It's not a surprise that we're all about strong women here, and Casey Conroy embodies that strength through her delectable melodies and resilient lyrics. Her voice is just so light and gorgeous that you just can't get enough of it. We talked to her about her song "Best Shoes" and how she stays motivated.
How did you get started in music?
Casey: My dad is a musician and songwriter. He never pursued it as a career but he’s the most passionate music-lover I know. So, growing up, we had a blast just loving music as a hobby. Something we did, not because we had to, but because it made us happy. I remember being 5 and singing on tracks my dad had written. Ever since I could remember, we just sat on the floor and listened to his favorite albums and then made music inspired by it.
Tell me about your song “Best Shoes” what’s the story behind it?
Casey: I wrote “Best Shoes” in a moment where I was constantly feeling like I was getting up every day, putting my best foot forward, and the world was just knocking me back down. It got to a point where I felt so defeated. I just wanted to run home, to the safety and innocence of what it represents. I wanted to call my mom and tell her I was hurting. “Best Shoes” is that conversation you have, sitting at the end of her bed, telling her what’s wrong.
What else has been inspiring you lately?
Casey: So much. I’m always really inspired by people who hustle – who make something from nothing and constantly push through boundaries. I also love being transparent about what the day-to-day independent life of an artist is like. As far as music goes, Benee, blackbear, and Leon are some of my “on repeat” artists right now.
What has been the biggest challenge for you in the music industry?
Casey: I think personally it’s just been learning to not compare myself all the time and accept that we all have our own paths. I went through a phase where I struggled to just enjoy discovering new music. I had a really hard time not looking at what other artists were doing and feeling down about my process and journey.
What has been one of the biggest highlights?
Casey: For me, it’s always been playing live shows. Getting to make real connections with fans, see their reactions to the songs and hear how my music has affected them. Every time I play a show, it gives me motivation for weeks after! I remember the first time I ever played a show that people knew the lyrics to my songs. That’s a feeling I can never describe!
What is your writing process like?
Casey: It always really depends on the song and the king of moment I’m in. It’s funny, because for the longest time, I had only ever written completely by myself. And recently, I’m really enjoying co-writing. I feel like my creativity is thriving in a collaborative environment. But next week, it might be totally different. The most important thing for me is to just go with the flow and follow where my creativity is taking me. Not forcing anything.
What’s your best piece of advice for young women?
Casey: I know it’s said a lot, but I would just say always be UNAPOLOGETICALLY yourself! It’s the most important thing. It’s so easy for us to feel like we need to change for what seems “cool”, but then we will miss out on the things that really makes us great and unique. Someone once told me, “If you try to be someone else. At best, you’ll always just be 2nd best at being them.”
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