Eileen Carey on Songwriting, Self-Respect, and Her Signature West Coast Pop-Country Sound

From performing alongside legendary artists to building a loyal international fanbase, Carey explains what continues to inspire her career.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Eileen Carey has carved out a distinctive place in the independent music world with her signature blend of country storytelling, pop melodies, and California optimism. Dubbed “West Coast Pop-Country,” her music has earned multiple chart-topping singles, industry accolades, and a devoted international following, while her energetic live performances have seen her share stages with legendary artists including Don McLean, Rita Coolidge, Jefferson Starship, and The Motels. Her latest single, “This Is Where,” continues that upward trajectory, offering a heartfelt yet hopeful take on moving on from a relationship with grace, gratitude, and self-respect rather than heartbreak.

In this conversation with Indie Sound, Carey reflects on the unexpected path that led her from pursuing acting to building a successful music career, the inspiration behind her uplifting new single, and the philosophy that shapes both her songwriting and her performances. She also discusses developing her West Coast Pop-Country sound, the lessons she’s learned from performing alongside music icons, and what fans can expect as she prepares to head back to Nashville to record a new collection of songs.

When did you first realize that music was going to be your career?

I moved to California initially to pursue acting, and I was booking entertainment for a hotel chain and realized I could do as good as the people I was booking. So, I started recording songs and cut a couple in the studio. One was my take on Patsy Cline’s hit “Walking After Midnight.” which was the winning track in a Nashville radio syndicated fan contest where it won out over Martina McBride. The other track was “That Town,” a nostalgic look back on my youth spent in Ohio. “That Town” soon took off on Adult Contemporary radio. These first two songs convinced me that I really did have the goods to succeed in the music industry.

“This Is Where” is an uplifting breakup song that focuses on growth instead of heartbreak. What inspired you to tell the story from that perspective?

“This Is Where” tells the story of two people who have simply outgrown each other. Rather than blame or regret, it focuses on the positives: the love that was real, the lessons learned, the courage it takes to walk away when it’s time. It’s a breakup song that flips the script—turning what could be heartbreak into empowerment and closure. A standing at a crossroads, acknowledging “this is where” the journey ends, but with hope lighting the path forward. The message resonates as mature and relatable, especially in an era of messy, dramatic splits; here, parting ways becomes an act of self-respect and mutual care.

The song is about two people who outgrew each other but carried the lessons forward. Was it inspired by a personal experience or observations of people around you?

Observation. Writing! 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.

What do you hope listeners take away from the song, especially if they’re going through a difficult transition in their own lives?

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 just not my nature to spread negativity.

Your music blends country and pop with a distinctly West Coast sound. How would you describe your musical style to someone hearing you for the first time?

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.

You’ve shared the stage with artists like Don McLean, Rita Coolidge, Jefferson Starship, and The Motels. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from performing alongside such legendary acts?

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.

What is the best piece of advice you have received about the music business?

Wow! First be true to yourself! That is first. And always work with the best people you can find in all areas of your career. The better the people around you the better you will become.

Your live shows are known for getting audiences involved. What do you enjoy most about performing for your fans?

I am personal with my fans on the stage, and as I have always said the stage is the place where I am most comfortable in life, so I guess my joy translates. My audience knows me and talks to me from the floor and seats, lol! I am a storyteller with a light at the end of the tunnel. I field a world class band of veteran musicians who have played with so many major label artists and have had their own notable careers and who have been with me for years. We put on a world class performance every show! Bang for the buck performances. I contend that my band can share a stage with anyone anywhere in the world. My fans know that I offer a quality original music experience that is melodic, danceable and resonant. Most of all my audience know how much I love and respect them for their support.

You’ve built a loyal international fanbase. What has surprised you most about the connection people have made with your music?

When it comes to an international fan base it didn’t so much surprise me as much as confirmed to me that music is a language of its own. It is a universal language.

Is “This Is Where” a preview of what is coming next?

Not necessarily. You guys will have to wait and see! Bunch of new songs! Going to be in Nashville recording in late September and early October.

What can fans look forward to from you for the rest of the year?
Lots of stuff! Performance-wise Opening for the Thomas Nicholas Band at The Whisky A Go Go, Thursday, July 8, 2026, 8 PM PST 8901 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90029 (All Ages); LBC Pirate Invasion Long Beach, Saturday July 11, 2026, 6:30 pm – 7:15 PST Shoreline Park, 200 Aquarian Way, Long Beach, CA 90802; Doobie Doubles Band @ The Canyon Agoura Hills, Saturday August 8^th; Yachty by Nature @ The Whisky A Go Go, August 22, 930 PM; Kern County Fair, Bakerfield, CA, Thursday & Friday September 24 & 25; Betty’s Grill, 49^th Ave., Nashville, Thursday October 1^st, Time TBA; Danny Seraphine’s Chicago Legacy @ Canion in Agoura Hills, CA Acoustic Trio November 7, 2026, 7:45 – 8:30.

Looking forward to meeting some of you guys!!

Official website of Eileen Carey.