by Lisa Irwin.
Troy, NY-based musician Caity Gallagher is making her mark with her unique sound, heartfelt songwriting, and passion for performing. Recently, Lisa Irwin had the opportunity to interview Caity to learn about her music, songwriting process, inspirations, and what’s ahead for this talented Capital Region musician.
RRX: I first heard you play at the Argyle Brewing Company’s Cambridge Depot a few years ago and thought you were amazing! I really appreciate you taking the time to do this interview with me. While preparing, I noticed that you perform as a solo artist, as part of a duo, and with a full band. Your style has been compared to musicians such as The Cranberries and Jackson Browne. What elements of those artists’ music do you feel most connected to, and how have they helped shape your own sound?
CG: I’ve always found that I prioritize lyrics and melody when writing. I feel like telling a story and weaving something within each song that others can relate to and find comfort in is my main focus, and then I try to combine that with a catchy/memorable melody. I think that songwriting style embodies the ‘70s Laurel Canyon vibe mixed with a more ‘90s pop/rock style.
RRX: I know this varies among musicians, but when creating a song, what usually comes first for you—the lyrics, the melody, or the overall feeling you want to capture?
CG: I’m almost always lyrics first. I’ll have an idea for a hook, or a couple of verse lines, then create a story around the feeling of those words. From there, I usually strum out a few chords in a folk progression, and find a melody that fits. Once I have an outline of the song in that way, I can play around with changing the key, adding other orchestration elements for recording, etc.
RRX: Your songs are praised for turning intimate experiences into stories that many people can relate to. What’s the most unexpected place or moment that has inspired a song?
CG: I always find inspiration while driving. I feel like it must be one of those instances where your mind is focused on something else, so your subconscious can flow freely without overthinking. But it’s happened countless times that I’ve had to pull over on the side of the road and type out a lyric idea before it’s forgotten (which is actually where the chorus of “Hour Drive” came from). I’ve also found that I get song ideas and am not really sure where they come from or who/what they’re about. And then years later I’ll be singing my own song and find the meaning in it that probably shaped its writing originally, but that I didn’t consciously connect to at that time.
RRX: Your music has been described as storytelling. Is there a song you’ve written that feels like a chapter from your own life?
CG: Definitely “My Days.” It details the struggles of finding your own footing and having a sense of self-assurance outside of the opinions and support of others. I wrote that song as more of a journal entry than anything else, not really planning to record or perform it live. It felt more personal and self-focused than any of my previous work, and it was something that initially I wasn’t sure would resonate with anyone else. I did get over the apprehension of that and decided to release it, and it’s become one of my favorite songs to play. It actually resonated so deeply with one friend that he used it in a scene for a movie he was producing!
RRX: Thank you again for taking the time for this interview! Do you have any upcoming projects, performances, or exciting things in the works that you’d like to share?
CG: I’ve been working on some new material that I feel very connected to and excited about, but no timelines on when these tunes will be recorded or released yet! I have the opportunity at the end of September to attend a songwriting camp, and I’m really looking forward to solidifying some of these songs there. I do have one very unique and exciting show coming up on Saturday, October 24th, at The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Zan Strumfeld Productions is hosting their fourth “Ooky Spooky Musical Showcase.” Nine other acts and I will be performing original music based on Capital Region history. Writing a song based on historical news articles is something completely out of my comfort zone, but it has been extremely enjoyable. I can’t wait for this show.
With new music on the horizon and exciting performances ahead, Caity Gallagher is an artist to keep an eye and an ear on. If you want to discover even more about Caity’s music, check out her official website, https://www.caitygallaghermusic.com, and follow her on Instagram.
