 Photo: Caitlin Jill
Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Cara Leigh released her sixth EP, Home, on March 2, 2018. The five-track collection features well-crafted songs led by Leigh's soothing vocals, atmospheric melodies, and emotionally-driven lyrics that captivate. Recently, Leigh took the time to answer her Essential 8 and discuss the EP, songwriting, baseball, playing the U.S., and more
Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? I have not had a music mentor. I had a vocal coach for a couple years, and have tried to improve my writing by working with a variety of artists/producers. With “Home”, what was the “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? After the last re-write of ‘Home’, I was playing it live for my partner. He suggested the last line in the chorus “life syncs with a metronome” to “life sings with a metronome”. It was exciting; I felt the song was complete. What’s the story behind your album’s title? Over the last few years, I’ve been releasing material that is more alternative/rock and also writing in the EDM world. My “Home” EP is a handful of songs that are more representative of my folk/indie roots, which I felt was like returning home. Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did? I packaged the EP with these 5 tracks for a couple of reasons. They all have a folk/indie feel, and each track is part of a spectrum from cheery/upbeat to somber. I wanted to incorporate a feel that wasn’t all the same, and represented the shifts in life since the tracks were written to process my own ups and downs. Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? Reading, other artists’ work, being outside, my observations and emotions When/where do you do your best writing? Right now, I do most of my writing in my home studio. I find if I keep at it regularly, I eventually write something I like or feel I can build upon. It needs to not feel forced, and I need to be in a headspace where I can remain open to ideas floating in. 
Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
I often write to process my own experiences and observations, and build narratives that don’t always include what it’s specifically about (in the lyrics). What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? Play with musicians better than yourself to keep expanding your learning What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out? Don’t give up. If you enjoy playing and/or writing, keep at it and continue to hone your craft. Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended? Last January, I went to Moneen’s 10-year anniversary show for their record “Red Tree” in Toronto. Their set was two hours, and between how unbelievably talented Moneen is and all the nostalgia of hearing their songs, I can easily say this was the best show I’ve attended to date. Favorite thing to do on a day off? If it’s baseball season, watching a game is my most preferable thing to do on my day off. If it’s not baseball season, I enjoy being outside or hanging with friends on a patio. Do you have a favorite gift from a fan? I haven’t received too many gifts. When I played at my university during my undergrad, a friend put a bra on my mic stand while I was playing with my band on stage. Does that count as a gift? I didn’t keep it, but it was pretty hilarious. Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go? I don’t have any heroes, but there’s a good chance I’ll meet Laura Brehm in April. From my interactions with her, she seems pretty cool, so I’m looking forward to that! Recent release you cannot stop listening to? Best Days by Lissie Song (of yours) you wish you would have released as a single and why? My last EP ‘Novaturient’ was released without any singles. I self-released the EP by basically just uploading it to Soundcloud. I think it would have been a better way to promote the EP by releasing “Toxic Sea” released as a single. Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? I’ve only ever played in Canada and I’d love to play a show in the US. I’ve been looking into dropping into an open mic while I’m travelling this year. Website Soundcloud YouTube
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