important to express what’s on my heart with the influences of those who came before me and create different worlds of passion and discovery." (Caroline Cotto / Photo by Lily Magnolia Rose)

How do you describe your songbook and music philosophy? Where does your creative drive come from?

My songbook has songs of love and experience. When I think of the power of the creative spirit, I think of Maya Angelou’s ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.’ I am inspired by her story of strength and overcoming trauma through her indomitable spirit and love of literature. She writes all the raw details of her life with brilliance. I marvel at all these beautiful women from Billie Holiday to Maya Angelou who were not afraid to tell their story in the face of prejudice. Thus, my drive comes from knowing that my love for music sets me free. I will not be a caged bird and I will sing.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

As I have gotten older, my songs and experiences as an artist have become richer - it’s beautiful to experience more life and see how the songs take form. I know who I am more and I am excited to discover more of myself. What remains the same is that I always trust my heart and intuition - and I am not afraid to see where it leads me.

What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music? What's the balance in music between technique and soul/emotions?

The driving force behind the continuous support for my music is my desire to honor blues and rock ’n’ roll and my passion being the life-force of this mission. I believe people relate to my honesty and experiences of life. It is important to learn the techniques of the masters of every genre and then develop your own voice. True freedom is when your soul and emotions guide you.

Currently you’ve one release with Slim Jim Phantom. How did that relationship come about?

I have been friends with his wife, fellow musician and fashion designer, Jennie Vee for several years. She played my song, ‘Bayou Sun’ to him and the door opened for the collaboration. It was amazing to work with a rockabilly legend. Stray Cats have influenced me greatly.

"Everything is connected. I am inspired by the brush strokes in paintings and the stories told in statues for my songwriting and music videos. I am a student of Michelangelo, Vincent Van Gogh, Delacroix, Dali and Picasso. When I lived in Paris, I spent almost everyday in the Louvre for inspiration and to be comforted by these great works of art. I find inspiration in films of the Golden Age, La Nouvelle Vague and in the words of my beloved writers." (Photo: Caroline Cotto and Slim Jim Phantom, 2024 Los Angeles CA)

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new song "Lone Man" (2024)?

The recording process was very natural and effortless. Jim mentioned to me that they filmed the music video for ‘(She's) Sexy + 17’ in New Orleans which is a fun fact!

What moment changed your music life the most? What's been the highlights in your life and career so far?

The moment that changed my music life the most is when I held my debut album in my hands for the first time - here was my legacy after years of traveling the world. I am blessed to have worked with amazing musicians. When I was in Los Angeles recording new music with Slim Jim Phantom of Stray Cats. This was a full circle moment for me because Stray Cats are my favorite band!

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

My dedication to keep blues, rockabilly, soul and rock ’n’ roll alive helps keep my music relevant and present it to the new generation. My story of leaving New York at an early age and living in Paris, London and New Orleans has helped shaped my songwriting and write stories about the beauty and pain of the human experience. My goal is to inspire the new generation to walk their own path and feel their emotions. It is important to express what’s on my heart with the influences of those who came before me and create different worlds of passion and discovery.

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career (gigs, jams, travels…) that you would like to tell us about?!

A fun moment for me was when I sang at The Blue Note NYC! It was amazing to sing jazz standards on the holy ground where Sarah Vaughan, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie and many others have walked on before.

"The driving force behind the continuous support for my music is my desire to honor blues and rock ’n’ roll and my passion being the life-force of this mission. I believe people relate to my honesty and experiences of life. It is important to learn the techniques of the masters of every genre and then develop your own voice. True freedom is when your soul and emotions guide you." (Caroline Cotto / Photo by Lily Magnolia Rose)

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

I would go to Paris during the 1920s and talk to Hemingway at Cafe de Floré and be around all those brilliant minds who shaped art, literature and philosophy.  I would love to be in New York during the 1950s and listen to jazz and talk to Kerouac. In a fictional world, I would also love to be transported to the 1950s to dance and sing with The Sharks in West Side Story. It is my dream as a Nuyorican!

