We were lucky to catch up with Carter Lybrand recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carter , appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’ve been fortunate to make a living doing what I most enjoy. My time with the military has made it easier with the benefits it provides, but it took a lot of hard work and struggle to get things off the ground. I think the best teacher for me has just been experience and learning things as I go. My goals from when I first started aren’t the same as I’ve just learned so much about the business and what success really looks like. From my viewpoint…… paying the bills is what makes me successful, and all the other things that come with my career such as awards or streams are just icing on the cake.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

It all started with a deployment to Iraq with the Army when it comes down to it. I had played guitar since the age of 12 and sang all the time riding around in my truck when I was in high school. When I started singing for my comrades overseas they told me “man, you have to pursue this! Why did you join the Army with a talent like that!”. I recorded a few demos when I returned home, but I struggled with alcohol and what I went to over there. I had some family and marital problems that I am thankful to have gotten through, and I am happy to say that my family life is stronger than ever after that. I wasn’t proud of it, but I made me the person that I am today. Sometimes we learn our most valuable lessons through our deepest struggles. It took me a few years, but after trying to find my way in life I ultimately decided to pursue music full time back in 2019. My experience in the sales world really got me ready for the challenges I was going to face when it came to booking shows and running a business. Once I started releasing music I was fortunate to receive some editorial playlisting right off the bat and I quickly started developing a fan base that has lead me all over the country.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think the main thing people can do for artist they support at any level is just be responsive in their socials. A simple like or comment goes a long way for all of us as it helps to push us into the algorithm and inevitably helps us get our music out there. I always say “it’s free 99 to follow us and cost you a mere second of time”.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal is to play the Grand old opry. I want to do it for my grandparents and their memory, as well as all that served with me overseas and believed in me. I just feel like that would be a nod to them and everything I’ve fought for to be where I’m at.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Carterlybrand.com
• Instagram: @carterlybrandcountry
• Facebook: @carterlybrandcountry
• Youtube: @carterlybrand
• Other: Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ophv4tU6QFbsUQ0DwotdM?si=NUAEC6OrQqyeNi1wdoh0iQ

  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/carter-lybrand/1560729948