Italian Week!

     This past week was Italian Week on Food Network. If you're wondering why I'm telling you this, it's because my mom is a huge fan of Italian cooking. She swears up and down we were meant to be Italian. So, we decided to celebrate by cooking an Italian meal every night. Each family member, excluding my sister who is at college (Sorry Catie), got to pick one of their favorite dishes to cook. On Monday my mom made her famous eggplant parmesan. I know everyone says this but, my mom really does make the best Italian food. Since she's a boss in the kitchen, my dad and I wanted to do just as good. 

     Tuesday night was my turn. I decided instead of trying to be fancy I'd stick with a classic, spaghetti and meatballs. Since I'm mostly known for my baking and not my cooking, I went for the easy route. What's simpler than spaghetti and meatballs? Boy was I wrong. I asked my mom for her recipe and found out that watching a few 'Extra Virgin' episodes on Food Network was not going to help me. I am by no means an expert on how to write a blog post about a recipe, so, I figured I'd just share a few snapshots my mom took.

     One thing a learned about cooking meatballs is that it's hard to enjoy meat when you've smelled it raw. If my vegetarian sister is reading this, no, it does not mean I'm becoming a vegetarian. I just ended up enjoying the leftovers the next day a little bit more. (Tip for rolling meatballs- Lightly roll them in your hands. Try not to compact the meat to keep it from becoming too dry.)

My beautifully rolled and raw meatballs!

     After I rolled the meatballs, I put them in the oven to cook for a little while until browned on the outside. I didn't let them cook all the way through until I put them in the sauce and let them simmer for a while. As you can see below, this is what they should look like when ready to eat.

     Once the sauce and the meatballs were finished, I quickly made the spaghetti noodles. By that time, the smell had filled our house and my dad wanted to 'help' finish cooking it. 

     After I cooked the pasta, all that was left to do was put it in a bowl. I had to go outside to get some basil for the finishing touch. 

     I don't think I could've done it without a little bit of my mom's help, but it turned out beautifully. We ended up sitting at the table with Italian music playing while we ate. I'm pretty sure my dad and I got on my mom's nerves while we sang the only words we knew to a couple of the songs; mine being 'When a *mumbles some form of words* like a big pizza pie that's amore'. All in all, the meal was delicious. Later on in the week it was my dad's turn and he made a steak marsala. It was amazing.

     I know this doesn't really have anything to do with music, but I want this blog to be about my life in general. Someone told me recently that they loved hearing about the adventures that go on in my life, so I figured that you guys might too. I have a lot of stuff coming up soon and hopefully I will have time to keep you updated!

xx Carson

Recording and Willie

     This past week has been a busy one for me. As most of you know, I've been working on a my new EP recently. Last wednesday I went to my friend/producer Gabe Nicholson's house to record the final guitars. This wasn't my first time recording guitar, but it was definitely more nerve racking than before. The whole sound of this album is more acoustic based, meaning my acoustic guitar is the only one you'll hear. There's no electric guitar covering it up, or loud drums. I'm in love with the simplicity of it. With me being a perfectionist, I wanted my guitar tracks to sound amazing since everything is centered around them. Some songs it only took two takes, and others it took thirty minutes to an hour.

     If you're wondering what that instrument is in the picture below, it is called a melodeon. I had never heard of one until Gabe pulled it out and said we should use it on one of the songs. So I took it home and played it for hours until I came up with a few simple things. I learned the hard way that if you don't take a few breaks from playing it, you get light headed. We definitely had a few laughs while recording it. (Fun Fact, Gabe found the melodeon at a junk store!)

     Thankfully, we always have snacks. Gabe knows me too well. I've actually begged my parents to let me move in with him and his wife, Amanda. Needless to say, it hasn't worked yet…

     Finally, five hours later, we had finished recording everything. It was tedious work. Even now, six days later, I still have a bad case of guitar shoulder. I don't really know if that's a thing but my shoulder is definitely still killing me. The best part of it all was the finished product. I'm extremely proud of everything we did; it's getting so much closer to being finished!

     On a different note, at the end of last week my parents surprised me with tickets to go see Willie Nelson on Saturday. All of you that know me, know that's a big deal. If I had one celebrity crush and/or hero it would be Willie Nelson. I had, at one time, expressed that I was afraid I would never get to see him live since he is getting older. When they told me we'd be going to see him after my show that morning, I totally freaked out.
     When we got there I was so excited I couldn't contain myself. Willie's son, Lukas Nelson, opened for him. My mind was blown from the moment he started singing. He sounded like a younger Willie, but with his own unique style. His guitar playing was a whole other story. He was amazing. Plus he was good looking like his dad  (I now have another celeb crush). He played for about an hour then he came back out with Willie to play rhythm guitar. I would definitely suggest looking him up.

