It's Just a Spark...

     I thought it was about time for me to write another post. Yesterday, I told you that I had a little surprise for today. Honestly, it was something super spontaneous and much needed.

     The last few days have been kinda blah for me. Saturday, after I had band practice, I was in such a good mood. Things just seemed to scream "bright side" to me. That in itself is very unusual. I will be the first to admit I'm not very good at being positive but for some reason I was super happy. Just like all things in life, it didn't last very long. Things happen, people do hurtful things, and plans don't always work out.

     So yesterday I woke up and I knew I needed to do something to cheer myself up. I don't know about you guys, but I have go-to songs for certain situations in my life. Last Hope by Paramore is the song I go to when I just need to feel better. It reminds me that sometimes you just have to let go of certain situations that aren't in your control. Sometimes tomorrow isn't always better, but it will be eventually. And most of all, when people pour salt into your wounds it's okay to be hurt, but you can't let them steal your happiness and hope. The pain only makes you stronger. That being said, I decided to record a cover of it.

     Last summer I was lucky enough to get to see Paramore perform it live on the Monumentour and I have been meaning to cover it ever since. I realized when I was editing it that I had slowed it down a bit (yes, I still get nervous making videos!) but I hope you guys enjoy my version. It doesn't quite live up to Hayley's wonderful voice but I tried haha. Also, I brought out my electric guitar just for this special occasion. Needless to say I feel a lot better now. 

     I guess the whole point of what I'm trying to say is there is always hope. Some days are going to be good, some days are going to be bad, and some days are going to feel completely hopeless. You just gotta let it happen. 

*Last Hope lyrics written on the lyric wall in my bedroom.*

     It's just a spark but it's enough to keep me going...

     I love you guys! Hope to see you at some of my upcoming gigs. 

xx Carson 

    P.S. I recorded the song live using GarageBand so what you hear is 100% raw vocals and not pre-recorded. Just a disclaimer haha. 

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Around Nashville in 2 Days! *See what I did there?*

     I'm backkkkkkk!

     If you read my last blog post you'll know that I went to Nashville earlier this week. After a long eight hour drive home yesterday I am currently sitting in my Pj's ready to tell you all about it.

     Monday it was my Dad's birthday!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! I also had a photo shoot with the beautiful and talented Goldy Locks. We had a BLAST. It was overcast and rainy but that didn't stop us. We shot at several locations in town. Between people stopping to look at us, the occasional photobomb, and random downfalls of rain I think we got some amazing shots. I can't wait to be able to share them. Goldy also said that I reminded her of a young Stevie Nicks which made my day. :D

(Fun fact: I did my hair and makeup for the shoot.)

     After that we decided to ride around Franklin for the rest of the evening. Franklin is my favorite place to visit when we go on trips to Nashville. The whole town is super friendly and beautiful. Not to mention they have a Mellow Mushroom, which just so happens to be where we had dinner. Of course while we were eating "No Rain" came on the radio so it made me think of Brad. Monday was just an all around good day.
     The next day we woke up early and went to a meeting. After that, I had my vocal lesson with Brett Manning. That was the most fun vocal lesson I have ever had. The guy is a genius. Not only did I learn a lot about my voice, but I learned a lot about stuff in general. I mean, the guy is literally a genius. Wanna know how to escape a Python's tight grip? Ask Brett. Apparently, they have sensitive skin so you tickle their belly. Wanna know about a part of your brain that you only use when you're praying? Ask Brett. He'll have to explain that one for you haha. Wanna know what bird shouldn't scientifically be able to fly? Ask Brett. He really likes humming birds. You probably get the picture. If you were wondering, I did in fact learn a lot about my vocals, but I payed good money for that so you guys will have to check him out yourselves haha. ;)

     All in all, it was a great trip. I didn't have time to go to any live performances, but there is always next time. Just so you know, I have some gigs coming up so check out my website http://www.carsonhillmusic.com so you don't miss them! Make sure you follow me on all of my social media sites too in case I book some last minute shows. I love you guys! I'm currently working on some surprises for you all so keep checking back here every once in a while. :)


xxC


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Just dropping in to say Hi..... Hi!

