An Interview With The Very Promising Singer-Songwriter, COLETTE CARR and Her Debut Music, Biggest Inspirations and More!

“What you want, what you need/Is what I’ve got/Trust me,” sings L.A.-based singer/songwriter Colette Carr, trying to rid her mind of the “Static,” the first track from “Static.Start.”, her brand new four-song EP on the indie Kawaii Nation label. The new release, representing a radical reboot, offers a more vulnerable, emotionally naked honesty that touches on frustrating, “one step forward, two steps back” relationships (“Moments in Love,” “Walking in Place”) before hitting bottom with a Tequila-fueled, self-loathing hangover (“3%”).  The sound is also evolving into what Carr describes as “an indie Europop, dance-floor feel,” with these four songs the first of over 30 recorded by Colette with producer FrankMusik, a collaboration that forced her to dig deep and expose herself, a theme reflected in the imaging, which includes a photo of Colette covered with nothing but body paint.

“I want to help and inspire people to be themselves, to be comfortable with who they are, to be confident,” she admits, hoping her own openness on Static.Start. will enable that process.  “I’m not afraid to let everyone see my flaws.  Hopefully, people won’t be so hard on themselves, and can forget what others say about them.  I’d love to see this music inspire people.”

Learn more about Colette in the following All Access interview:

Thanks so much for your time! So, how’s 2015 ending for you? What are you excited about in 2016?

2015 has been an incredible year putting one brick on top to the other, building something that I am amazingly proud of: Kawaii Nation. I made an album that I love and shot a music video with the legendary Shane Drake. I got to be a mermaid for a day and do an underwater shoot for “Save Our Beach” charity. I made a lot of difficult choices that I feel paid off and set me up for quick success in 2016, so I’m anxious and excited to continue this amazing journey at a much quicker pace. I feel like time flew in 2015 and now it’s my turn to fly in 2016. (Laughter)

Being an LA artist, how do you think this crazy city has influenced you and your sound today?

Growing up in LA you’re inevitably around the industry at such a young age, everyone of your friend’s dads is either a singer, a writer, or an actor, so it’s not much of a shock to the system when you enter the crazy world that is the “music industry”.  I saw the behind the scenes and how hard you have to work, how much stress you have to endure dealing with the politics, and how hard it is to stay on top once you’re there. There’s always something going on, a party, an event. The tricky part is making it through the terrible traffic.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Could you ever see yourself doing anything else?

I wanted to be a professional tennis player when I was little. I worked hard at that dream until I was 16, but had to stop due to a back injury.  Then accidentally fell in love with wiring songs and making music.

Generally, where do you get the inspiration for your music? Is that always changing?

I usually feel very inspired by falling in love or getting my heart broken. I’ve gone through a lot of changes and hard decisions that I like to write about. I use writing to stay sane, so my albums are kind of a documented therapy session.

What has it been like working with the producer, FrankMusik?

Vincent (FrankMusik) and I are extremely close friends. I consider him family, so just like any siblings, we fight a lot and disagree a bunch, but like a good big brother he always watches out for me and makes sure he gets the best out of me. There is a rhythm and fluidity to our work process that is special and cherished. We click creatively and make music we are both extremely proud of.

What was it like being on the iHeartRadio “On The Rise” tour with Jake Miller, Becky G and others?

The iHeart tour was my favorite tour yet. Everyone had such positive energy, especially the crowds. Jake’s crew and my crew would get together for pizza and ridiculous dares where I may or may not have run out into the snow naked to make a snow angel.

Who are some of your favorite artists? Who would you love to work with in the future?

 I love Morrissey, Deborah Harry, Steve Strange, Eminem, Suzanne Vega, Fetty Wap. There are so many incredible artists I’d love to collaborate with. It’s nice to add someone else’s experiences and creativity to the work flow. Sometimes I get so stuck in what’s going on with me, it’s nice to get a new perspective in the room.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

I hope people can relate to my songs in a way that feels personal. I want them to make memories to my music that can last a lifetime. I hope they can learn, dance to, feel to my music…that’s the dream.

Follow Colette on her Socials here:

Instagram (@colettecarr)

Twitter (@ColetteCrazy)

YouTube (ColetteCarr)

Facebook (@ColetteCarrOfficial)