(Willie Nelson and Lukas Nelson)

     When Willie came out I honestly felt like crying. We all have famous people we look up to. When you're a kid there's a few artists your parents or grandparents listen to. You see them on TV, or hear them on the radio. Willie Nelson was one of those for me. He's always been a legend. When he came out and started playing 'Whisky River' it felt so surreal. The guy I thought I'd never get to see in person, was standing on the stage right in front of me.  He played one hit after the other. Since he is 80, you could tell he doesn't have the breath he use to, but the one song he still sang the same was 'Always On My Mind'. I will never forget that moment. It's one of my favorite songs by him and it gave me chills.
     At the end of the night I was on cloud nine. I had to beg my mom to let me get the t'shirt I ended up with.

     All in all it has been a wonderful week. I'm one step closer to finishing my EP, I've had several amazing shows, and I got to see a country music legend. For an 80 year old, Willie has still got it (and he's adorable). Hope you all have enjoyed this post! Feel free to share your stories of seeing a legend you look up to!

Roll me up and smoke me when I die.


xx Carson

Tosco Music Party!

     Hello everybody! I would first off like to say I am extremely sorry I haven't posted since last September. This past year has been so crazy and hectic I haven't had much time to collect my thoughts on here. To be quite honest, I was mad at myself when I saw that it has been almost a whole year. I promise to get better about it.

     What better way to start back up this year than to share pictures of my most recent show. This past Saturday I performed a song at Tosco's Music Party. If you haven't heard of it, it is a big show in Charlotte, NC that showcases all different types of music. From classical guitarist, to bluegrass, gospel, and many more. If you've never been to one of these I thought it would be fun to bring it to you!

Pre-show hanging out 

My band and I ran over my song a couple of times. As you can see I'm also wearing my Grandpas old flannel shirt so I wouldn't get anything on my outfit before singing (which I have learned the hard way plenty of times).

My point of view half the time    

This here is Ethel. She is the pretty one in our band. 

As of recently, I've been doing more shows with my acoustic band. I've definitely found my own music style. These two guys have been so much fun to work with. They both do it for the love of music. It doesn't matter if we get paid. If they're available, I know I can count on them. (From left to right. Me, Gabriel Nicholson, and David Hearne)

Here, we have me and my managers! I'm really happy to be working with them. (From left to right. Walt Stewart, Me, and Roger Cullis)

Right before I go on stage, I normally go through several different emotions. As you can see from the look on my face, I was currently going through the 'Oh Goodness We're Next Someone Get Me A Paper Bag' emotion.

Last minute instructions on where to go

Getting James Taylor ready to go

(That's the name of my guitar) You'd be surprised how many times I've started something in the wrong key.

This isn't even half of the people who were in the audience. One of my favorite things is looking out into a crowd. (Photo taken by Phillip Carias) 

After I got done performing, I was heading to my signing table when I saw this. One of my favorite things about living where I do is that it's near Charlotte. Just like every city, it has it's flaws but there is nothing like being there in the evening.

One of my favorite parts about Saturday night, was the fact that I got my own signing table. I love meeting new people and getting to talk to them about my music. 

I had several people ask me what inspired me to write the songs on my EP. I don't normally get asked that question, so I was really happy someone took interest in it. I've always liked to hear other artists tell stories behind how their songs were written, so knowing that someone wanted to know mine was amazing. So many people stopped and bought my Country Sky EP, and I just wanted to say a quick thank you to anyone who did.

As you can see, by the end of the night, I had my flannel back on. Meeting everyone was fun, but a lot of people don't realize what goes on behind the scenes. From getting ready to go on stage, to being one of the last people to leave after you pack up all you're stuff, a show is a lot of work. If it hadn't been for my mom and dad, I don't know what I would have done. All in all, it was a wonderful night. I hope you guys have enjoyed just a little piece of my Saturday night. 

     The best part about not having blogged in almost a year, is the fact that I've gotten a chance to find myself more. I've figured out what style fits me best, and I've grown up a little. I'm working on a new EP that should be out late October or early November, which I'm super excited about. My music has evolved a lot over time, but more on that later. I hope you all are doing well! 

xx Carson 

Sometimes All You Can Do Is Hate...

