Cara Quinn

“When I perform it’s usually just me and my guitar. I love playing with other musicians but when I’m playing my original music, I prefer to play it myself.”

Up n’ Comin’ NI is excited to introduce this weeks artist, Cara Quinn from Newtownstewart in Tyrone. After graduating from her Music Masters at Magee in Derry, she recently moved to Belfast hoping to get more involved in the music scene!

 

“I’ve always been involved with music from a young age but you couldn’t have paid me to sing or perform infront of anyone for years: little miss shy lol.” Cara began with piano and singing lessons and when she gained some confidence, she picked up the guitar at around 16. From then, she started writing her own music and fell in love with performing.

 

While favourite and most inspirational artists change frequently, Cara says her favourite artist and inspiration at the minute is Lizzy McAlpine. “I find her style of writing and performing to be quite similar to mine, which is nice to relate to. It inspire me to get creative. Another two would be Pheobe Bridgers and Holly Humberstone.”

 

If you would like to listen to Cara, her first single ‘Pretty Promises’ was released in April 2022 and it’s on all streaming platforms. “I was so nervous but looking back at how far I had come was a very proud moment for me.” As well as that, she also said, “I have some new songs waiting to be released this year too, so I’m very excited!”

 

When asked what genre she writes and performs in, Cara said, “I’m never sure how to answer this question, I think its folk/pop. I’ve not really strayed too far in terms of genre since I started writing. It’s just whatever comes naturally at the time!”

 

Cara describes her songwriting process as “very simple”, saying “it usually starts with guitar chords and from there I write my melody and lyrics. I don’ usually have a topic in mind before I write a song, but I usually get the urge to write after I’ve watched a movie/read a book or just heard something that inspires me.” One thing that stands out in Cara’s music is her focus and emphasis on the lyrics that she writes.

 

I then asked her if her own life inspired the music she writes. “I try not to be too obvious with lyrics but I would say every song has at least some inspiration from my own life for sure.” This is unsurprising. No matter how hard musicians try to keep music and life separate, it doesn’t happen as music is an emotional response in most cases. 

 

Although Cara tells me that she hasn’t really collaborated with many other musicians throughout her time performing, she did say, “I would love to do more!”

“‘Always believing in yourself’ when you’re a musician is something I always need to be reminded of. At the end of the day, I do it because I enjoy it so it’s important to never lose sight of that.”

“Most of the gigs that I do are original music gigs so they don’t happen as much as I would like. My next one is the 20th of March in Sandinos in Derry where I am supporting Susan O’Neill!” If you haven’t got tickets yet, get on that!

 

Cara’s most memorable gig was in Sandinos Bar in Derry in March last year. It was arranged by students at Magee and her brother’s band at the time were playing on the same night. “I was about to release my single, so I was very excited to perform it. There was a great turnout and it will always stick out in my head!” 

 

So, what is next for Cara?

“I have a couple of songs recorded and ready to release this year which I am very excited about! 
My next gig is March 30th in Sandinos in Derry supporting Susan O’Neill. I am looking forward to writing and performing more this year and to see where it takes me!”

Make sure you follow her and keep up to date with all her songs, events and gigs: 

Spotify: Cara Quinn

YouTube: Cara Quinn

Instagram: caraquinnofficial

Facebook: Cara Q Music