What’s up Carter! Right now this very second, how are you feeling?
What’s happening! Sipping my morning coffee right now, feeling blessed and excited to see what today brings. This conversation seems to be the perfect way to start.
The music video for “100-60” looks like it was a fun ass shoot. Who directed the video and what was it like working with such a large cast?
That shoot was amazing. I brought all my homies with me, and just brought bottles to the loft and let them party while we shot in between. We actually had this warehouse party afterwards, so we just treated the shoot as pre-drinks before we went out. Aldwin and Tim from RMR (@rmr.visuals) shot and edited that video for me. As usual, they came through big and im very appreciative of their professionalism.
I see a few fit pics on your Instagram. How would you describe your style and how does it correlate with your music?
I used to work retail at footlocker for a fair few years while I was studying, so naturally I've been pretty heavy into the sneaker game for as long as I can remember. I used to line up for Js on the regular, and I still got a whole bunch of kicks I haven't got the chance to wear yet haha. While sneakers were the gateway, my style has definitely evolved over the years. I think simplicity in design and quality in materials appeals to me the most these days; so on a normal day, you’ll probably catch me in something black/white with a little splash of colour.
With music, I try to keep everything authentic, and now that I think about it, I've made more than a few references in my lyrics. When the money comes, im copping grails right after i get a property.
What’s Soul’s Collective?
This is something I've been working on behind the scenes with a team of artists/creatives from my city. Although I'm super excited about it, I don’t want to speak too much on it as of now as there’s still a few pieces yet to be in place. The reveal will be before the year ends, and we’re coming through with events, music, visuals, design & products, so watch this space!
Where are you from?
I was born in ShenZhen China, and migrated with my family to Melbourne, Australia when I was 13. Forever appreciative of the position my parents put me in by bringing me to the best city in the world.
What were you like in high school?
I started High School in China at a boarding school, where I was studying from 7:30am to 10pm everyday focusing entirely on academics. Then i came to Melbourne when i was 13 in year 8, and because I couldn't really speak English at all, I started building a real connection with others through music & sports. I was playing guitar & basketball during all my spare time which helped me a lot with my confidence, and gave me a way of expressing myself when I wasn't able to verbally. I still remember going to basketball practices a bunch of times a week, and jamming in bands on weekends as some of the most memorable times of my life.
I’ve always felt like the introverted kid giving his best extroverted efforts, and I could have never imagined myself in this position singing on songs if someone told me that 10 years ago. From being in the 8am classrooms in China, to being an up n coming artist in 2019 has been a crazy journey, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Do you think about streams a lot? Or is it just whatever to you?
Streams don’t define me as an artist because I believe it’s about self-expression, and all my listeners are additional privileges. However, music has played a huge part of my life growing up, and I'd love to be the soundtrack of someone else’s life if they’re accepting. I use streams and analytics as a tool to define my audience, so i know who i’m speaking to, and how to reach more like-minded individuals, but I'm not losing sleep over how many clicks i get. With that being said, all the kind messages from fans from all over the world mean the most to me, and I’ll always try to respond to every single one. If you like my music, please shoot me a DM and have a chat!
Seeing that you’re of Asian decent, how do you feel about the rise of 88Rising?
It’s inevitable, and I absolutely love it. There has always been a huge market for Hip Hop in Asia, with a lot of dope artists working just as hard as anybody. 88Rising just came in and done an amazing job bridging that gap between the East & West and brought a lot of these deserving acts into the spotlight. When I was growing up in Asia, I wasn't aware of any Asian Hip Hop acts, but now I'm just excited to see how this movement inspires the kids in Asia. The talent has always been there, they just needed to be shown a way out.
Got anything unreleased that you can tell me about?
I’m dropping the sequel to ‘Understand It’ on the 9th Aug titled ‘Cutting Ties’ which still focuses on the narrative of self-discovery and conflict. This single will also be paired with a visual which will premiere the same week.
After that, I’m shooting more music videos & you can definitely expect more than a few singles & features coming your way before I wrap the year up with a small EP project. I’m beyond excited to share what’s been in the works with the world, just be sure to keep an eye on my IG. Everything will be announced there first!
Plug yourself (tell us your social media and where people can find your music).
All my music is available on all major streaming services, and my music videos are released under my label DayOnes on Youtube. But you’ll find everything in the link on my bio on IG.
IG/Twitter: @carter_sounds
Facebook: @thisiscarter
Any last words?
Peace, love & thank you.
Big shout out to Cater for coming on an agreeing to Interview with Nefarious Supply. Be sure to stay on the look out for new music by him coming your way including his new EP, and his new single Cutting Ties”. You can find Carter on all streaming platforms and you can find his on social media on Instagram, and Twitter
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