Carey Appel

This singer-songwriter keeps getting better - - exquisite new arrangements - - - poetic country storytelling sprinkled with her soulful renditions of Melody Gardot and my favorite is still her glorious interpretation of "Heavenly Day" - Amy Jackson

Soulful, poetic, hauntingly beautiful melodies and lyrics . . . - Tom Carroll

Successful Los Angeles/Pasadena retailer, child advocate, and CII Trustee Carey Appel Pearlman shared her talent as a jazz vocalist in a benefit performance at The Catalina Bar & Grill, Hollywood’s renowned jazz club. Carey’s solo show, “New Beginnings,” attracted a capacity crowd who heard her renditions of jazz and personal favorites. Proceeds from the event benefited children in CII’s Performing Arts Program - Children's Institute

How many children do you have and what are their ages? I am blessed to have two girls – both of whom sing - - ages 18 and 20.

How has motherhood enriched your music and/or affected your career? I rekindled my music career about 12 years ago when I became a single mom . . .the girls both did shows with me when they were younger ...we had adorable mother/daughters’ acts! When I write I do pull from the emotional “mother/daughter” stuff - - and my younger daughter still does gigs with me. She has written a tear-jerker of a song about our rocky road since the divorce from her Dad; and while painful for me to hear, it is amazing. It’s being pitched for TV and movies . . .

How have you made time to balance goals and aspirations? I’m not sure I do that very well!! I have a great staff to run my retail store, which gives me time to write music and seek out music that I want to do... I take one day at a time, and know I can’t do it all at once. I make sure I sing everyday. I nap!!!! That helps!

Any challenges you’d like to share? There are a lot of very talented performers out there who are much younger than me . . . . I would say age is the biggest challenge in terms of a music career late in life. Also radio promotion is tougher than I thought!!!!

When did you become interested in music? Been singing since I was 3 - - I sang like Julie Andrews and used to sing “The Sound of Music” from my balcony.

Where do you get your inspiration? I would have to say from life experience. I love singing about the stuff that we all feel but don’t express. Performing is such a rich vehicle for that. The late Eva Cassidy completely inspired me to start singing again. I listen to “Coffeehouse” radio and am always running out to hear a new artist somewhere. . . When I hear something that really grabs me, I think “How can I do that?” and the wheels start turning . . .

When did you start your own business? I started my retail business 30 years ago - -my music production company only about a year ago – after I recorded my first album. It allows me to develop material that I love and identify with –

What do you love about what you do? I finally feel free to do the music I resonate with and love. I think it’s connecting with the music, and sharing it that I love the most.

Do you have any advice for other Rockin’ Moms? It’s not too late!! You need to go for it!

Where do you see yourself a year from now? Hopefully, on Coffeehouse radio!!!!

Thank you for your interview with Rockin' Moms!
- Rockin' Moms