After establishing herself with a wealth of riveting releases these last few years, LA-based artist CARLEY is back to her best once again as she delivers her eagerly-awaited debut EP '12:34'.
Featuring the previously shared outings 'Free', 'Nothin' I Won't Do' and 'Fiji', this new four-track collection makes for a brilliantly broad and immersive listen. Capturing more of that rich and diverse alt-pop aesthetic she is known for, '12:34' cements her as a true innovator on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano! I’ve always loved the sound and feel of a piano. I took lessons when I was younger and have continued to play a bit ! I’ve said recently I’d love to get back into lessons and really work on that skill.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Oh I grew up in house that was always playing music and I loved anything pop, r&b or soul. Something I could dance to! My favorite artists and bands were NSYNC, Christina Aguilera, Justin Bieber and Chris Brown. But also loved classics my parents introduced me to like Michael Jackson, The Gap Band, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I know I owned other albums/ CD’s before this one but I vividly remember getting Justin Timberlake’s first solo album “Justified” for Christmas one year and I was SO excited. I wore that thing out. I bet my first CD was an NSYNC one!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Oof, right now it’s “Nonsense” by Sabrina Carpenter. I think it’s sooo well written and super fun and catchy!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
It’s not so much of a habit or ritual but when it comes to writing new music, I do my best to not judge anything that comes out. I used to go into a session and try to “write a hit” but I’ve found that being authentic and true to myself, my story and how I’m feeling is usually when the best stuff comes out. When I remove the expectation and pressure, my writing and creativity flows so much more free and great things come out! So the habit would be, pressing into every idea I like that comes and seeing where it takes me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment I’m listening to a lot of SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Forrest Frank and Russ. I’m also loving Chris Brown’s new album!
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Justin Bieber hands down. That would be a dream.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is seeing other people relate or connect to my music. As an artist, we put so much of ourselves into this process and music, it’s vulnerable and can be scary… but it’s beyond worth it to be able to help, encourage, inspire or entertain someone else. My hope is just to make people’s lives a little brighter.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is the twists and turns of the journey. Being an independent artist is freeing but also very challenging. You’re having to navigate a lot on your own. I often say it feels like I’m pushing a 70,000lb rock up a hill. But honestly I’ve come to look at it like an adventure. I’m finding myself really enjoying the journey and less obsessed with the destination. Getting to do what I love everyday and chase my dreams is the dream, it’s such a blessing. Everything else is just icing on top.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“People don’t fail, they quit.”
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CARLEY's debut EP '12:34' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.