SUCCESS STORY

CARA:

A Journey from Corpus Christi to the World Stage

By Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, and now known professionally simply as CARA, this multi-talented artist has carved out a unique place in the music industry. Her legal name, Cara Quici, has since evolved into her professional moniker, CARA, marking a new chapter in her artistic journey. From the coastal town of Corpus Christi to the bright lights of New York City, Los Angeles, and more recently, Austin, Texas, CARA's life has been one of constant reinvention.

Growing up in Corpus Christi, CARA was surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and nature, and the influence of her brothers. Deeply rooted in the Latin community, her childhood shaped much of her musical style today. Music has always been at the core of CARA’s life, with a family that cherished concerts and live music, attending iconic performances like KOЯN, Limp Bizkit, and Staind’s ‘Family Values Tour.’ These early experiences instilled in CARA a passion for music that transcends genres, allowing her to blend her love of rock with the pop sound she’s known for today.

Her musical journey began in school, not just singing but also playing the flute, an instrument that continues to play a role in her work. This early connection to music has been the foundation of her creative development, guiding her toward a professional career.

CARA’s first jobs were as relatable as they come—working the drive-through at Taco Cabana and piercing ears at Claire’s Accessories in the mall. These humble beginnings gave her a grounding that she carries with her, even as she now stands on the cusp of releasing her debut album.

Her career highlights are numerous, but some of the most standout moments include performing on Bravo TV’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where she not only gave a live performance but was also a special guest. Perhaps most significant was the opportunity to work alongside one of her idols, the late Gangsta Boo from Three 6 Mafia. Their collaboration on the track ‘YEA HOE,’ which will be featured on her upcoming album THE KRONICLES, is a testament to CARA’s journey from fan to collaborator with some of the music industry's most respected names.

When it comes to her craft, CARA has a distinct process. She begins by developing the top-line melody and lets that dictate the rest of the song. She writes the hook and chorus first, allowing the music to inspire the verses. Her perfectionism shines through as she refines her songs in the studio, returning to make edits and work closely with her vocal coach before recording the final version. This methodical approach has resulted in songs that resonate deeply with her audience.

CARA’s accomplishments speak volumes about her dedication and talent. Her single “Fight” was approved by none other than Rick Rubin and the Beastie Boys, and she became the most spun independent artist on Top 40 radio for four consecutive weeks. Being one of the first musical artists to perform on Bravo TV's Watch What Happens Live was another milestone in her career. Yet, the collaboration with Gangsta Boo stands out as one of the most cherished moments in her life, not only musically but personally.

In a demanding industry, CARA has found balance through her personal life, especially in her bond with her two rescue dogs, East and Hazel. She emphasizes the importance of routines and self-care, knowing that in order to give her best professionally, she must first take care of herself. Staying grounded, both spiritually and emotionally, has helped her navigate the pressures of her rising career while maintaining a sense of peace.

CARA’s most significant project to date is her debut album THE KRONICLES, a deeply personal work that chronicles the chapters of her life. The album is dedicated to those closest to her, including her late brother Alex, her mother Mary, and her dear friend and mentor Lola (aka Gangsta Boo). With her first single "BLVD," featuring her own flute playing, CARA is set to make a powerful impact on the music scene. THE KRONICLES promises to be more than just music—it’s an autobiographical journey filled with emotion, life lessons, and CARA’s heart and soul.

At the core of CARA’s music and life philosophy is kindness. She wants her listeners to take away a message of resilience, positivity, and respect for others. As her late brother Alex used to say, “Keep Calm and Carry On,” a sentiment that CARA carries into her work and hopes to pass on to those facing their own challenges.

With THE KRONICLES on the horizon, CARA is poised to make an indelible mark on the music world, inspiring others through her journey of transformation, loss, and triumph.

BIOGRAPHY

1 -Your music seems to blend several genres. How do you manage to integrate your rock, pop, and Latin influences while maintaining a cohesive musical identity?

I grew up listening and being exposed to many different genres of music all at once, so for me it’s natural. Music is a feeling and those feelings can take you any place they want to take you. The music will come out the way it needs to come out according to my authentic writing. For me, since my album “The Kronicles” is essentially a musical book of chapters, each song takes you on a ride through stories that lead you from one chapter to another, so it all blends cohesively, but with many different emotions, just as life is. For example, in my opening single of the album, BLVD, although it is based in pop, I play a concert flute solo in the song myself. I have been playing flute since the age of 12. BLVD is out now everywhere and climbing the charts on TOP 40 pop radio. I executive produced the entire album myself.

2 - You've collaborated with artists like Gangsta Boo, who had a major influence on your career. What personal and artistic lessons did you take away from this collaboration?