     I bet some of you guys are wondering what's up with the title of this post. Well first of all it's lyrics to a song that is called "I Hate" by Passenger. The song basically talks about the things in life you can't help but hate. There are some things you can't change, especially in this crazy world. Being a singer/songwriter isn't always easy. Most people just see the good side of what I do, but they never see some of the bad stuff. For example, I have to do school just like every other kid. I'm home schooled but that doesn't mean the work is any easier. One thing I absolutely hate is Geometry. The way I see it is I already know what I'm going to do with my life and it has nothing to do with that dreadful stuff. I still have to learn it though so I can go to college to learn stuff I'm actually going to use in what I want to do. 

     Another example is, I've had to put up with people in the music business that give out empty promises. That has happened several times with me. I will say I have never been one to get my hopes up no matter how promising something might look, but there is always a part of me that has a tiny bit of hope. There are a lot of liars in this business, but luckily I'm working with some amazing people now. I have had my fair share of let downs though.

     Sometimes I hate the fact that it takes so long to get noticed. Getting people to listen to my music isn't always easy. Some of the most amazing artist have had to wait years just to get discovered. I have to remind myself that when I feel like it's never going to happen.

     The point of all this is to show you guys what I do isn't always great. No, this was not meant to depress you haha. Music is what I love though, and I put up with all the bad 'cause I can't change it. In life we will all have amazing things that happen to us and we always need to stay positive, but sometimes it's okay to acknowledge the things we hate. Never forget to be thankful for what you have though. So I'm going to leave you guys with one of my favorite lines from the song,

     "I laugh and I live and I have love to give, but sometimes all you can do is hate." -Passenger

xx Carson 

This is me and my best friend meeting Passenger at the Ed Sheeran concert. He's a really nice guy. Definitely someone I look up to. (left to right, Me, Mike Passenger, and Abbey)

Interviews, Shows, and Twitcams Oh My...

     Well, this week has been pretty busy so far. I started school, *insert sigh* and I've got quite a few music things coming up. One of the things I have to do a lot for my music is interviews. I've done several with podcasts and radio stations. I absolutely love them. Most people would probably think it's because I get to talk about myself, but I just like talking about music, especially when someone asks me who my influences are. I could go on and on all day about my favorite musicians, songwriters, and artists. But most of it is having to talk about my music and writing, which I don't mind at all. I've learned that the hardest part about working in music is getting everyone to listen and share. That's one reason why interviews are so important; they open you up to a whole new set of people. This Friday I have an interview at 12:30 pm with FM 94.3 WRHI's live radio show called "Straight Talk" with Manning Kimmel, which I'm super excited about. Even though I've already done a few interviews, every time is different. Plus I get to share what I'm about, and what my music is about. I'm also a people person; so I love to talk.
     Another thing I have coming up is a show Saturday. A lot of people don't realize what goes into getting ready for a show. I will admit that since I've been performing a lot this summer I have become quite the procrastinator, but most of the time I have my set list ready in a week advance and I've practiced a lot. I always try to do songs that everyone will love, from kids to my grandparents. The really awesome thing about this upcoming show is that it's for the Make A Wish Foundation. I've always wanted to perform for something like this. Not only am I getting to play my music, but its for an amazing cause. So if you want to come to Kings Mountain, NC at 5:30 to help support it that would be awesome.
     The last thing I'm going to do is a Twitcam Friday night at 8:00. Some of y'all probably don't know what that is. A Twitcam is a live video stream that's connected to Twitter. Anyone can watch, even if you don't have a Twitter account. If you do have an account then you can tweet me about it while I'm doing it and I can answer questions, or just talk back and forth. I'm going to have my guitar out so I might play some songs. It's almost like a hangout where everyone can get to know me and my music. I wouldn't be opposed to anyone telling their friends about it and joining! Knowing me, there's no tellin' what might happen haha.
     So to sum everything that's going on this week, I have an interview Friday with FM 94.3 WRHI at 12:30 with Manning Kimmel (You can listen online also), that night I will be doing a Twitcam at 8:00 pm (So please watch and share with friends! You can find a link to it on my Facebook page or Twitter), and finally I have a show Saturday at Kings Mountain, NC at 5:30 pm for the Make A Wish Foundation. Hopefully you can come support the great cause! I hope everyone is doing great.

xx Carson

Home is where the studio is.

