Photo credit: Gabe Taylor
I love “Speed Limit!” What a beautiful song; it feels like the dance of navigating through life’s challenges, finding balance, and learning to trust in yourself and your abilities. Can you tell us what this song means to you?
Carson: There are some times when things have just felt overwhelming, and I've had to learn to let go of things sometimes. I think this is something everybody goes through at some point in their life, and it can be hard. When I was nine, I joined one voice children's choir, but I had to give up playing soccer to do it. I had to let go. That's what "Speed Limit" means to me.
You are the youngest artist I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing for Pop Passion! As someone younger, what unique challenges have you faced trying to establish yourself in the industry?
Carson: I’ve had problems with people not taking me seriously because of my age. Once, I was handing out flyers for an upcoming show I had, and some people would take a flyer, glance at it, and then throw it in the trash. One person even said to their friend after taking a flyer: “This is garbage. We’re not going to see some kid.” So it's hard in some ways. But it can also be a strength because people see a kid, think “Oh, this should be cute...”...and then see me perform and are just blown away.
What was it like winning the contest and being featured in the song “One Bad Apple” for Donny Osmond’s Vegas show and what are some of your favorite memories from that experience?
Carson: I was so excited. I had heard of Donny and heard some of his songs, and I thought it was so cool that I would be in his show. My favorite memory is when we went to see it, I was not expecting to get to meet him. But after the show, his manager took us back to the green room to say hi. It was so cool! We did the dance together. It was an amazing experience. He was really nice and also gave me some really good advice.
You’re a multi-instrumentalist, and I know you play guitar; what other instruments do you play, and are you planning on learning anything else?
Carson: I play keys, drums, and bass. I would love to learn pretty much any instrument, but at the top of my list of instruments to learn is probably the mandolin.
Photo credit: Gabe Taylor
I see that as a member of One Voice Children’s Choir, you’ve been able to tour and have performed for stadiums filled with fans. What’s your favorite venue, and where do you hope to perform in the future?
Carson: I once performed on a ship in Japan, which was really cool! I also recently got to sing the national anthem at a Utah Jazz basketball game. But my favorite venue I have sung at is The Velour, in downtown Provo. A venue I hope to perform at someday would be The Hollywood Bowl.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences and inspirations?
Carson: My favorite band of all time is Journey! Other musical influences include OneRepublic, Alec Benjamin, and Ed Sheeran.
Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass
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