I learned that it’s very important when you record in-studio, that you sound exactly like the radio version of yourself, already. It’s important to have a natural vocal and be totally authentic, to YOU! I also learned that it’s OK to let the engineer know when there’s a problem. Before Gangsta Boo arrived one day, I was trying to explain a delay problem to an engineer and he wouldn’t listen and then Boo arrived and without me telling her, she found the exact same problem. We both have good ears! I was so vindicated when Boo “told off” this engineer in front of me because I had been telling him that same thing for an hour, ha ha! Always go with your gut instinct in life, especially in the studio!!

Talent: CARA - @caraofficial https://officialcara.com/
Photographer: Darwin Damian - @darwinworldmedia
Makeup: Sophia Escobedo - @sophiaartistry
Hair: Paolo Franco @paolofranco.atx
Production Coordinator: Kelsey Flanagan - @kelseyflan

3- Your upcoming album, THE KRONICLES, appears to be deeply autobiographical. What are the most significant personal stories or experiences you wanted to immortalize through this album?

This album was inspired from the decade I spent growing cannabis in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, for dispensaries and the struggles, trials and tribulations that I encountered and experienced during this time of my life. Most importantly, I needed to put my grief from losing my brother and mother tragically and unjustly, into this album or I would not have survived those losses. I ended up losing my dear friend and mentor, Lola, aka Gangsta Boo, as well in between my brother and my mother’s untimely deaths. There were three major deaths in a row in my life within a span of a couple years. It was traumatic and shocking. Music and my dogs have saved my life, truly.

4- Growing up surrounded by the rock and alternative music scene, how have your musical tastes evolved over time, and what new influences inspire you today?

When I grew up with rock music due to my parents, it made me want to go the opposite direction in music, so I used to hide and listen to pop music with my old school 90’s tape deck. The tape deck had FM radio stations so I was astonished when I found my first pop station, Hot Z-95 in my hometown of Corpus Christi, and I fell in love with the happy sound, regardless of any sadness in it, pop never left me. I like to say that I blend various genres into pop music. Pop music is always the base of it all for me.

5- Music is often an emotional outlet. What emotions or messages do you hope to convey to your audience through THE KRONICLES?

I want to help people be able to deal with their grief and losses and know that things will get better even though they will never heal, but that overtime, they can still become empowered and lead a positive and fulfilling life filled with passions and hopefully art, too! It won’t be easy, but it’s possible! You will learn how to live again.

6- You've mentioned that your dogs, East and Hazel, help keep you grounded. How does your relationship with them influence your creative process and emotional well-being in such a demanding industry?

I feel like without my dogs and music, I would not be here today, to be honest.. I have dealt with so much grief in the last few years that I have questioned why I’m even here at times, but I have another brother Bryan and I have my dogs and because of them I will stay here. Of course, my pups help my creativity because they help my stress level decrease, which then increases my creativity. My girls make me so happy and

inspired! I also personally rescued each of them myself out of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. East was on the 5 freeway and I rescued her off of it myself and Hazel desperately needed a home because ASPCA was about to take her off the streets. She was in dire need. They both were.

7- You’ve lived in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Austin. How have these different urban cultures shaped your artistic and personal journey?

I feel like I’m able to relate to various types of people, music and cultures because I’ve been exposed to and I’ve been apart of so many different cultures and cities, which I am extremely appreciative and proud of.

INTERVIEW

8- Your songwriting process is very structured, from the melody to rewriting and vocal coaching. How do you balance the technical aspects of production with the spontaneous inspiration that fuels your songs?

For me, that’s the beauty and magic in creating a song from scratch, and songwriting. It actually all flows together as one. I am able to take art and feelings that are usually abstract and emotional and create structure for them specifically, so that other people can actually understand clearly and be touched within their own souls and be touched within their own emotions. That’s what makes song writing truly so special, for me at least. You are actually able to take abstract art and beautifully put it in a structure, for anyone to hear.

9- You've performed on prestigious shows like Watch What Happens Live. What challenges or pressures do you face as an independent artist performing on such public platforms?

Well, of course there’s added pressures because you are independent, so you’ve got to get it right. No matter what you do in life there’s always going to be challenges and added pressures, so the best thing you can do for yourself is do your absolute best in everything you do, every single time, no matter what. As cliché as it sounds… Be prepared! Practice really does makes perfect. Practice, practice, practice!

10- Your album is dedicated to several important people in your life, including your brother Alex and your mother Mary. How do their memory and influence continue to guide your career and personal development?

Everything that I do, I do for my family and I, which ofcourse includes my doggies. I want to be the best that I can be for my family, and for my family and friends that are no longer here with us, so as they are watching me from heaven, they can see the world through my eyes and just as well, have even more to be proud of. I must now leave a legacy behind for myself and my family.

Thank you for your patience in receiving this interview and have a wonderful weekend!