     Hey guys! Just thought I'd catch you up on what's been going on lately. About a week ago I was in the studio recording two new songs, which I'm SUPER excited about. For anyone who doesn't already know, I love being in the studio. Ever since the first time I was lucky enough to get to record a demo, I've loved everything about it. Not only has so much great music been made in it, but so many amazing artists have worked there for hours at a time to perfect their music. The atmosphere is so laid back. Not to mention I learn something new every time I go there.
     Some of you guys might not know what happens when I go to record, so I'll try to break it down.

Most of the time the full band production is already done, which means just the vocals are left to be recorded. I'm so thankful for the amazing musicians that have played on my songs. The music is normally recorded wherever the session players are ( California, Tennessee, Texas etc.). Every time I go to the studio it's different. It depends on who you're working with. Most of the time we walk in and take a few minutes to catch up with everyone. After that we get down to business. I go into a separate room from the sound board, put on my headphones, and run through the song once so we can get the volumes right, then start to record the real thing.

     Once I've gone through the song about four times I go back to the main room where everyone is. I tend to joke around a little and talk before we are ready to do the vocal comp. I bet some of you guys are wondering what that is exactly. Vocal comp. is when we go through a little section of the song at a time and pick the best parts of the four times I went through the song. It can be quite a tedious job. Some artists leave it up to the producer or engineer to do it, but I can be a perfectionist, and I like getting a say in how I sound in my songs. Once we're done with that, I either go back to the recording room and record the backing vocals, or we're finished. Sometimes it can take hours, or even days. I honestly wouldn't mind having to work in the studio for weeks.

     Like I said I learn new things every time I go to the studio. Sometimes it's musical stuff and others it's stuff about me I never knew. For example, this past week I've learned that I love the technical side of music. Yes, it can be a pain when you have to go through every little detail of a song, or you might be editing something and the computer decides it doesn't want to work, but I could see myself working on that side of music one day. Maybe a producer, or audio engineer? I don't know, but it definitely makes me think. I know right, that sounds scary! Haha. I guess everyone learns new things about themselves every day.
     I know I'm probably leaving a few things out on what happens at the studio, but like I said I'm still learning. Plus I think I'm lucky if you guys are still awake after reading this. I hope I'm not too boring and y'all enjoyed reading it. I'd like to quickly thank everyone who helped with my songs! They sound amazing, and I can't wait for everyone to hear them. Keep your eyes out! I'll hopefully post something again soon.

xx Carson

For Starters...

     Hey guys, I'm Carson Hill. In case you didn't already realize this, I'm starting a blog. For anyone who may be reading this and doesn't know who I am, here's a few things you should know about me. I'm a singer/songwriter. I've been writing, performing, and playing guitar for about three years now. I'm fourteen and live in a small town in North Carolina. Yes, I am a Tarheel fan haha. I've been told I talk really fast, and loud when I get excited. I love to laugh, most of the time it's at myself. I love making other people laugh too. I think you shouldn't take life too seriously, so live in the moment. I'm a perfectionist especially when it comes to my music. Music is my life, and the reason I'm starting this blog. So if you want to hear about what's going on with my music this is the place to come. Another place where you can find out more about me is my website .http://www.carsonhillmusic.com/.
     I'm currently performing a lot of different places, and trying to get as many people as I can to hear my music. It's harder than it seems. I'm very thankful for anyone who has shared my music and supported me. Without them I would just be crazy girl singing to no one.
     People are always asking me who my musical influences are and my answer is always "What Genre?".
I love all kinds of music. I'm really into 70's and 80's stuff like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, REO Speedwagon, John Melon Camp, Def Leppard, Stevie Nicks, and Steve Miller Band. I also love swing music, and stuff from the 50's and 60's. Frank Sinatra stole my heart. I wish I could go back in time and hear him live. So like I said, I listen to all types of stuff. Personally I think my Genre is Singer/songwriter. I've always said that's the genre for artists who don't really fit in a genre. Garth Brooks is my hero when it comes to entertaining. He's also one of the reasons why I love country.
     I feel like music brings everyone together. It doesn't matter what race, language, or country you live in, music is always the same. If I can write a song that gives one person hope, or makes them feel less alone my life is complete.
     So basically this is the start of many posts. Hopefully the rest will be a little bit more interesting. As a reward for reading through I will leave you with a silly picture of me. Thanks for reading!

-Carson