We had the honor of highlighting Caro Durán as our Featured Artist for March. Caro is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer hailing from Colombia, now based in New York City. She’s partnered with brands such as Ableton Live and Yamaha, earning her the status of an artist and ambassador for Latin America. We got the chance to ask her about her background and experience as a woman in the music industry!
When and how did you get started making music?
In Lebrija, Santander, Colombia, at the Bellavista estate, Caro Durán took her first steps in
music at the age of 9, with the piano and guitar as her first instruments. From that moment,
she knew her dream was to compose songs. She created melodies and lyrics that became
her own songs, thus paving the way for her love of musical composition. By the age of 16,
she had already written her first songs, which was in the year 2009.
At 19, she set out to share her music with the world and to record an album featuring her
own songs. At 20, she trained at the Modern Music and Sound Classroom in Colombia,
focusing on audio recording. Her interest in music production grew over the years, working in
recording studios in major Colombian cities alongside other producers, gaining experience
that led her to self-produce her music and produce other artists around the world.
You’ve and made music in multiple cities around the world. What have you appreciated most about each music scene you’ve been a part of?
Throughout my musical journey in different places, I have learned a wide range of musical
languages, genres, fusions, and innovative techniques within various creative spaces. Each
place has given me the opportunity to observe and immerse myself in the unique cultural
expressions of local music scenes, thereby enriching my perspective and understanding of sound art. Moreover, I have been able to incorporate into my productions the sounds, textures, and learnings acquired in each location, contributing to the diversity and originality of my work. Additionally, I cannot fail to mention the valuable friends I have met and brought from each place, who have enriched my musical experience with their talent and collaboration. In summary, each place has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration and learning that has shaped and defined my identity as a producer and composer.
Can you speak about what bi/multilingualism means to you in regards to music?
Bilingualism in music is an invaluable tool for me that opens doors to diversity, innovation,
and human connection. Speaking other languages, with English as my second language, the
most widely spoken globally, and Spanish as my native language, has allowed me to
establish meaningful bridges with musicians and producers from various parts of the world
with whom I actively collaborate. This linguistic ability empowers me to express my ideas
and visions as a music producer in different cultural contexts, connecting with artists,
instrumentalists, and producers in an authentic and enriching way. Moreover, bilingualism
offers me the opportunity to serve as a bridge between cultures through language, facilitating communication and joint musical creation. This experience not only expands my artistic horizons but also enriches my personal experience, bringing me closer to people and
strengthening my ties with the global music community.
What’s been a difficult moment in your music career, and how did you move through it?
One of the most challenging moments in my musical career was facing the uncertainty of
whether I was truly ready to venture into the world of music production, especially as a
woman. In my early days, the lack of female presence in production roles raised doubts in
me about whether I would be accepted and recognized in this male-dominated industry.
Believing in my abilities became a challenge, and the fear of pushing my limits and exposing my work to criticism would sometimes paralyze me.
I overcame these obstacles by understanding that waiting for the "perfect moment" to act
could mean missing out on the opportunity to live my dream. I accepted that I would never
be completely ready and decided to confront my fears, exposing my work to external
opinions and criticism. I set an emotional boundary that allowed me to protect myself while
opening up to new opportunities for growth and learning. I learned to value each experience
as an opportunity to share my knowledge, collaborate with others, and be in a continuous
process of teaching and learning. This perspective has allowed me to overcome my
insecurities and move forward with passion and determination in my musical career.
What advice would you give to young women and gender expansive people getting into music production?
My advice to young women and gender-expansive individuals pursuing a career in music
production would be not to wait until they feel completely ready to start, as life can pass by
while waiting for the ideal moment. It is essential to be observant and analytical, paying
attention to details and constantly learning from our surroundings and industry professionals.
Seize every moment, cultivate good habits, and capitalize on the learning opportunities that
come your way. Always keep your curiosity and passion for music alive. Additionally, it is
crucial to set emotional boundaries that help you stay strong in the face of criticism and
external opinions, ensuring they do not demotivate you or divert you from your path. With
determination, perseverance, and an open attitude towards learning, you can overcome any
obstacles and excel in the exciting world of music production.
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