Exploring Life & Business with Carlos Washington of UTL Power Solution, LLC / Edge x Nature

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Washington.

Hi Carlos, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a Southern Baptist church in Alabama where praise songs were the foundation of a good service. I distinctly remember wanting to emulate the lead male vocalist (my cousin) when I grew up. He had a powerful soothing voice that was captivating, that made you pay attention and believe his message. We moved upstate New York before I was able to cash in on that dream. In New York, I soon began singing at age 9 with my father (Wilmer) and uncle (Fred Taylor) who insisted that I belt out a few songs while they played guitar and bass during family visits. Soulful songs like “Lean on Me” (Bill Withers); “I’ll Take You There” (The Staple Singers) and classics like “Bridge Over Trouble Waters” (Simon & Garfunkel) and “I Can See Clearly Now” (Johnny Nash) were always in the mix. It seemed that I was encouraged to sing before I was allowed to go play. It wasn’t painful though cause I loved and craved the attention.

I attended College at Tuskegee Institute (now University) in 1976-1981, became a lead vocalist for my Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, sang in the town church choir and ignited my thirst for entertaining as a trumpet player, then drum major for the renown Marching Crimson Piper Band. After graduating BSEE with honors, the HBCU (Historical Black Colleges & Universities) experience set me on a course I never could anticipate.

My first work assignment was in the oil fields of south Texas where small towns were rich in Cattle and the Cowboy Culture. It was there that I felt the urge to complete my Cowboy destiny I had longed for as a child, but was never exposed to, having grown up in the northeast. So, I swapped my Levi’s for Wrangler jeans, put on cowboy boots and listened to songs by George Strait and included country western hot spots like “Gilley’s” in my club night adventures. It was a magical experience.

Moving to Denver Colorado in 1985 after living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I found myself on the back of a bull and competing in professional rodeo. My older brother Gerald, ignited this amazing adrenaline rush that propelled me deeper into the Cowboy Culture. I won Rookie of the Year Honors on the Bill Picket Rodeo Circuit in 1986 and drove many miles to satisfy my need for the adrenaline rush. The late calf roper Roy Cooper talked me up on stage at a local bar during the Colorado State Fair. This experience made me crave singing in front of live audiences. I also sang many national anthems at rodeos before rushing back behind the chutes to prepare for my bull. I soon realized how deep Country music was in my roots as my Grand-mama Isabel always asked me to sing her favorite song “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” (Ricky Van Shelton).

It wasn’t long before musicians noticed my ability to sing a song and requested my participation on their stages. My first band “The Steel Horse Band” was one of Colorado’s top bands during the 90’s and early 2000’s. We performed at many venues including the Colorado State Fair, KYGO Country 4th & Fiddlers Green Concerts, The Sundance and The Grizzly Rose. We soon landed shows in Las Vegas, Nevada performing at the Flamingo Hilton & the Palace Station during the National Finals Rodeo. I will always remember performing with the Queens during the Miss Rodeo America pageant, similar to “Bob Barker” during the Miss America pageants. Denver Westward magazine soon recognized my success and named me “Best Country Western Frontman.”

Warner Brothers Records, solicited by Michael Martin Murphy, began courting me for a record deal in 1996, after completing a 5 song EP in Nashville which gained attention and radio play including Denver’s Country Radio KYGO. I thought my music career was getting ready to lift off with the assignment of an A&R Manager but everything soon fizzled as Warner Executives were reorganized. This happens to many music professionals and this time it was happening to me. Bummer, I kept performing locally but switched most of my energy into raising my two boys. Coaching Soccer, Track and Football became my passion. I eventually rose to a high level as an assistant coach for Denver Mullen High School with four (4) state track champion boys and girls teams. I wrote a few songs, tried to keep up with the new country image but the rap – sing song thing was not me. The Nashville lime light I wanted had faded.

Operated a Purebred Angus Cattle Ranch in Elbert, Colorado with wife Merinda 2005-2020. In 2017, encouraged by famed Cowgirl Poet, Susie Knight, my wife Merinda and I attended the International Western Music Association Convention in Albuquerque, NM and switched my focus to the Western Swing Music Genre. Western Music whose lyrics speak of the western lifestyles, traditions, the horse and landscapes was truly alive and healthy! I had previously included several western swing songs in my earlier rodeo band shows but never quite recognized it’s significance. Western Swing is Cowboy Jazz, an amalgamation of Blues, Dixieland and Swing. Western Swing is upbeat and happy music that makes you want to tap your feet and dance. I was informed that it kept spirits up during the great depression. This music was natural to me as I have since written and produced several number 1 singles and top albums. I have also produced and recorded two (2) Academy of Western Artist Will Rogers Songs of the Year, “Swing Time Baby” & “Got to See the West.”

Other accolades include 2024 International Red Carpet Award for Best Western Swing Artist of the Year, Country Music People top 10 albums for 2023 and most recently a number 1 single ” I’m Coming Home” in Australia. I am included in a segment of “The Birth and History of Western Swing” Documentary soon to be aired on PBS. Michael Markwardt of Fort Worth, Texas produced a master piece and as they say in the south “Put both feet in it!”

I am grateful for my journey, God has been good to me, my wife “Merinda” and my family. What is next? I really do not have a clue so “Stay Hooked !”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Country Music an Western Music world is challenging like most genres. It has its hypocrisies and prejudices along with “hang around and pay your dues” attitudes being a distraction for your work. Obtaining awards can also be difficult as most often it is a popularity contest, deserving or not. I have been Blessed and try not to focus on the negatives as it will often distract your purpose. I try not to let anyone steal my joy. I have had my struggles but it only makes my successes that much sweeter. The award that I would treasure would be a Grammy.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about UTL Power Solution, LLC / Edge x Nature?
My music career is my primarily focus these days however I have worked in the corporate structure while on my music journey. It also paid the bills, paid for music equipment & recording expenses

I founded UTL Power Solutions, a gas and electric dry utility engineering consulting business in 1999. I wanted to manage and direct my own destiny after have been laid off several times so I created a niche that did not exist. I was successful working for multi-family and commercial developers for 24 years before retiring the business as I transition towards retirement. UTL managed the gas & electric dry utility process interfacing with utility providers on behalf of developers who often knew little to nothing about obtaining gas in a timeline to meet their construction build schedules.

I recently created a coaching advocate business “Edge x Nature ” to provide natural supplements for health lifestyles. Edge x Nature promotes natural supplements often sourced from Haylie Pomroy Nutrition. These supplement choices are a healthy option versus the synthetics options. Edge x Nature will help drive your ATP (Adenosine Tri Phosphate) and Testostrone production naturally like your body was intended. You have a big belly, well all of it is not just fat, it’s most likely Inflammation acquired by just living. HP supplements and shakes can help you achieve results naturally.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Country Music is always evolving but not sure of its future. Being a Cowboy is hot today, thanks to Yellowstone & Beyoncé but will fade cause most cannot walk the walk. Old Country is alive and well but does not get the popular media play.

I believe Western Music is stuck cause there is not enough of the younger generation that want to sing the old stuff.

Streaming music has made it difficult for artists & writers to made a $. It cuts into the download revenue stream artist once relied upon to make a living. 1,000,000 streams nets an artist perhaps $50 as opposed to $800,000 gross. Yesterdays artists are having to perform sharing the stage as opening acts for new artists to make a living.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.steelhorseswing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carloswashingtonmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100038994801756
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIhlZSVrm54BqBb5hpJcRyw
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571856244470

Image Credits
Dan Hubbell, Rodeo Photographer,
Bill Patterson Photographer