Singer-Songwriters have always held a special place in my heart, as I feel they bring that extra “something” to the quality of their work. Everyone from Carole King to Sheryl Crow to the modern ones in Taylor Swift and Adele really prove what a force they are to be reckoned with in the music industry. Well, there is a new girl in town who has plans to be on the same level as those megastars, and she hails from my hood of Long Island. This is someone simply by the name of SEE.
After releasing her first single from her debut album “Ties”, SEE has been having quite the busy summer, where she is touring all over New York and Connecticut, including a stop tonight at Arlene’s Grocery. On top of her amazing voice, she plays multiple instruments that range from the piano to the guitar, which you can really hear the range in the music itself. I sat down with SEE this week to discuss her booming career, how she actually go her stage name, future goals, and so much more. Take a look.
First of all, how did you get the stage name SEE? Does it stand for something?
I’ve had the name since I was younger and I think it just came from the first letter in my birth name, Carley, is C. So SEE is just the letter “C” spelled out. I had this plan to be a drummer in a huge band and then break off and do a solo career and for some reason the name always stuck with me!
What inspired you to get into the music industry in the first place?
I really just loved music growing up and once I began playing instruments and performing in some bands in high school, I realized that I didn’t want to be doing anything else. It was scary immediately getting into it after high school but I’m happy I took the plunge and focused all of my energy on music.
I see you play a bunch of different instruments, from the guitar and piano. Does one hold a special place in your heart?
Both the drums and the guitar are equally as important to me. I grew up playing the drums first and falling in love with those, but being able to melodically write songs on a guitar is something that I find so much inspiration in.
Who are your biggest musical heroes that influence your music?
There isn’t a definitive list for me. I just love great songs. Even just going to local open mics on the island and in the city, there have been some instances where I’ve been incredibly moved by a simple song that someone 40 years older than me has written.
Let’s talk about “Ties”, your debut EP. What can people expect from it?
People can expect a group of songs that kinda vary in style – from alt pop to rock to singer songwriter. It sounds ~cliche but I think theres almost something for everyone here. Overall despite the differently styles I think my voice and the ambience behind it all creates a similar soundscape.
Do you have a favorite track from it and why?
Every time I get to the end few minutes of “Closed Eyes Open” it usually affects me the most. That song is a very personal one for me and in the studio we made the ending have this huge ambient rock feel, and for whatever reason that particular part feels the most “me”. Having been playing the EP live recently that song also has definitely been my favorite one to perform so far. That being said, tomorrow I’ll probably hate that track and like another one more. It all depends on my mood honestly!
What is your take on the music industry today?
Honestly it’s a big jumbled mess but it always has been and probably will continue to stay that way. I haven’t even been in the industry that long and I’m sure I haven’t even experienced 1% beyond the surface of it, but from what I’ve gathered there are plenty of horrible people and also plenty of amazing crazy talented people. As a new artist the hardest thing has been getting people to pay attention and listen because there are so many new artists and new forms of media and it’s very easy to get lost in the mix. However I’m lucky to have an amazing team behind me and I’m confident that it’ll all work out.
Big plans for the rest of 2016?
Yeah! I’m currently panning some new music videos and just getting ready to tour a ton and really get my live show on the road. Everything has been going wonderfully so far so I’m stoked to see what the rest of the year will bring.