Caroline Cotter, portraits, Gently as I Go.
Maine-based folk/Americana singer-songwriter Caroline Cotter has just released a beautiful album, “Gently as I Go.” She sat down recently with @skopemag to talk about this meaningful and delightful collection of songs.
@skopemag: Tell us about your new album, “Gently as I Go.”
Caroline: These are songs about life on the road, love and loss, family, nostalgia, motivation (including the lack of), and the creative process.
@skopemag: What inspired the song “Morning Mantra”? We love it.
Caroline: Years ago, I wrote a song called “I am Satisfied,” an a cappella call and response that I sang at the end of every show for years. I wanted to write more songs that are simple, uplifting, and easy to sing along to. I’ve spent time practicing meditation and yoga, and the practice of mantras has been very helpful. “Morning Mantra” came from my need for a pick-me-up, a need for grounding and direction.
@skopemag: What are the recurring themes on this album?
Caroline: Many of these songs have to do with acknowledging the past with gratitude, whether it was painful or perfect, and letting it all go with love. Others speak to the procrastinator, the self-doubter, the anxious, depressed, or fearful, as words of encouragement to keep going, keep giving, even when it feels tough.
@skopemag: What made you choose your album title?
Caroline: “Gently as I Go” is a song about letting go with grace and moving forward with integrity, and having gratitude for all aspects of life experience, themes that run through the album as well. Also, I wrote these songs while I was constantly on the move. I lived on the road for five years from 2015 to 2020, playing somewhere new almost every night, not spending more than a couple of nights in the same bed. I met so many wonderful people and visited incredibly beautiful places during that time. Life was a constant, “goodbye, thank you, and hope to see you soon.”
@skopemag: How would you describe your music?
Caroline: My music is folky, acoustic, simple, heartfelt, and straightforward. I hope that it’s soothing, uplifting, nostalgic, and comforting.
