Shows of years Past…

     Hello everyone! I know it's been a while since I've blogged. The past couple of weeks have been super busy. I've been putting the final touches on my new EP and getting ready for different shows. This past weekend I had my annual show at the local BBQ. It was my fourth year in a row doing it. They always have the BBQ the first weekend in November every year. It's crazy to think that just four years ago I had my first show outside of church. It seems like just last week I was learning songs for my first set ever. The best part about having this show every year, is I get to see how much I've grown since the last time. What better way to celebrate four years then to look back on all the shows I've had so far. 

1st Year! (2010)

     Here we have a 11 year old version of myself. Braces and all. Anyone who was at that particular show will tell you that it was freezing cold and it even snowed a little. I remember being so nervous and halfway through the set I couldn't feel my fingers. It didn't help that I had a cold a week before (which seems to happen every year). Any performer will tell you that it's really hard to sing in front of people who know you. Since I was singing in my hometown I knew every single person who came to listen. One thing I've learned over the years is to quit worrying what other people think. Looking back, I have so many people who love me and come to support me, and those are the ones I should focus on. So, thank you to everyone who came out on that freezing cold November 6th. The first thing I said walking off that stage was "I want to do it again." And thus, I had caught the performing bug…

2nd Year (2011)

     The next year I had already had 12 months worth of playing shows and learning new stuff. I had already recorded half of my 'Country Sky' EP with Brad Smith the past spring, so I was starting to get more comfortable with everything. I actually started to get over my fear of talking to crowds, so I said a few things in between every song. That's a miracle in itself because my first show I barely said anything. I don't have a picture from this show; my mom recorded everything so I could put it on youtube and watch it back. This particular song was pretty popular with everyone who heard it so I thought I'd share it with you. 

3rd Year (2012)

The link to a video of my 3rd show.

     The 3rd year was a really good one for me. I had been on Charlotte Today a month before. That was crazy in itself. By this time all the kids my age had kind of started to get use to my performing. I'm pretty sure now I'm just known as the girl who sings. They all still support me, which I'm really grateful for. I had also learned that no matter what I do, I had a lot of friends who would help me share my music if I asked. That's one thing I love about my hometown. They have always been here for me. I had gotten wayyyy better on my stage performance and I had grown as a songwriter too. Every year I've been getting better.

4th Year (2013)

     This year, I brought my acoustic band with me (Thanks Gabe and David!). One thing I'm super proud of is I'm developing my own style and I did a lot more of my own songs this time around. I think the highlight of this past show was my family. They all came out just to hear me perform. I even have a semi little fan club that includes a bunch of little cousins and some girls from my church. It's funny how I am much more confident with my music. I use to be afraid that someone would think I was being arrogant, or all I wanted was attention, and they would make fun of me. Now, I can get up there and just have fun. Because no matter how many bad shows I might have where I play to 15 people tops, I know that when I come back to play the local BBQ I will always have a loving and supportive audience. Besides, they're the ones who gave me my start. I owe a lot to them.

     So, I hope you all have enjoyed looking back at my past. I've grown a lot with my music and as a person. I would definitely be nowhere without all the lovely people I call family and friends. God has truly blessed me. Also, I'm proud to announce I will be playing at the Novant Parade in Charlotte this Thanksgiving! It will be televised! I can't decide if I'm excited or completely terrified. Maybe a little bit of both. I love you guys so much! Thanks for reading!

xx Carson