Moira Chicilo Releases "Carry Them with Me" and Connects with Us on Family, Legacy, and the Power of Music
- STAFF
- Sep 8
- 6 min read
By: Staff
“Carry Them with Me” is a breathtaking testament to Moira Chicilo’s profound ability to capture emotion through sound.
Moira Chicilo’s haunting new release, "Carry Them with Me," carries a weight that lingers long after the last note fades. The track, rooted in a moment of raw family connection, echoes with the quiet urgency of preserving what matters most before it slips away. Drawing from her own experience on the windswept shores of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Chicilo weaves a story of memories, loss, and the timeless thread that connects generations. The song’s tender acoustic guitar and ethereal pedal steel guitar create a soundscape that is at once intimate and expansive, carrying the listener through the emotional tides of remembering and moving forward.
We spoke with Moira about the powerful themes that shaped the song, the creative process behind its delicate arrangement, and how she captures moments of personal reflection in a way that resonates universally. As we delved deeper into her songwriting journey, it became clear that Carry Them with Me is more than just a song, it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and carry the legacies of those who came before us.
In our conversation, Moira opens up about the bittersweet experience with her cousin Jesse, the responsibility of keeping memories alive, and how music has always been her way of navigating the complexities of life and family. From the choice of instruments to the emotions that drove her to write this particular track, each element of the song feels carefully crafted to speak to the heart.
Read on as Moira shares the inspiration behind Carry Them with Me and lets us into her world of music, memory, and the powerful moments that shape us all.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Moira Chicilo, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. We loved Carry Them with Me. The twinkling guitars were so captivating, and when your vocals entered, they felt so deep and authentic. The beautiful tones you displayed, combined with the pedal steel guitar, were absolutely magical. When you blend all of this with such an incredible family story, it’s something we will always remember. What has your personal musical journey been like? Did you gradually evolve into your professional career, or was there a specific moment or event that sparked it all?
A. My musical path began when two personal events collided. I was feeling worn down by years of unfulfilling corporate jobs and then my sister passed away leaving me with a chasm of grief. Those events caused me to evaluate what was really important to me, and that’s when picking up the guitar and writing songs became an act of healing.
Q. At its core, what is Carry Them with Me about? What do you hope people feel when they listen to it?
A. I hope listeners appreciate the enduring connection between generations and “knowing where you come from”.
Q. The title Carry Them with Me holds such weight. Why did that phrase resonate with you so deeply, and how does it encapsulate the essence of the song?
A. When I was writing the lyrics, the imagery of hands tenderly holding something came to mind and seemed to fit the theme of passing memories from one person to the next.
Q. There’s a raw urgency in the song, drawn from that bittersweet afternoon with your cousin Jesse. What emotions were swirling in you at that moment, knowing it could be the last time you were together? How did that urgency influence the way you approached writing this song?
A. I kept thinking, I am so grateful I didn’t choose a warm vacation or a European trip over seeing her. You can convince yourself there will always be another time, but there usually isn’t.
Q. Memory, legacy, and family are all woven deeply into the song. What do you think is the magic in holding onto stories from the past? How do you personally connect with the idea of carrying those stories forward?
A. Growing up I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. They were masters in the art of telling a story – the building of the story arc, the funny anecdotes, and the embedded messages to provoke thought. The time spent with them shaped me and my interest in writing lyrically-driven songs.
Q. The sound of Carry Them with Me feels like it has its own heartbeat. How did you choose the acoustic guitar and pedal steel to give the song that intimate, reflective quality? Was there a particular sonic landscape you had in mind while writing it?
A. I wanted the song to feel stark and melancholic, and immediately thought of adding the pedal steel to bring in the swells, and the pulses you hear throughout the song acting like a heartbeat.
Q. The music has a haunting, almost dreamlike quality to it. Was there a specific place or moment you were envisioning as you wrote the song, something that helped create a mental snapshot to accompany its sound?
A. On that trip we drove to the west coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, along the Cabot Trail. I stood on the wild and windy beaches and that was where I mentally went to when I wrote the song.
Q. Generational connection runs deep in this song. Looking back on your own family, is there a particular memory or tradition that really defines how you see your place in that long line of history?
A. My east coast relatives are very musical and known to host lively kitchen céilidhs, my mom and dad were ballroom dance instructors, and my grandmother was a gifted piano player. Knowing the musical thread that runs through the family gave me the confidence to lean into my own music and put it out in the world.
Q. Jesse’s commitment to passing on memories is so powerful. In today’s world, where things move so quickly, what do you think is the best way to ensure we don’t lose touch with the past, even as we rush forward?
A. We seem to think we’ll find ourselves if we lie on a beach in Mexico, hike Machu Pichu, or go on a bike trip through Italy. Sure, that’s undoubtedly lovely, but I believe going back to where your family roots are, seeing how they live, hearing stories about ancestors are vital life moments.
Q. You’ve mentioned the responsibility to carry memories forward. How does that responsibility manifest in your life, not just in this song, but in your everyday choices?
A. I miss my sister and the long phone conversations we would have on the phone. One time, while I was complaining about something, she said to me, “have you done everything you can to help the situation?”. It’s a powerful message of being a constructive participant in the world, and one I constantly use to help navigate through life.
Q. In working with Jayne Trimble on the production, did the song evolve in ways you didn’t expect? Were there any moments in the studio that took the track in a surprising direction or unlocked something new?
A. In the chorus, Jayne encouraged me to imagine I was back in the room talking to Jesse. The result made the chorus more tender and intimate. I love that.
Q. After sharing such an intimate song with the world, what do you want people to walk away with?
A. In this chaotic and negative world we live in, I hope people can find value in songs that speak to human connections and the importance of slowing down and looking for the kinder sides of people.
Q. And finally, we can’t thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! So, what’s next? Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects, and what should fans be excited about? We’d love for them to hear the news directly from you!
A. I am super excited to have another single, Reviver, releasing September 26th. After that, I plan to get to work on an EP for late 2026.
Moira Chicilo, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Moira Chicilo’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
