A few thoughts from Cara...
I believe that the greatest beauty is found in things with the greatest simplicity. This is a controlling principle for me. A straight tone, a line without ornament, these are the things that make the truth of the lyrics stand out. My CD is centered on this idea. I deconstructed the traditional rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums) and recorded each track with only one instrumentalist at a time. Simplicity. I tried to bring out the meaning of certain tunes like "Reaching for the Moon" by surrounding the melody and lyrics with space, giving the listener plenty of room to explore the music for themselves.
I spent several years studying classical North Indian vocal music, known as khyal. Studying in this tradition gave me a new appreciation for the human voice. It can set the mood of an entire performance, and brings the listener into the singer's world. I try to accomplish this every time I sing (though I'm sure to varying degrees of success).
For me, as for many people, I see the world through my art. I understand others through their music, and I express my beliefs through my own. Listen closely, and you'll hear meanings that I myself may not have even realized I was conveying. More than anything I hope you enjoy and are moved by my music, because really... that's the whole point, isn't it?