Carly Tefft
Interview conducted December 02, 2020
“For the “Songs Past Dark” Acoustic EP Project, I want to create an experience for the listener where both my original song & cover song I choose to touch on the same theme. Even more so, the listener will get a peek into my influences, which come from a wide variety of genres, which are apparent in my own writing.”
What is your upbringing?
Grew up on Cape Cod, MA in a town called Sandwich…yes that really does exist. Beach, baseball, and bonfires were my typical hobbies as well as spending time with family and friends.
How did you discover music?
My parents loved playing everything from James Taylor, Carly Simon, Sheryl Crow, Beatles, Police, Stevie Wonder, then I found my own love of artists from Gavin DeGraw, Jason Mraz, McFly, Colbie Calliat, Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum.
How was Berklee College?
The most incredible experience! 4,000+ of the best musicians in the world from all over the globe. I learned just as much from my teachers as I did from my peers. It whooped my guitar, songwriting, and vocal chops into tip-top shape!
How did you start to write music?
I’ve always been writing songs since age 7. The first song was about Santa Claus…and ever since then melody, lyrics & harmony have always come through me.
How was it to make Nashville your second home?
Definitely different from the northeast and it has its own kind of beauty. I love the diversity of talent in this city and the hunger/drive every musician possesses.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Haha well, the Santa Claus song still has yet to be finished…I’d say my first “professional” recording was a song called “A Little Secret For You” which I produced and recorded myself when I was a senior in high school.
You have opened up for the likes of Justin Moore, Chase Rice, Jimmie Allen and Devin Dawson. Did they give you any words of wisdom about the music business?
They’ve all treated me with such respect! Watching them go about their live shows and leaving it all out on the stage is some wisdom I’ve learned from them.
Tell me about the Song Past Dark?
“For the “Songs Past Dark” Acoustic EP Project, I want to create an experience for the listener where both my original song & cover song I choose to touch on the same theme. Even more so, the listener will get a peek into my influences, which come from a wide variety of genres, which are apparent in my own writing.
Tell me about the making of Chasin You?
One of my favorite recent country songs. I wanted to give it a little ‘beach-vibe-flair’ to it by spicing up the guitar lick and recording the video around the bonfire is something that’s always been real to me since day one…. whenever my friends and I have a fire, I’m singing and playing the guitar.
What are you feeling about streaming music?
Technology is ever-changing for the good and not so good at times, but I feel that now there are so many more ways to find music and inept artists which is a huge advantage.
What is the mental health situation of the United State?
I think it’s great how the mental health conversation is starting to become a more relevant one here in the US. Over the last year, I’ve had my own trials & tribulations and started counseling and even went to a therapy program called Onsite which was life-changing for the better! The more they are self-aware, the better they can be at recognizing issues when things aren’t alright. And that’s the beauty of it! Making it okay not to be okay 100% of the time, but recognizing there are resources to help. I hope my music and my efforts will help be a positive force for mental health.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I have no clue how big festivals or concerts will happen, but I do know the outside venues have been doing a great job! I think we’ll see more of an outside venue surge in the coming five+ years.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Writing a lot of music and walking my dog! I’ve been fortunate enough to be with my family for part of it which has been very grounding.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Photography, baking, re-reading books I read in high school and binging tv shows…I’m in season 4 of the office!
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
Online reach out is huge! That personal connection to fans is something i strive for and hope other musicians will as well
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