Carter Understand It Interview

Carter Returns With New Single 'Understand It'

Melbourne-based Hip Hop artist Carter is back in the spotlight with the two-part offering of 'Understand It' and 'Cutting Ties' scheduled for release via Day Ones Records on July 12th and August 9th respectively.

Following the success of his single '100-60' that was premiered via Life Without Andy and Triple J Unearthed, Carter opens up to his growing listenership about his struggles and hardship in meeting societal expectations and how he was able to free himself, achieving happiness and peace. 'Understand It' explores the theme of self-awareness as he surrounds himself by negativity and making a tough but necessary transition to move beyond it. As a means to an end from the dark period of his life, 'Cutting Ties' highlights his decision of choosing long-term happiness rather than chasing short-term comfort.

"These two songs represent a part of that story, where I had to change my surroundings and use the noise as motivation." - Carter on Understand It & Cutting Ties

Receiving huge love from local blogs and community radio (Check SYN HipHop's IGTV series featuring Carter) for his previous efforts', Carter is now more prepared than ever to make an impact in the expanding Australian Hip Hop scene and abroad as he blazes forward expecting to drop consistent projects throughout the tail end of 2019.

Interview with Carter

Question: How would you describe your music?

Carter: I'd describe my music as a raw and energetic.


Question: Can you tell us about Understand It and Cutting Ties?

Carter: The two songs revolve around the themes of self-discovery and conflict, and were inspired by a transitional period in my life. I realised i was surrounded in an environment that was holding me back personally and artistically, and therefore had to make the necessary adjustments. At the end of the day, it's all about growth!


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Carter: It depends. Most of the time, i try to draw upon personal experiences, when if i feel a certain way, I'll try to write it down straight away. Otherwise, I'm motivated by competition and all the love and support i have gotten from everywhere.

Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Carter: I prefer performing live, although recording is just as important in the creative process. But seeing people's reaction to music is on another level.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Carter: I've performed a feature track titled 'Attention' a few times, and every time it's gotten a great reaction from the crowd. There's also 2-3 of us on stage for that one, so the energy is unreal.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Carter: I'm listening to a lot of underground music at the moment as i try to refine my own sound. If i am to name five artists, it'd probably be: Nbdy, Anders, Frvrfriday, Always Never and 451.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Carter: I've always enjoyed performance as I've been playing in bands and doing acting stuff in high school, but i think it's more about the challenge for me. Music has always been a huge part in my life, and brought me so much joy as a listener and producer/writer. I felt complacent at my architecture 9-5 and all i wanted to do during the day was to go home and write; so I thought I'd just make the jump, what's the worst that can happen?


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Carter: Strange answer, but probably Oliver Sykes from Bring Me the Horizon. I grew up with him as my favourite front man, and I've loved how their music has grown over the years.

Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Carter: I feel like I've barely scraped the surface in terms of success, but the biggest challenge have always been me vs. me in terms of insecurities in my craft, staying grounded and continuing to challenge myself in both visuals and sonics.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Carter: Wake up, walk my dog, have my coffee, jump in the studio and either work on music or graphics design which I'm freelancing and jump out when the sun goes down. I've been doing this on repeat for a year now, and it's been an incredibly rewarding process.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Carter: The fact that i wake up in the morning super excited about what the day brings has been my favourite part of the job. When being a creative, i can never predict what I'll create on the day, so when the magic does happen, it is super rewarding.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Carter: @carter_sounds/
https://www.facebook.com/thisisccarter/ @carter_sounds


Interview by Brooke Hunter