By Olivia Nerpouni
Pop singer-songwriter CARA is preparing to release one of her most deeply personal singles yet: “TEARS.” Set to debut in the next couple of months, “TEARS” captures a raw and emotional chapter of CARA’s life. She wrote the song during a dark period, following the devastating loss of two close family members. Overcome with sadness and searching for meaning, CARA found herself questioning life’s purpose – why we work so hard when, in the end, we lose the people we love. The song’s lyrics reflect the confusion and sorrow she felt at this time, capturing the desperation of not understanding why we are here. The song is a hauntingly beautiful track that she hopes will resonate with anyone who has struggled with grief or the uncertainty of life.
The release of “TEARS” follows the success of her previous single, “BLVD.” This track was listeners’ first glimpse into her upcoming album, The Kronicles, and paints a picture of the ups and downs of her life in Los Angeles. With “BLVD,” CARA touches upon the idea that everyone in LA is a star in their own right, working through their own personal journeys filled with highs and lows. Combining pop and trap music with an unexpected classical flute element makes “BLVD” stand out against CARA’s other works. The inclusion of the flute, a reflection of the artist’s own expertise with the instrument, adds a unique layer to the song that makes it feel even more personal.
In December, CARA premiered the music video for “BLVD” on YouTube, bringing the song’s high-energy storyline to life. The visuals capture the dynamic nature of LA, from the iconic Santa Monica Pier to wild club nights and reflective moments in front of the Hollywood Sign. Through the video’s many scenes, CARA shows the city’s duality while emphasizing her own journey as an artist within it. The video is both a love letter to the city and an indication of the resilience required to thrive in its competitive entertainment landscape.
Although the exact release date for The Kronicles has not been revealed, the album is set to be CARA’s most introspective and personal work yet. This album takes on a more serious tone compared to her previous music, exploring raw emotions surrounding grief, loss, and overcoming one’s struggles to lead to self empowerment, simultaneously helping listeners with their own loss and empowerment. CARA has channeled her experiences into powerful storytelling, addressing significant moments in her life like happy childhood memories with her brother as well as the challenges of being a female cannabis entrepreneur in LA and navigating other personal hardships. Each song in the album represents a “chapter” of her life, with corresponding visuals and interviews that will soon be available on her website to help listeners engage with her music on a deeper level. As the executive producer of the entire album, CARA is heavily involved in all production aspects of The Kronicles, serving as the album’s only writer and creative director. This hands-on approach to directing her music ensures that her album and future works remain true to her artistic vision.
One of the most highly-anticipated tracks on The Kronicles is “CARA KUSH,” featuring the late rapper Gangsta Boo (Lola Chantrelle Mitchell) of the legendary hip-hop ground Three 6 Mafia. CARA feels honored to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Gangsta Boo before her passing, emphasizing how the rapper’s creative contributions remain intact in the final version of the track. She believes that Gangsta Boo’s presence in the song will make it a heartfelt tribute to the iconic artist’s legacy.
As the release date for her new album approaches, fans can expect more music videos and high-quality performances from CARA. With The Kronicles, she is opening up like never before, sharing her truths and experiences in a way that is compelling and relatable. “BLVD” and “TEARS” are just the beginning, and The Kronicles promises to be one of CARA’s most impactful projects to date.
