Thomas Carter III, known to the world as T Carter Soultry, was born into a family of talented singers in Miami, Florida. Since a very young age, he's been singing his heart out at social events, religious gatherings, talent showcases, weddings, and Gospel events. It was in those early years when his love of music flourished and he honed his skills as a songwriter and performer. With the recent release of his self titled EP, which he wrote, arranged and performed, Thomas chose to buck the prevailing over-produced, auto-tuned R&B sound for a more genuine and original style. Now that his debut radio single 'Me And You' is catching fire on radio, it's clear that he has chosen wisely. The journey leading up to this decision to remain original and true to himself was not an easy one, but it has yielded its own unique rewards. Reporter Lauren Scott recently caught up with T Carter Soultry to learn more about this intriguing new artist and what inspires him to create his music.
LAUREN: When did you first discover your love of music?
T CARTER: I discovered my love for music at a very young age. The feeling that I would get at the sound of music was indescribable! It didn’t matter where it was coming from. When I heard music, I had a platform at that very moment. I started singing at the age of 5 years old. At 8 years old, I began remembering songs bar for bar. By the time I was 10 years old, I was performing in local talents shows, not to mention making a name for myself as one of the lead vocalists in my church choir. From there, my life story with music began.
LAUREN: Your song 'Me And You' is receiving a strong listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
T CARTER: Hearing my song on the radio for the first time was so overwhelming. I speak of it being a blessing because it was an acknowledgement that my artistry was indeed being appreciated and more importantly, I was doing something correct musically. At that moment I realized that all of my efforts put forth into creating good music were finally being recognized.
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
T CARTER: The inspiration behind my single was a combination of both my perceptions and personal perspectives on how love should be, and what love should feel like. Love is not much of a focal point musically these days, so this is my way of reminding music listeners it still exists.
LAUREN: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as your debut radio single?
T CARTER: Most definitely! The mood and message of my others songs in relative to my single share so many similarities. I write and sing songs aiming to pierce the soul, meaning songs of substance or that tell a story. I want my music to serve as a therapeutic tool to anyone and everyone experiencing life’s ups and downs on a daily basis.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
T CARTER: I characterize myself as a very passionate musician. I’m very serious when it comes to my artistry. Regardless if it’s rehearsals, studio time, training, writing or performing, my mindset is the same. It’s important to have fun when you’re doing what you love, but I do understand that there’s a time and place for everything. When you’ve prepared yourself accordingly, I won’t say you won’t be criticized, but you leave less room for criticism. I say ‘Go hard or go home.’
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LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
T CARTER: I do come from a musical background. It was fun growing up in a home full of singers! My father, mother, brother and sisters all sing. We listened to so many different genres and styles of music growing up. And that has truly helped me to become a versatile artist. We never mastered the art of playing any instruments. So, I directed my focus on vocal arrangement. I took various forms of vocal training to take my singing to other levels, and I said to myself that I was going to use my voice to compensate for any instrument that I never learned to play.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being a musician? What do you find most challenging?
T CARTER: What’s most rewarding for me as a musician is when people embrace my artistry. It really fuels me and my passion for music to keep pressing forward. As an artist, I want to touch lives through my music. I want my vision and craft to be respected. So, in any way when people support me, it’s a sense of confirmation that all of my hard work is not in vain. On the other hand, what’s most challenging for me as an artist is proving myself. It’s like a competition. There are so many artists out there, and you have to find where you could either fit in or stand out from the others. I chose to compete with no one. However, I do accept the challenge of being a unique musician while never losing sight of who I am as a person.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
T CARTER: Rather than role models, I’d like to use the term influences. With that being said, my list of musical influences are far too many to mention. So that I don’t leave out any of these important names, I’ll just say that my list of influences consist of both male and female musicians, past and present, in various genres of music. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am as an artist musically. Each of them has played an intricate part in molding my craft and helping me to become a better artist. And I only hope someday to become as influential to another, just as much as these musicians were to me.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
T CARTER: My best and most memorable performance was a Valentine's Day event I did in my hometown of Miami. This performance is so memorable to me because it was my first time performing with a live band! For some time I had been performing with recorded tracks, and I knew that if the right opportunity presented itself for me to perform with a talented group of musicians, that would take my artistry to another level. So, of course I asked to meet with the band before agreeing to do the event, and there was instant chemistry. Once the rehearsals went well, I knew the show was going to be great! The only unknown was how receptive would the audience be towards me. The day of the performance started off just fine, and my anticipation intensified with each passing moment up until show time. Then, right before show time, this sharp pain hit my stomach. I was thinking that it was probably nerves, but I knew what nerves felt like, and that wasn't it. Thank God for my amazing team. They went out and got me some medicine, prayed for me, and the moment began. Once I hit that stage and opened my mouth to greet the audience, the pain was gone and I was ready for my moment! It was an incredible night! Everything went just about perfect! The sound, my singers, the band, the songs, and not to mention the audience, which were very receptive to my entire performance. I ended the night passing out roses to all of the ladies to suit the occasion and then my performance was done. That night was beyond what I ever envisioned it to be. I could have sang all night long, but as they say, every good thing must come to an end. The memory of that performance will always be one of the greatest moments of my musical journey.
LAUREN: Do you have a music video for your single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
T CARTER: No I haven’t done a video for my single as of yet. But, I ask that you all stay tuned, for there’s more to come from T Carter Soultry than a video and a song.
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
T CARTER: To aspiring artists, my main piece of advice is if you don’t have a passion for this art, then music is not the arena for you. With passion comes patience, hard work, dedication, perseverance and more. If you lack any one of the characteristics, you may want to reconsider your dreams as a musician. Passion is something you either have or you don’t. Most importantly, stay the course. Never give up on your dreams. If this is the path you’re choosing to walk, be prepared to come across a few wrong turns or even dead ends. The question is, will you turn around, walk away and quit? Or will you continue to walk until you’ve reached your destination.
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
T CARTER: I’m currently working on my official album set to release in the middle of next year. I am so excited about my upcoming project. It’s time! However, I am taking my time with it because I believe in both quality and quantity, rather than one without the other. A new single is most definitely in the works. I have several records in mind. The debate is which record will be chosen as the next single. There’s plenty of time to figure all of that out. Until then, I want to continue pushing the initial single. I’m loving the feedback from it thus far, and I’m looking forward to the outcome of it reaching its maximum potential. So when you all have a moment, support the T Carter Soultry movement. I’m on all of the social networks (@tcartersoultry), so follow me, and get to know T Carter Soultry on another level, the man behind his music.
www.reverbnation.com/tcartersoultry
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