We had the good fortune of connecting with Carol Grando and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carol, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I understand that risks can be scary at first, but I see them as a necessary step for success in any career. In the music industry, stepping out of your comfort zone is mandatory for an artist to overcome barriers that has been pressured at us, that it can become true in our own minds with the time. Therefore, taking risks can definitely become our armor against our biggest fears. Going beyond the limits takes us to heights we would never have imagined if we hadn’t gone through it, even with fear. If you’re unsure about the next step because it’s a risk, you might already know the answer to act.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an artist born in a small town in the south of Brazil, where dreams often feel too big for the space they’re given. But I carried those dreams with me through all the disbelief around me, not just in my heart, but in my voice, in my rhythm, and in the colors of my culture. That’s what sets me apart. I don’t just make pop music, I bring the soul, a baggage of diversity, culture and music from my life journey in Brazil with me everywhere I go.

At 18, I moved to Los Angeles on my own, with many fears but with vision and purpose. It wasn’t easy. I’ve walked through grief, loneliness, and moments of deep self-doubt. But music was always there – it wasn’t just an escape, it was my lifeline. It healed me, shaped me, and helped me step into the artist I am at 20.

My art isn’t a story of victimhood. It’s a story of resilience. Of believing in something before anyone else supports. Of refusing to shrink your dreams to fit someone else’s idea of what’s possible. I’ve learned that the pain of silencing your dreams is way more painful than the fear of chasing it.

What I want the world to know is that my music is a bridge between worlds, stories and cultures. Between Brazil and the U.S., tradition and modernity, joy and vulnerability. I’m here to connect people with music, to show the richness of Brazilian sound and spirit on a global stage, to remind anyone listening that if you feel something deeply, it’s probably because you were born to share it.

Coming from a city of only 5,000 people, I’m living proof: your dreams are not too big. They’re exactly the right size for who you are becoming.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love how Los Angeles is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world. If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d make sure they experienced both the iconic parts and the hidden gems that make this city feel like home to me.

We’d go to Griffith Observatory, there’s nothing like watching the LA sunset from up there. Then we’d explore The Grove and the Original Farmers Market, catch a movie on the massive IMAX screen at Universal, and spend a full day at Disneyland.
We’d enjoy a beach day in Laguna Beach, followed by a visit at the LACMA. At night, we’d either catch a concert at Crypto.com Arena or go to a Lakers game.
Food is a whole journey here. I’d take them to Bacari for the vibe, Great White and to Bacio di Latte, which is my pick for the best ice cream in the city. Mel’s Drive-In and The Cheesecake Factory are nostalgic and fun.
We’d wrap the week with some shopping and great views at Westfield Century City, a walk through Rodeo Drive, and cozy coffee shops on Larchmont Boulevard.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my story to my late mother, Silvana Marta Groff, for supporting my love for music and art from my age of 4 until her final days. She believed in me before I even believed in myself.

Website: https://carolgrando.com

Instagram: @carolgrando_

Linkedin: Carol Grando

Twitter: carolgrando_

Soundcloud: Carol Grando

Youtube: @carolgrando

Other: TikTok: @carolgrando
Spotify, Apple Music and all the streaming platforms: Carol Grando

Image Credits
Image credit for the 6 first photos: Eduardo Orelha.
Image credit for the last 2 photos: Ruth de Souza.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.