     It's safe to say I'm still no good at posting regularly on this blog. I'm trying to get my life a little bit more organized so here I am! First blog post of April! Look for at least one more before the end of this month.
     I've got some exciting stuff coming up. Next week I'm making a trip back to good ole Nashville *Insert happy dance here*. I'll be going to do a photo shoot with one of my favorite human beings on the planet,  Goldy Locks. I worked with her about a year and a half ago and loved it! She's the one who took these beautiful pictures that I've been using for promo (Plus they ended up on People.com)-

     Fun fact: When I first shot with her it was on my Mom's birthday. This time it will be on my Dad's birthday. :D 

     The next thing I'll be doing is a vocal lesson with Brett Manning. Words can't express how excited I am for that. I've already had one lesson with him plus I use his Singing Success Cd's. Come this summer your jaw is gonna drop thanks to my kick butt vocal skills (probably not but hey at least I have confidence!).

     While I'm in Nashville I'll probably look for some songwriter nights. Who knows, I may end up at the Bluebird. One thing I love about Nashville is when you're not trying so hard it is actually a beautiful and fun place to be. I've found with my past trips you don't need to stress over meeting the right people or being better than everyone else. Sometimes you just need to enjoy the moment and the music. Which is exactly what I'm gonna do!

     I hope you are all doing well! Sending hugs and kisses your way! xx


~C


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I'm on People.com!!!! ( just causally hyperventilating over here..... )

     Wow. That's all I have to say. Wow, wow, wow! What a weekend! The past several days have been a whirlwind of thankfulness. I am so thankful for every person that supports my music. I am so thankful for the blessing of getting to be on People.com. Words can't describe how truly amazing this past weekend has been.
     I should probably share with you guys the story of how I got on People.com. Wednesday night we were checking my messages on my Facebook page and a woman with People Magazine had contacted me about an interview for their website. It was totally random and unexpected. The next morning I called her and talked about my song "Under The Skin". She asked me questions about the music video and what inspired the song. When I hung up the phone I remember thinking what just happened? I asked her how she had found out about my music and she told me it was through an article on aplus.com. I had no idea that there was an article about me on aplus.com!

(Aplus.com Article. *Thank You Darcie Conway!*)

     Fast forward to Friday night. I had one of my best friends over to celebrate the possibility of an article on People.com. I was skeptical about if it would happen or not. It sounded too good to be true. We were in the middle of watching a movie when my Dad swung the door open and scared us half to death. He was excited to tell me that my article had been posted on the website. We all started freaking out. I couldn't believe that for once something that seemed too good to be true actually was true! You can read my People.com article here.

(People.com Article. *Thank You Stephanie Pfeffer!*)

     After the shock wore off I was flooded with people sharing it on Facebook and Twitter. So. Many. People. I just want to say thank you to anyone who shared it. I tried so hard to reply to every comment and message but if I missed you, THANK YOU!!!! So many people sent love my way and I can't tell you how much that means to me. Sometimes it's just nice to be reminded that people do pay attention to what you're doing. The fact that you all supported me and congratulated me speaks volumes.

(96.9 The Kat talked about the article. *Thank you Paul, Meg, and Geof!*)

Read what they said here!

     I am so extremely blessed. The article didn't happen because of anything I did. It was definitely a God thing. I just hope that more girls see the music video and listen to the song. If we all reminded girls just how beautiful they are then maybe they would start to believe it.

     I love you guys! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. ♥

xxC

     P.S. A lot of you have been asking me about moving to Nashville next year. Yes, hopefully I will if I can save up enough money. Let's face it, this world is expensive.... lol xoxo


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First Blog Post of 2015!

     Hi guys! Crazy how a year can fly by huh? Seems just like yesterday I was writing a blog post about saying goodbye to 2013.

*2014's New Year Post*

     2014 has been a year full of firsts for me. I went on my first big trip across the country by myself, I recorded in LA, and I met some really amazing people along the way. I've played so many shows I've lost count. I can't even begin to put into words what my year was like. It always amazes me when I look back on everything that's happened this past year. Here's just a few pictures that I think sum it up nicely…

 (Waxhaw Spring Fest)

(Performing at Huntersville Fall Fest with my drummer Paul Graham!) 

(Doing a #PassedOutGold picture with Goldy LockS in Nasvhille) 

 (Hanging out with Gabbie at Festival in the Park)

 (Visiting the Dove House before doing my first headline concert benefiting them.)

 (Hanging out with Jimmy Paxson in L.A. while recording two new songs)

 (Performing on Charlotte Today for the second time!)

(Carolina Camera coming to my house to do a feature on me. John Carter and Kevin Marlow were so nice!)

