Carrie Cunninham took a moment to answer our questions about her music and how she makes it. Let’s see what she has to say!
How would you describe your sound?
I’d like to think that my sound is always changing. I love all kinds of music and grew up with many different genres. But lately, I have really been loving the retro disco sound. I always loved the BeeGees, Donna Summer and Lou Rawls. Recently I found myself changing the rhythm and groove to some of my songs I have been writing. I thought, “this is what makes you happy, so why not.” I have been diving into the disco sound and incorporating it into country music.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
There are some artists who have been hinting around with the country disco sound, mainly with the drums and it usually catches my ears. Catie Offerman, Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne and a few others have incorporated some disco sounds. But I love Dua Lipa, Silk sonic, and Leon Bridges. Not totally disco, but definitely a groove and feel I love.
What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
If anything is new on the radio, I usually hear it. From a new instrument that isn’t normally used, to a different song structure, it makes my ears perk up! I’m also very passionate about making sure my co-writers and I serve the song to the best of our abilities. I have no problem sitting with a song and allowing it to simmer. I am not a quantity over quality kind of gal. I also usually come into a writer’s room with a great hook or idea. When I am with another writer or artist and they are on a roll, I let them do their thing. I don’t try to control the room or the write.
Do you have any weaknesses that you’re actively working to improve on?
Yes, I am so used to having to do everything myself. I don’t like being a jack-of-all-trades, so I am choosing to just let some things go until life slows down. Then things will be for fun vs. a “have to” thing. Some things I used to be able to do have changed so much that they aren’t relevant for me to do anymore. So, I am learning to accept my recent limitations.
Which qualities do you think make a great musician?
The willingness to listen to others. Having enthusiasm and love for what you do. When on stage, own it. People come to a show to be entertained. Be humble and remember why you chose this profession.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Well, I am preparing for my summer tour, so I was assuming it was one of those tunes, but looking at my phone I was listening to the Barbie soundtrack and “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa is what was being played. Go figure!
What’s your source for hearing new music?
I listen to Apple music, Sirius XM and Spotify.
Who is your dream producer?
Hmm Interesting question. I currently don’t have an answer for that.
Is there anyone on your team that you really feel supported by? What role do they play?
Yes, my publicist, Colleen Lippert at Anchor Publicity has always been super supportive ever since we started working together in 2021.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I would really love to collab with Old Dominion and Leon Bridges.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
I grew up in a toxic environment and music was a way for me to briefly escape. I loved songs where I was seeing the 3-minute movie in my mind. I’ve always loved to entertain as well. My grandfather and great-grandfather were cattle auctioneers. I believe that being able to be out in front of people and entice them to purchase cattle is a skillset that not everyone has. I believe that the entertainment gene was passed down. I have tried to quit a time or two, but I can’t. I just love to be able to make people smile and perform. I also recognize that there are songs have been written that truly impact the lives of others. There have been multiple times where I wanted to quit, or at least question why I am in the business, and like clockwork, someone would reach out to me and tell me about how a song of mine has helped them during a tough time. It’s a good feeling that helps remind me why I do this.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Honestly, every write is different. It depends on who I am writing with. Whether I am the artist or a writer in the room. Whether someone comes in with a cool hook or melody etc. But one thing I always try to do is map out the song. I like to spend time and find the right angle for the hook. Then figure out what each section is going to be about. This helps move the song along. I also like to challenge my co-writers when it comes to what kind of structure the song should be. Once the song is done, we like to get a at least a work tape down and sit on it. See if there is anything else that needs to be altered. If I find myself randomly singing the song, I like to think it’s a great song. We can usually tell by the time the song is done, if it’s going to be a great song or just ok. Nothing wrong with a song that is written and doesn’t go anywhere. It just might lead to a song that is great.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
I have had a fan club for many years. I have my C2crew and it’s always fun to get together over Zoom. We have game night where I play a song or two, but we love just catching up with each other. The newsletter from my website has been my go-to, but with social media, I have slacked off on the newsletter. I hate saying that, so I better get back to it. But with social media, my main place is Facebook and Instagram. I use TikTok, but not as often as the two others. People can always reach out via my website, and I always get back to them
www.carrielive.com
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Spotify
Twitter
What’s next for you?
I am releasing a single August 25th called “Just Like.” I am really looking forward to it, as it has that urban country or disco country vibe I mentioned above. I am also heading up to Washington and Oregon for my late summer tour.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
I would love to say that I also followed my lineage and became a benefit auctioneer. I love working with companies and non-profits that want to make a difference in their community. I really love working with events that involve making the lives of children better. So, if there is a benefit that needs an auctioneer…. I’m your gal, lol!
Bio:
Born in Nebraska and raised in the NW, Carrie Cunningham has been a bit of a nomad with her love of the road and her heavy influence of musical genres. Growing up on country, jazz, classical and Motown, Carrie “has a style all her own, almost a musical chameleon” (Zetland Country, UK).
Her latest album, “Showgirl,” was released single-by-single, one for each month throughout 2021. It became a hit album amongst listeners in 2022, landing Carrie on nearly 40 playlists worldwide and has nearly 300,000 streams to date.
Following the footsteps of her female musical influences, Carrie fell in love with the stage and touring. She believes in giving the audience what it came for – a show! She was often called the “Next Shania Twain” and, one of her personal favorites, “Garth Brooks in a skirt.”
Carrie’s successful 2017 EP “Let’s Dance” made the Top 10 Albums list by “Women of Country Music.” She has been on over 1000 stages and has shared the stage with over 50 national touring artists, including Kacey Musgraves, Jake Owen and more. Her music has left boot prints on dance floors and imprints on the hearts of people not only in America, but all over the world.
Having numerous #1’s in Europe, Carrie continues to grow her fan base and her love of music. Her highly anticipated single “Just Like” is an amazing fusion of her love for both Disco and Country music, bringing a new sound to her fans and country music lovers all around. Co-written with Warner Chappell recording artist, Riley Roth, both ladies agree this is truly a summer love song for those getting married…or who just want to dance the night away!
For more information, visit www.carrielive.com and follow Carrie on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify and Twitter.