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future?

I have always been enamored by the music of the past from Delta blues to swing and big bands to rock n roll. When I listen to my record player, I am completely taken back to the beautiful times of this music, and I am in heaven. I love everything from the style of clothes to the beauty and strength of these artists. Instead of missing, I rather say I honor these musical traditions and carry these emotions and romances into my present-day life. I have an undeniable connection to worlds that have existed before such as the era of the Golden Age or the world built by the Greeks and Romans. I have faith in the future of my dreams. I am not led by fear.

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

Women are more powerful than ever. Instead of focusing on separation between men and women, I see us as one. Creativity is the lifeblood of the universe. We are helping each other grow when we share our stories and use our voices - and I am so happy to see people sharing their experiences and aligning to their life path. We are experiencing a global awakening, and the old way of living is not suitable anymore. It is time now to step into our passion and live our truth. It is no longer a Man’s World rather it’s the human experience.                                          (Caroline Cotto / Photo by Lily Magnolia Rose)

"The moment that changed my music life the most is when I held my debut album in my hands for the first time - here was my legacy after years of traveling the world. I am blessed to have worked with amazing musicians. Recently, I was in Los Angeles recording new music with Slim Jim Phantom of Stray Cats. This was a full circle moment for me because Stray Cats are my favorite band!"

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your travels and experience in the music paths?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and for help, but also know that your intuition is your greatest compass. It is important to surround yourself with people who are aligned to your goals and have good intentions. Also, go out of your comfort zone and take a leap of faith. I left New York for Paris with my suitcase, guitar and one way ticket which eventually led me to New Orleans. Trust Yourself. No matter how difficult things may seem, follow the light. I would advise others to keep a journal. It’s wonderful to look back and see your growth, discoveries and how your vision has developed over the years. In my journals, I keep my lyrics, thoughts and also quotes by my favorite artists. It is beautiful to have this record keeping for a lifetime and for others to be inspired thereafter.

The relationship between music and other forms of art has become increasingly important. How do you see this relationship yourself and how does music relate to other arts?

Everything is connected. I am inspired by the brush strokes in paintings and the stories told in statues for my songwriting and music videos. I am a student of Michelangelo, Vincent Van Gogh, Delacroix, Dali and Picasso. When I lived in Paris, I spent almost everyday in the Louvre for inspiration and to be comforted by these great works of art. I find inspiration in films of the Golden Age, La Nouvelle Vague and in the words of my beloved writers. I am constantly rereading the works of James Baldwin, Albert Camus, or the poetry of Rimbaud and Baudelaire.

The perfect way to describe the relationship between music and other forms of art is how the Greeks describe how the world and mankind were created - before the gods, there was Chaos - the vast immeasurable abyss and from Chaos - darkness and death were born. From darkness and death, love was born, and love created light and thus earth appeared. Music and the arts create radiance and beauty from darkness and a new earth.

"My songbook has songs of love and experience. When I think of the power of the creative spirit, I think of Maya Angelou’s ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.’ I am inspired by her story of strength and overcoming trauma through her indomitable spirit and love of literature. She writes all the raw details of her life with brilliance. I marvel at all these beautiful women from Billie Holiday to Maya Angelou who were not afraid to tell their story in the face of prejudice. Thus, my drive comes from knowing that my love for music sets me free. I will not be a caged bird and I will sing."

(Caroline Cotto / Photo by Lily Magnolia Rose)

What is the impact of music and literature on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Music and literature connect others to the human experience. In my song, "Awake to Love,” I sing about how the world is led by fear and this causes war, destruction and evil. If we focus on love, we can find peace on this earth. When people hear my music, I want them to feel - their beauty, pain or complete joy. I want them to find the strength to walk their own path and to see that their life is art.

Caroline Cotto - Home