 (Meeting this awesome dude, Isaac Corbitt *The Corbitt Borthers*, at the Clear Mountain View Music Festival.)

(Practicing with Randy Franklin and the Sardines for Festival in the Park. *I was a special guest*) 

(Performing at The Row in Nashville for the first time. Totally unplanned.)

(My first day in L.A. with Brad Smith.)

*I would just like to say that I am so thankful for every single opportunity I got this year. I know there's a lot I left out but I am so extremely blessed. THANK YOU!*

     In 2014 I had a lot of stuff going on to the point that when November finally rolled around I got my first breather all year. Not that I'm complaining! I love being busy with my music. I did however have a lot going on behind the scenes. I think every person has their highs and their lows in life. I certainly had my fair share in 2014. When I finally got my first weekend free it just felt plain weird. I asked myself "What now?" The thought of planning for the new year really overwhelmed me. Ask anyone who knows me, I am a worrier (there I said it!).
     During that little window of time off my mom and I took a trip to the beach. I needed some time to forget about some of the stuff I had going on. It was really nice. I didn't have to be social, my cell phone reception was nonexistent so I didn't have to worry about updating on social media, and all the worries I had about my music got to be put on the back burner for a few days. Having that time off to think (or not think) about what I wanted the upcoming year to hold for my music was just so refreshing.

     When I got back home I was ready to focus on opportunities for 2015! Needless to say my break didn't last too long. Christmas is just a busy time in general but add on several holiday performances and I was busy every weekend right up until Christmas Day. I've also been working on getting a full band together again so you'll see some new faces at some of my upcoming shows! I can already feel that 2015 is going to be a great year.
     Every January I make new goals for myself. This year I really want to not sweat the small stuff. I want to not be afraid to voice my opinion and I want to do stuff that makes me genuinely happy. I also wouldn't mind going back to LA…. Just sayin'…. haha.
     I hope you all are having a great start to your New Year! I can't wait to share some exciting stuff with you guys soon. Feel free to comment below some of your 2015 goals
     I love you with all my heart! Thank you for all the support you've given me in 2014. I'm blown away just looking back on all that I've done. I am truly blessed and so thankful for every single person who cares about me and my music. Let's make 2015 a year to remember.


xxC


P.S. Sorry this post is late! It's almost February and I'm just now writing this haha. Obviously being on time is another goal that I won't make this year. :)


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Some of God's Greatest Gifts are Unanswered Prayers...

     Wow! Where have I been?! Has it really been so long since my last blog post? I've been in my own little world lately since my shows have slowed down. It's been really weird having some time off. Well, not completely off; I've been planning some stuff for next year that I think you guys are going to like. I honestly can't wait.
     As most of you know my birthday was this past Saturday on the 22nd! Thank you so much for all the sweet birthday wishes. I was so overwhelmed by all the messages I received. You guys made me feel truly special. It was a great way to ring in seventeen.

     In honor of my birthday my Dad got us tickets to see Garth Brooks in Greensboro. Everyone who follows me knows that Garth Brooks is one of my BIGGEST heroes. I use to spend hours watching the DVD set my Dad had of him. One of the DVDs was the "This is Garth Brooks" special they did on him in the 90's. I can practically quote the whole thing. The irony is that he quit touring before I was even old enough to care. When I heard he was possibly going to be touring again I immediately made a video message to him talking about how much he has inspired me as an artist. I may have also suggested that it would be REALLY FREAKING COOL if I could maybe open for him... I posted it to my Mom's YouTube channel and tried to get it to him before he even announced he was going back on tour. That was almost exactly a year ago.
     Friday night at the concert I was super excited to finally get to see him in person but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed that he didn't see my video and ask me to open for him. When he appeared on stage (out of nowhere might I add!) I forgot about it and practically jumped out of my seat all the way in the nose bleed section. After a few songs something magical happened. He started playing a song that made me want to cry. Unanswered Prayers. Just him and his guitar. Now let me tell you something, that got me to thinking.
     If you had asked me five years ago, when I was twelve, where I would be when I was seventeen I would've said signed to a major label, touring, with my first LP Album. Boy was I wrong! If you had asked me a year ago when I made that video message to Garth where I would be when he played in Greensboro I would've said "Opening for him obviously!" I have always been a big dreamer. My motto is if you pray about it endlessly and tell God how much it means to you it could very well come true. It's happened before for me.

