Eileen Carey - This Is Where

Eileen Carey - This Is Where - Interview

With her latest single “This Is Where,” California-based artist Eileen Carey released a reflective yet uplifting breakup song that focuses on the beauty of growth and new beginning. Read on to learn more in our interview with her.

Hi Eileen, welcome in AFX Radio. First, can you take us behind the inspiration for “This Is Where”?

“Inspired by another song I heard about two people that shared a memory that will always endure. I think everybody has that person or moment that stays with them through life.”

And now tell us about the day you wrote “This Is Where”? How did the song come about?

“The process we use to write these songs is pretty much the same each writing day, as it has been for some time now, between Lily Wilson and myself. The song came about when I pitched the idea to Lily and we began to discuss it. It is a collaboration.”

Did you have an ah-ha moment when writing where it all clicked?

“Every songwriter has that “ah-ha” moment when the chorus clicks and resonates. And every artist has that “ah-ha” moment when they first listen to the finished product that has it!”

When it comes to the production - what did that look like? Where did you produce and did any aspects of the song change when in the studio?

“Bi-coastal. Lily Wilson and I, as I have said, start writing some ideas that come out of my consciousness, refine the idea, music and demo the idea to route to my producer Travis Allen of Nashville Tracks in Nashville, where he creates the tracks. We’ve been together for years. Been a driving force in my career. Then he sends it to me to learn the tracks and sing to them. We discuss further backgrounds, arrangements etc. till I go to Nashville to sing the actual recording.”

Now can you tell us how your background has inspired your music? And in what ways?

“I was born and raised in a suburb of Cleveland Ohio to a hard-working middle class American family. As a kid I fooled around playing drums. I would sing in lots of school shows as well. Music was always my first love. My musical journey began when my father gifted me a drum set after noticing my constant rhythm tapping. It was a magical moment.”

What artists as an artist yourself are you most inspired by and why?

“Everyone from Keith Urban for his always positive country rock to people like Chrissie Hynde and Martha Davis, The Beatles, a lot of 80s. Country came later when a radio promoter thought my single in Adult Contemporary would have success on the country charts. He was right, and my country reputation took off from there.”

How has your music evolved over the years?

“For one thing I have become a better songwriter. The consistency of my writing, recording and live performance has evolved my whole brand. I have a very talented band of musicians who have also influenced my growth as an artist and musician as well. The one I have now is world class. Every one of them has had considerable careers in their own right and have all taught me something, not the least of all how to listen. John McDuffie my music Director has had a long career as Rita Coolidge’s lead guitar and MD as well as Carl Byron on keyboards, Lynn Coulter on drums, Devitt Feeley on acoustic guitar and vocals, Gia Ciambotti from the Graces on vocals and Alexis Skjlarevski on bass. “

What aspect of your music - including “This Is Where” - are you most proud of?

“My ability to reach people where they need to be reached. I am glad to have the opportunity to reach people through my positive outlooks. One of the blessings of having an artist footprint in the world is that people tend to pay attention to you. I have a thing about animals; and that young people should not hinge their self-worth on dysfunctional relationships. I have a thing about people creating the life they want to create. My songs are all about self-determination and courage, male or female. Country music is so full of broken hearts, but my subject matter is what sometimes separates me from many artists.”

And how do you think this release fits into what you plan to release in the future in terms of theme and sound?

“My themes and sound are my brand of positive, honest, catchy and a combination of pop, country and rock. It has been called West Coast Pop-Country by many. It is a balancing act, a blend of the earthy storytelling tradition of country music with the bright, sparkling energy of pop music.”

Are there any crazy goals you have for the year ahead we should be looking forward to?

“Sure. A Grammy! Playing the biggest stages in the world. Winning an Oscar! Lol! Truly though. I aspire to reach the world if I can with my music, message and my voice.

Have a number of shows at The Whisky coming up in May and July, San Diego Fair in June. Sunday, May 3, 2026 I am sharing the stage with Creed Fisher at The Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, June 18, 2026, I am at the San Diego Fair on The Paddock Stage 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM. I am back at The Whisky, sharing the stage with The Thomas Nicholas Band, on July 8th. Planning to be in Nashville this Fall for more vocals, interviews, podcast or two. Like the Summer line-up more to announce in Nashville. Finally getting ‘This Is Where to radio.”