Country Music Star Carly Pearce On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry
By: Authority Magazine
Tags: Pop Culture

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series Carly! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I grew up in a small town in Kentucky, knowing from a very young age that I wanted to be a country artist. After spending my pre-teen years as the singer in a bluegrass band, I convinced my parents to let me drop out of high school and start homeschool, so I could take a job singing in the country show at Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood. After moving to Nashville in 2009, I experienced many highs and lows — including getting a record deal and losing it, working odd end jobs to pay rent, and being a backup singer. I wrote a song about a guy who broke my heart, and it changed my whole world.

Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that has happened to you thus far in your music career?

Oh gosh, that’s so hard! I think one of the funniest things to me is the fact I had meetings with record labels and management companies two weeks prior to releasing “Every Little Thing” that told me that song wasn’t special and would never break through.

What are some of the most exciting projects you’re currently working on?

I have had the touring year of my dreams! I was out with Blake Shelton at the beginning of the year, about to start my summer tour with Rascal Flatts and will end my year touring with Luke Bryan. I’m also starting to write for my second album.

Who are the most interesting people you’ve interacted with?

I’d say meeting Dolly, Reba, Faith Hill & Trisha Yearwood. It was so surreal to meet the women who made me fall in love with country music; I think I just stared at all of them and couldn’t speak!

Who inspires you today?

My mom. She’s the strongest woman I know. She’s the perfect blend of kind and sassy, and she speaks the truth, always.

What do you aspire to be like one day?

I hope to have careers that mirror artists like Dolly, Reba, Trisha, Faith and Carrie — they’ve all made a huge impact on country music. My mamaw as well; she never met a stranger, and she had the most loving heart I have ever known.

How have you used your success to bring goodness into the world?

I hope that the vulnerability I share in my songs and my story is a vessel to people, showing them they are not alone, and that anything is possible.

Photo credit: Harper Smith

What are 5 things you wish someone had told you when you first started, and why?

Age is an asset

I think for so long I thought if I was older than 21, I couldn’t get a record deal. I think I am wiser, more confident and sure of who I want to be and the artist I am.

2. Don’t wait on someone to do the work.

More and more, record labels want to see the work YOU have put in on the front end. I spent so many years acting as my own booking agent and manager, just to get out there and play shows. You have to show you really want it.

3. Don’t settle.

This industry is so tough — at times, it might seem it’s easier to settle for something that someone else thinks is what is best for you. But if it’s not in your gut, let it go; hold out for the right opportunities.

4. There’s no such thing as a true over night success.

Success is a journey! Don’t expect to waltz into town and be famous overnight. You have to put many months — and years — into this town, and truly devote your life to it.

5. HAVE FUN!

I spent SO much time upset and worried about whether or not things were going to work out for me. We only get this life once, so don’t forget to enjoy each day and celebrate the small successes that are paving your way.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

I’d love to have dinner and wine with Dolly or Meryl Streep. They’re both so talented, amazing business woman, strong personalities, pushed the envelope for women… all while remaining relatable. And can you imagine the stories they have?!

How can our readers further follow you online?

You can check out my debut album Every Little Thing and the GOLD-certified №1 blockbuster title track, out now. Find my tour schedule at www.carlypearce.com and keep up with me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.