Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Baker.
Hi Caroline, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up surrounded by music. At home, at school, at church. It followed me everywhere and I embraced it. My mom was very influential in my love of instruments and my father was very influential in my love of writing. My mother placed me in piano at around the age of five and I started writing songs shortly thereafter. (Granted they weren’t very good, but it was something). My father introduced me to musicians like Carole King, Rupert Holmes, The Eagles, Michael Jackson… The list goes on and on. These musicians are what inspired me to write. The way songs evoke emotion and different interpretations of songs can evoke different emotions; it’s simply mind blowing.
I studied music privately after school up until my senior year of highschool where I attended Interlochen Arts Academy. Interlochen is an arts boarding school in Michigan where I was able to study songwriting. Interlochen is where I made the decision to pursue music seriously. After graduating, I started working towards releasing what is now my solo project, JMES.
JMES is my solo project that began in July 2020. The name, JMES, is inspired and in honor of my grandfather, James. He was a positive influence in my life and always encouraged me to be strong and follow my dreams. His biggest influence on me, and in my music, is that he was transparent and honest. I believe that he really understood how impactful your own story can be to someone and that you never know who it might resonate with.
I am currently a worship leader and vocalist at two churches in Dallas. I am also in the process of my next project! I am taking the time I have to write more music, be more vulnerable, and refocus. I can’t wait to share my next project with everyone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, not even in the slightest. I find it rarely is when you are pursuing anything in life that lights you at the core. Internal battles have been my biggest struggle. Allowing myself to be vulnerable enough to let people into my personal experiences through my music was hard. Even harder, the ‘perfection paralysis’ that followed after each release. The self-critiquing and wanting the next project to be better than the one before. I am blessed to have not had external obstacles throughout my projects. I am now just learning to work through the internal struggles that I encountered and growing through them!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer-songwriter. I play piano and guitar but am a writer and vocalist more than anything else. I think what sets me apart from others is that I don’t sugarcoat. My recent releases all come from real life experiences, heart ache, love, and people. I include all the good and all the bad. That is what I am most proud of. Telling it as it is.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
It’s hard to predict any new trend or change, particularly in the creative fields, but I think concerts will make a huge comeback. I’ve never been one for rubbing elbows with someone while listening to music that is so loud you can feel the ground shaking, but I am absolutely dying to be part of that. It’s one of those things that you don’t realize you took for granted until you aren’t able to do it anymore. After this past year and a half, I think most people will be jumping at every chance they get to experience music in a live setting. I know I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: jmesmusic.com
- Instagram: @jmesmusic
- Facebook: @jmesmusic
Image Credits
Main Image, cloud and grass background, pink dress : Maia Tharp Black dress, white background image: Maia Tharp Pink dress, full body, blue/grey background: Jeremy Pesina Black sheer top, blue sky: Helen Jade Black top, red pants: William Baker Black top, red heart, black background, wet hair: William Baker
