Today we’d like to introduce you to Dara Carter.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I began playing music at the age of three-years-old with classical music lessons. My father was a lover of diverse music and shared that love with me. I grew up listening to many different genres of music and ultimately this shaped my genre-free style of music. I started my musical training with classical piano lessons at three, began singing at about four, and songwriting at eight. At twelve I began my career as a performing musician. I had the opportunity to perform alongside many of the jazz legends in Atlanta such as Phil Davis, Joey Sommerville, and J-Fly. Over the years I began molding my sound into what is now a genre-free style. In 2017, I released my debut album, The Gem In I. Since then I have been touring and working on the next project!
Please tell us about your art.
My music is more than music — it’s an experience. My voice has a healing frequency that touches people in a way that no other can. I create songs that inspire, heal, teach, touch, and motivate. My music is quite introspective and calls the listener to look within themselves. When people listen to my music, it causes them to reflect. My music creates a mood.
I believe that music is more than just an auditory experience. It’s a metaphysical experience. If you look at societies, music (more than any other form of art) has the power to mold and shape the minds and mindsets of those living in the society. I believe that those who are given the gift of musicianship and artistry have a great responsibility to how they will help guide the generations of people in their society. I’m going to use my art as a tool to guide people into a future of more tolerance, self-actualization, support, and love. My music will emphasize the idea that we are all one human family.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I feel like artists are facing a time like no other. It has never been easier to share your personal story and sound with the world, but such a condition can also make it harder for artists to stand out. There are so many people putting out so much music now that one has to find a way to cut through all of the static. I believe that cities can give more grants to artists who meet certain criteria such as amount of their own money invested, quality of music, etc.
To my fellow artists, I say this. Persistence and authenticity are the two qualities that you need to have in your toolkit. Things never happen overnight, even if they appear to. When pursuing a musical career, you must be dedicated and willing to sacrifice a lot of things — time, money, friendships, relationships, etc. You have to love your art and feed it as if it’s a child. I seriously started my performing career at the age of twelve, and twelve years later I am finally starting to see my goals come into fruition. Authenticity is just as important as persistence. If you’re going to spend a considerable amount of your life working towards a musical career, it might as well be authentic. If it isn’t authentic, it will show. Do what you love, be yourself, be persistent, and nurture and steer your musical career until it takes the reins and begins to steer you.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My album can be found on all platforms as well as on my website. I would encourage people to sign up on my email list on the website so that they can see when I have upcoming performances and new music. I can also be found on social media. My Instagram handle is @daracartermusic and Dara Carter on the rest of the platforms!
You can also find me on tour next year — 2019. Subscribe to my email list so that you can be the first to know when I will be in your town next!
Contact Info:
- Website: daracarter.com
- Email: daracartermusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/daracartermusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daracartermusic
Image Credit:
@kravenphotography
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