Turning loss, healing, and personal experience into music
For singer, songwriter, and producer CARA, music is deeply personal. Her upcoming autobiographical album, THE KRONICLES, reflects a journey through loss, healing, resilience, and empowerment. In conversation with Mojito Magazine, CARA shares the story behind the project, the importance of creative freedom, her connection to the flute, and what it means to honor the legacy of her late friend and mentor, Gangsta Boo.
CARA, your upcoming album, THE KRONICLES, is your most personal project yet. What inspired you to tell your story through this album?
I needed to write THE KRONICLES to survive. When I lost my brother Alex in a serious tragedy, I genuinely felt like my life was over, and music became the way I picked myself back up and found my footing again. Every song represents a piece of that journey, before it, throughout it, and beyond it. I was surviving, grieving, rebuilding, and finding the strength to keep moving forward in empowerment.
Music became your way of healing after the loss of your mother and brother. How has creating THE KRONICLES changed you as both an artist and a person?
It pushed me to be more honest in my songwriting and fearless in the studio. Every record on the album has a purpose, and creating this music reminded me that vulnerability is one of my greatest strengths.
You write, perform, and executive produce your own music. Why was it important for you to have complete creative control over this project?
Why would I have anyone else write my autobiography? THE KRONICLES is my story, my life, and my organic experiences, so it wouldn’t make sense for someone else to tell it for me. My sound is also continuing to develop, so taking the creative lead has happened naturally. Only I know what I want to say, the story I want to tell, and how I want it to sound.
The flute has been part of your life since you were twelve and is now a signature part of your sound. What does it allow you to express that words cannot?
The flute was the first instrument I ever played, so it’s ingrained into my soul. Bringing it back into my music felt completely natural and was a complete 360. It’s part of who I am. It allows me to express emotion in a way my voice sometimes can’t.
Your upcoming single, “Yeah WZUP,” features the late Gangsta Boo, who was both your mentor and friend. What does this collaboration mean to you today?
“Yeah WZUP” is one of the most exciting records I’ve ever made. It’s confident, upbeat, and celebrates female empowerment with strength and attitude. Having Gangsta Boo on the track makes it even more special because she was a true pioneer who inspired so many artists. I’m proud that her voice and legacy will continue to live on through this album. I miss her so much. I am forever grateful to her for believing in me and being there for me. It’s extremely surreal to have Gangsta Boo on my album. Now I need to do the record justice!
If there’s one message you hope listeners will take away from THE KRONICLES, what would it be?
I hope listeners hear the growth and versatility in my music. Whether it’s an emotional record or an anthem like “Yeah WZUP,” I want every song to leave people feeling inspired, confident, and ready to turn the page to their own next chapter.
CREDITS
Singer/Songwriter/Producer: CARA @caraofficial
Photographer: DARWIN @DarwinWorldMedia
Makeup: Xander Tang @makeupbyxander
Hair: Erick Torres @hairbyerxck
