It’s Carly Pearce’s destiny to become a country musician. Even before she was a teenager, Pearce delved heavily into the country music world by touring with a local band, and now her debut album, Every Little Thing, is climbing the charts. Her title track has earned her the title of being only the third woman in the past twelve years to have a debut single reach No. 1 as well as the CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year.
On top of her recent successes, Pearce has also been pegged by Pandora as a 2018 Artist to Watch and as the “new voice of Country” by People. She’s made appearances alongside Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flats, and Luke Bryan, as well as many others. Read more about Pearce and her tour dates on her website, here.
In light of her recent success, I sat down with Carly to talk about her debut album Every Little Thing.
Ariel Zedric: Could you talk a little about the inspiration behind your debut album, Every Little Thing?
Carly Pearce: You only get to make your debut album once, and I feel like this record was my perfect “hello” to country music fans. All of my stories, songs and influences wrapped up in 13 songs.
AZ: Do you have a favorite track on the album?
CP: I think “If My Name Was Whiskey.” I knew that song was special the second I wrote it. It has a timeless vibe.
AZ: What was it like filming the music videos for “Every Little Thing” and “Hide the Wine”?
CP: I am a very visual person, so it was fun telling those stories that way. I was able to use a different part of my creative brain, making a “mini-movie” of my stories.
AZ: You’ve always lived and breathed country music. Talk a little bit about the role it’s played in your life, not only from a career standpoint but how has it influenced who you are as a person.
CP: Country music was what I was raised on. My grandparents always had Tammy Wynette, George Jones or Dolly playing in their house and my mom was always singing. I spent so many nights locked inside my room pretending to be putting on a show in front of thousands, blasting Faith Hill or Shania songs. I always chose music or playing shows as a kid over any other activity a child would’ve probably naturally gravitated to. It’s in my blood.
AZ: Is there a specific childhood memory, involving music, that stands out more than the rest?
CP: I think my first memory of REALLY knowing that I wanted to be a country singer was winning my 4th-grade talent show. My mom made my sparkly blue costume (with a sparkly blue cowboy hat and white boots, of course) and I remember singing “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” The feeling I got on that stage that night has never left my heart.
AZ: You sacrificed a lot at an early age to pursue your music, like quitting high school and becoming homeschooled at age 16. If you could go back, would you change anything?
CP: I wouldn’t. Did I miss things that other kids experienced? Yes. However, I was able to experience a lot of things that they never were able to experience AND start working on my career far younger than most.
AZ: Walk me through your writing process. Do you have a favorite place to create music?
CP: It all depends on the song, the day, who in writing with, etc. you’d be surprised where songs come to life!
AZ: You have a large social media presence and a huge impact on your fans. What’s something, other than music, that you use, or would like to use, your platform for?
CP: I am a big advocate for healthy lifestyles, especially pertaining to young women. I hope to one day align my career with some sort of organization that promotes that.
AZ: Where can people find more of your work / what can they follow you on?
CP: I’m a social media queen, so anything @carlypearce. Especially Instagram. That’s my fav ;).
AZ: Are you working on any other exciting, forthcoming projects that you want your fans to know about?
CP: I’m working very hard on my second record which is so exciting. So much has happened in both my professional and personal life. I think people are really going to hear the evolution of me as a woman.
AZ: If you could give aspiring artists one piece of advice, what would it be?
CP: Don’t wait for anyone to do it for you. You have to put in the work, the time to your craft & constantly evolve as an artist. Oh, and outwork everyone else! 🙂
Carly Pearce’s newest single, “Closer to You”, is also available for listening here!
Photo courtesy of Lauren Lewis
