Check Out Cara Louise Wegener’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Louise Wegener.

Cara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been writing my whole life, but it wasn’t until I taught myself guitar around 2011 that I actually started writing songs and performing at open mic nights. By 2012, I recorded my first EP living in St. Louis, MO. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I enjoyed songwriting, recording, and performing around St. Louis and regionally. People seemed to like it. Was building pretty great momentum with my songs when the pandemic hit and I decided it was time to move.

Naturally, I wanted to get down to Music City, but it has gotten so expensive here, that my husband (who is also a musician, songwriter, and artist) and I ended up 30 minutes outside of town in Ashland City, TN. I finished an LP with producer David Beeman at Native Sound Recordings in St. Louis before we left, and since shows have been coming back, we’re now releasing it with vinyl distribution help from Soul Step Records – which is also now located in Nashville.

Looking forward to exploring more of Nashville, meeting folks, and getting my songs out there.

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?
I’ve struggled a lot over the pandemic because so much of my identity and self-worth were wrapped up in playing live shows. No to mention, it was a struggle to keep my momentum alive and money in the bank.

I was playing nearly every weekend around the Midwest while holding down a full-time day job in finance that I hated. I cried all the time because I was stuck behind a desk when I knew that I should be working on my music career. I needed health benefits and money to pay my bills, but I was totally unhappy and felt stuck in a life that I didn’t want and felt completely drained and uncreative when I got home every day.

Since moving to Nashville, it’s been a struggle getting paid for shows and affording to keep a band, but I’m much happier here because it’s new and exciting. Also, I don’t work in finance anymore, and I don’t work in an office at all which has been great for my mental health and writing.

On a personal level, my album speaks a lot about other internal struggles within my family and beliefs. You could say I’m the black sheep of my family, even though I try really hard to be a good person and a supportive family member.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I started out as a country/folk singer-songwriter, but as time has passed, I’ve experimented with many different genres. I like to think my records are eclectic and genre-less. It’s not the easiest to market, but it’s true to who I am as an artist. I’m inspired by so many artists of all different genres, and I think that comes through in my work.

I’m most proud of the record I’m putting out now. It’s the most cohesive collection of songs I’ve ever written, as in, lyrically they speak on similar themes. Most of the songs were written during the slowdown of the pandemic and touched on feelings of hopelessness and nihilistic worldviews that come with age.

I’m probably most known for my unique voice, and also my style. Very much into fashions of the 1960s and 70s. I also love creating videos to accompany my songs and try to do that as much as possible. I love acting and dancing and putting on outfits, so it all kind of comes together.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Authenticity and honesty.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cara-louise.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara_couise/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/lara_couise/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbcolQ-0eS4&list=PL34YGJnA4LzVWx0hgyFkvZPdtcjmLcZCc