Meet Carson DeMarcus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carson DeMarcus.

Carson, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Throughout my upbringing, I used music to cope with my childhood stresses, angst, and loneliness. I sang in the church choir, at small gatherings, and of course around the house when I imagined nobody was listening. My mother and father had a vast collection of vinyls and cassettes, so I spent hours and hours learning about all the music they grew up listening to. I could remember the lyrics to just about every song on the radio and on the music television shows. I went to bed most nights listening to classic hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I’d listen to blues, soul, gospel, rap, hip hop, R&B, jazz, rock & roll, reggae…I had a voracious set of ears, which for most of my childhood were obviously big for my slender head.

What wasn’t obvious was that I’d one day grow into an artist myself. In early childhood, I thought making music was something done only by pop musicians and professionals, so I only mimicked what I heard from those more established artists, not knowing that I’d ever develop the ability to create my own songs. Now, with inspiration from my long history of unofficially studying music and becoming friends with independent artists, I feel confident about my own ability to write compelling music and hold the attention of small crowds, which is an amazing start.

I started taking myself serious as a musician in 2013 and have been practicing piano, singing, and songwriting ever since. I now perform at private events where music is the main focal point (I’ve decided against performing background music at events or performing in spaces where people are talking loudly and not paying attention to the music). I also sing along with anyone that needs a backup singer or a songwriting collaborator.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’d be lying if I said that this pursuit of joy has been nothing but joyful. I admit, the joys outweigh any potholes along the road to being a musician, but the potholes are plentiful! I’m an emotional songwriter, so much of my music is rooted in my personal experience, which makes it more difficult and more vulnerable to share with people. In that case, I am my own worst enemy, and that is likely to be a work-in-progress for as long as I choose to be an artist. I am always doing the internal work necessary to overcome my own self-inflicted obstacles, which I’m learning can lead to more compelling music if I accept that as an outcome. Since I’m not afraid to do the work, no matter how challenging it is, I experience great personal growth through my efforts to be a better musician. So it’s definitely worth the struggle.

Another part of the struggle is that I’m not a paid artist (yet). Music is very expensive and time consuming; studio time, rehearsals, equipment, training and coaching, etc. all add up. I’m an Engineer by day, so it’s challenging to balance my passion/side hustle with a full-time career. But I might not be able to afford myself the opportunity to grow as a musician if I didn’t also have a great day job. I’m definitely not complaining either way, I consider myself very blessed to be in this conundrum.

Let’s talk about business. Tell us about your work– what should we know?
I’m a singer/songwriter specializing in moody, bluesy, folksy songs. One of my most supportive friends and listeners has described me as evocative, not just as a musician but as a person, which is quite a compliment. My intention is to tell stories through my music and share an emotional atmosphere with my listeners.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother and father deserve so much credit for being so supportive and encouraging all these years. My fiancee has patiently held space for my creativity in recent years, applauding all my rough drafts of music and poetry. I can’t imagine doing this without her support. My vocal coaches Ayana Del Valle and Emma Wallingford have also been instrumental in helping me to develop my voice and get in touch with the things wanting to be expressed through me. Also, madd love to all the musicians I’ve been inspired by; John Legend, Lizz Wright, Gregory Alan Isakov, Jamie Woon, Gregory Porter, just to name a few.

Contact Info:

• Email: cdemarcus.creations@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/carson.demarcus

Image Credit:
Giulio D’Amore, Nikki Rae, Annie Vail, Giulio’s photography

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