Carolyn Cates is a multi-genre songwriter and enthusiastic co-writer from the Piedmont Region of Georgia. Her closest major city is Athens (between Atlanta and Augusta). She loves experimenting and genre blending, based on her interests, enjoyment, and vision. Carolyn’s motto is “A Little Bit of Everything!”
CO-WRITING
Co-writing is Carolyn’s favorite pastime, and she will always be delighted at the opportunity to connect with a new co-writer, regardless of skill level or experience. Always assume you’re “good enough.” Send an email to find out her availability for a “meet and greet” via Zoom. Your patience is appreciated.
PERSONAL GOALS FOR 2024
With the understanding that I’m not necessarily guaranteed a “tomorrow,” these are my goals:
-Co-write and collaborate with other songwriters every day.
-Enjoy the journey and help others along the way.
-Suicide prevention and awareness.
-Connect and be more active with fans.
-First live performance ever (hopefully) in 2024. [Done: First live performance was on 04/27/2024!]
-First sync placement of a song in a movie or tv show (hopefully) by 2025.
-Learn vocal production techniques for helping people with injuries affecting their singing voice (hopefully) by 2026.
SINGLE RELEASES
August 2023, “Rescue Story” (Carolyn’s first solo release)
March 2023 – “Secret Keeper” (Carolyn’s first co-release, with Rowan Newcomb)
ARTIST PLACEMENTS
April 2024 – “Partners In Your Plan (released by Josh Long feat. Naomie)
March 2024 – “Put On Christ” (released by Suzanne Hodson feat. Becky Willard)
February 2024 – “Rocky Road (Acoustic Version)” (released by Lori Allaire)
February 2024 – “Gladness In My Heart” (released by Valerie Saundry)
November 2023 – “Rocky Road” (released by Lori Allaire)
February 2023 – “I See Nothing But Red” (released by Muriel)
January 2023 – “Domination” (released by Kat Mitchell feat. Ricky Zortman)
SYNC PLACEMENTS
2007 to 2012 – Sound Effects (used by AFKSoft in video games for various platforms)
December 2010 – “Silent Night” (used by AFKSoft in “Santa’s Christmas Word Search” for iOS)
DEMOS THAT NEED PLACEMENT
– “Livin’ In A Pumpkin” (written by William Davenport and Carolyn Wood Cates, demo singer is William Davenport, demo produced by Waxx Floetiq)
ACHIEVEMENTS OR ACCOLADES
I can do nothing on my own – especially since my brain aneurysm ruptured in 2000. So in the #1 spot here, with all glory, honor, and praise for anything I do properly, is God my creator, who has saved me in so many ways, so many times, even when I didn’t believe he existed. I still exist solely because of him. Next are my co-writers, without whom I probably wouldn’t even have the drive to keep lifting my head each day, nor would I be writing songs worth hearing. I can’t help but recognize Song Chasers, where I find my daily encouragement and training so that I can continually work toward becoming a better songwriter. Last but not least, and this may not seem related to songwriting at all, but my medical team, my physical therapy team, my prayer partners, my friends, and my family, are all there for me on a daily basis to laugh with me, cry with me, grieve with me, and celebrate with me. After God and all those people receive their recognition for any of these achievements or accolades, only then can you credit me for anything. With that said:
NSAI “Ones To Watch” Nominations:
04/29/2024 “Missing PIeces” co-written by Brandon Dritenbas and Carolyn Wood Cates
04/29/2024 “Good Girls Don’t Bite” co-written by Marissa Moore, Jessica Davis, Albert Compton, Jay Novicky, and Carolyn Wood Cates
04/21/2024 “Livin’ In A Pumpkin” co-written by William Davenport and Carolyn Wood Cates
10/03/2023 “Rocky Road” co-written by Lori Allaire and Carolyn Wood Cates
SONG CATALOG
As of the last count in April 2024, Carolyn’s catalog includes over 400 songs (demos/worktapes available), written or co-written since 2021, including some Folk, Country, Alternative, Rock, Pop, R&B, Christian, and Blues.
A FRIEND OF CAROLYN’S
RC Cowboy, a.k.a. RC Outlaw Cowboy, is a country artist who has been touring the southeast USA for over 40 years. He grew up in the same area as Carolyn, and they have been good friends for many years now. Carolyn says, “Check out my friend’s songs on Spotify sometime. You will never meet a more authentic human being with as big of a heart as RC Cowboy. If you’re lucky, someday you will get a chance to see him perform live, and maybe even get to call him a friend.”
HISTORY
This website was established in 2022.