     As Garth was singing 'Unanswered Prayers' I couldn't help but think about all the times I had prayed about wanting to get on a tour. Any tour. Especially Garth's tour. But as I heard that packed arena sing, "Just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care. Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." I thought about how even though it feels bad right now, God has something so much better planned. I might not get why he hasn't answered but one day I will.

     Even though I might not be where I thought I'd be at seventeen I'm still extremely blessed and I have done so many amazing things that I didn't even imagine doing. With it being Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for. Even the unanswered prayers.
     I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving! I love you all to the moon and back!

xx Carson


Garth Brooks- Unanswered Prayers- Greensboro, NC Nov. 21st 2014 video credit to Nikki Clements

My Message to Garth Brooks This is completely embarrassing. Just so you know I'm trying to copy the way the "This is Garth Brooks" special starts. I'm lame... I know... haha.

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Beauty Comes From Under The Skin

     It's out!!! It's out!!! My new single "Under The Skin" is out now!!! You have no idea how good it feels to be able to say that. Whew! I don't have to keep it to myself anymore. Praise Jesus! I hope you all are enjoying it. I've gotten some really nice feedback but I'd love to hear some of your opinions on it. There will be a link at the very bottom for you to listen to it on SoundCloud and buy it iTunes. Now, to the reason I'm writing this.

     Today my mom saw something on Twitter that Dove had posted about multiple girls posting videos on YouTube asking if they were ugly. Apparently it's a thing a whole bunch of girls have started doing and it breaks my heart. If you haven't had a chance to listen to my new song "Under The Skin" it's basically a message to all girls telling them that true beauty comes from, well, under the skin. Seeing how many girls felt the need to post a video asking people if they were ugly is crazy. Then, to see how many people made parody videos making fun of them is just disgusting. It's not funny. I know some people might not agree with me on this, and that's okay, but the fact that people are making light of something so serious is terrible. A woman named Meaghan Ramsey did a whole speech on this you can watch here. 

     When I was in the studio recording "Under The Skin" I kept thinking about how it would be perfect for a Dove commercial. When Dove tweeted about those girls it really struck a nerve with me. So I thought now would be a good time to tell you guys the story behind how I wrote "Under The Skin". 

     I had been going through a massive writers block. Writers block is one of those evil things that completely takes away your confidence. As I was sitting there completely frustrated I started to do what I normally do when writing; I sang random stuff until I ran across something I liked. It just so happened to be the first verse of the song "Spend forty-five minutes standing in front of the mirror. You look at what everyone has and it don't seem fair that you ain't got the prettiest smile or the prettiest hair. Seems like all you do is just stand and stare." and then I mumbled some weird melody while recording it. After I listened back I thought it sounded stupid. It went into my unfinished songs pile and that was the end of it. Or so I thought.

     I have no clue if it was weeks, months, or maybe even a year, but I was organizing some recordings and cleaning out some stuff when I ran across it. I thought I'd try to at least finish it. My general thoughts were maybe it could be something that my little cousins or the little girls that I knew liked my music would listen to. Once I started writing it I couldn't stop. It was probably one of the easiest songs I've written. 

     When I finished it I had a big realization. I had just written a song to myself. Every word and every line was exactly how I felt. 

     When I was in middle school I use to think I was so chubby. I hated the gap in my teeth (before I got braces), I hated my hair, and the fact that I wasn't as tiny as some of my friends. My first year of high school I started hating the way I looked in jeans. I hated how I couldn't pull off certain clothes that looked good on other girls. Then I started thinking that maybe guys wouldn't like me because I wasn't skinny. This was all in between the ages of 11 and 14. How crazy is that!? 

     Looking back it just seems stupid now. The grass is always greener on the other side. I have come to terms with the fact that God made me the way I am for a reason. If all girls looked the same then life would be pretty boring. I've found the prettiest people are the ones that have beautiful personalities. If someone can't accept you, or judges you based on how you look, then they're the one with the issue not you. 

     So basically "Under The Skin" was a big fat letter written to yours truly. Everyone tells me all the time that they're jealous of my confidence. Trust me, I have my moments. Everyone does. On days when you're comparing yourself to someone else or you just don't feel good enough, remember that true beauty is all about whats inside; not about your jean size. (Thank Goodness.)

    I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, my soul knows it well.  (Psalm 139:14)

     Love you guys!

xxCarson

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