ARTIST APPROVED
with wanting to figure it out.
writing to as well, as it really opens up a song to go in so many different produc- tion directions. My current live show includes drums and an alternating acoustic/electric guitar. My show relies a lot on cool pedalboard tones, as well as keeping most of the pop elements in track. I really enjoy that setup because my music is so guitar heavy, and I think it really gives those elements the time to shine. MI: Are there any new or emerging pieces of gear you’ve recently tried that have caught your attention or inspired you in the creative process? CR: I bought a little removable rubber bridge recently from a local Nashville company called Dead Ringer, and I’m obsessed. It’s causing me to write wordier songs and find melodies that I normally wouldn’t jump to. It’s such a simple thing, but I love that I can just take it on and off whenever. MI — By Kimberly Kapela
MI: What’s your all-time favorite instrument? CR: I’d say my Taylor acoustic guitar is definitely my all-time favorite. It was the guitar I bought when I first began com- ing to Nashville to write and play shows, and I truly feel like it’s grown up with me. In many ways it’s operated as a core part of my sound (both in writing and live performance), but the way I’ve used and incorporated it has changed over the years. It’s got this brightness to it that I love, and at the end of the day, it’s just a great guitar to accompany any emotion, mood or sound I’m feeling. MI: Are there any instruments that are your go-to choices for recording or performing live? CR: Lately I’ve kept things pretty simple. When writing, I always return to either an acoustic guitar or a ’90s electric guitar sound. Piano is always so fun to begin
Alt-pop singer-songwriter Caroline Romano shares why she credits her Taylor acoustic as the core of her musical journey. CAROLINE ROMANO Music Inc. Magazine: What was your very first musical instrument? CAROLINE ROMANO: My first instrument was a Best Choice guitar from Toys “R” Us. It was bright blue with flowers on the front, and I got it for Christmas when I was 5. I had absolutely no idea how to play it, but I remember being fascinated
18 I MUSIC INC. I AUGUST 2026
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