Coming off of her recent ACM nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year, Greater Cincinnati’s very own hometown girl and breakthrough country artist Carly Pearce is heading to Columbus Thursday, March 15th on Blake Shelton’s Country Music Freaks tour. I had the pleasure of catching up with Carly on her music, road to Nashville, and upcoming tour.
What compelled you to leave your hometown of Taylor Mill, Kentucky, to head to Tennessee?
I loved my hometown and the people there, but I just knew I wanted to sing. There was never a doubt in my mind that Nashville is what I wanted. I had the opportunity to sing in Pigeon Forge at Dollywood and Country Tonite a few nights a week and couldn’t pass it up. After two years of doing that, I knew it was time to go to Nashville.
What does it mean to you to be featured as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country?
CMT has done such a good job of empowering women through their Next Women of Country honor. I feel that it’s my responsibility to make other women feel like it’s possible, that this dream of being a small-town girl and making it to Nashville is possible.
Your debut single “Every Little Thing” reached #1 on the charts, and the album hit #4 on the Top Country Albums chart. What does this mean to you as a breakthrough artist?
Being one of only four women in country music in 2017 to hit that milestone, it means I’m a part of history. It’s really weird. To be in the mix with singer’s like Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, and Lauren Alaina feels almost out of body. I just hope I can continue to move and help country music the way these women have.
Touring with the likes of Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Rascal Flatts must be pretty exciting for your first major touring season?
I am a huge fan of all of them! It’s pretty crazy to sit here and think that you’re the female country artist that they wanted on their tour(s).
What’s it been like touring with big name country artists so far?
How Blake handles his tour and team is incredible, he is such a nice guy. This tour will be an opportunity for me to get out there, and when I look back in a year, I’ll be able to reevaluate where I’m at in country music based on these experiences out on the road and the milestones so far.
Is there anything we can expect from the tour that you’re able to tell us?
Touring with Blake, Luke, Thomas, and Rascal Flatts, you can expect some collaborations during the shows. Different sets will evolve and change depending on the show and what works/what doesn’t.
Hide the Wine is a step away and a bit of a shift from some of the other songs on your album. What was your inspiration behind this song?
Hide the Wine was definitely a complete change from what we had. I wanted to be able to show a fun and flirty side to myself and my music, and the elements of the song are relatable to a lot of people.
Who would you consider to be your greatest inspiration in country music (or music in general)?
Dolly Parton. Not only is she an amazing songwriter, but she just excels in business, singing, philanthropy, and the artistry behind the industry. She’s such an inspiration to so many in this industry, and I hope I can do some of the things she has done for country music.
Anything else you’d like to share with your fans about your music and the tour ahead?
I’m super excited and can’t wait to get out there and see everyone on tour!
Tickets are still available for the Country Music Freaks Tour stop at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, this Thursday March 15th at 7 p.m. Catch Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Trace Adkins, and Carly Pearce via Ticketmaster.
