We were lucky to catch up with Carlehr Swanson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carlehr, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When I was younger, I always liked the attention music gave me, but I thought I wanted to be a nurse. My family has many nurses, and I loved the idea of helping others feel better. However, my 7th-grade math courses reminded me that I was not good at math and that I should probably pursue another profession. At the same time, I decided I wanted to play basketball and quit the piano for a month to try out for my middle school’s team. Thankfully, I did not make the team.

During the summer of my 8th-grade year, I went to a music summer camp where students worked with a local gospel group. It was not only exciting to be around kids who had a similar interest as me but to see artists performing, touring, and recording. It let me know that such a life was possible and that what I did was meaningful. After that experience, I started trying to play the piano and sing simultaneously. I also began learning songs to make a small set and even went on a small church tour my Aunt Lee set up. Performing so frequently made me unafraid, and I began to consider music as a serious career option. That feeling was solidified in college when I switched my major from classical piano to jazz studies. The jazz students and professors were working musicians with their own groups and music projects. I realized there was more than one way to be successful in music.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Carlehr (Car-lee-ah), and I am a musician from Richmond, Virginia. I am currently a Ph.D. student in music at the University of Virginia, where my research interests include Black studies, Feminist studies, and gospel music.

Since I can remember, there’s always been music in my house, whether it was the Winans or Motown. My mom sings, so she always taught me little songs and would give me CDs and tapes to listen to. Whenever I experienced music as a child, it was a joyous experience. Whenever my grandmother jumped up to shout in church, I would too. I joined the Sunbeam Choir when I was six and started piano lessons the following year. After I sang my first solo, “This Little Light of Mine,” I was hooked. I always sang in the church choir, but as my voice developed, I realized it was lower than most kids my age. So, for a while, I shied away from singing. Ironically, when trying to find my voice, I stumbled into my organization, Music is Unity. In the 8th grade, I performed at a rehabilitation center that my grandmother was staying in. I often visited and played her favorite songs on the piano. I soon realized other residents would sit and listen as well. After this experience, I started taking my friends. Since then, I have planned over three dozen concerts for nursing homes and have traveled to numerous schools to talk about the importance of participating in music.

During the pandemic, I turned to virtual avenues that included an artist series and “at-home” concerts. Most recently, I’ve developed a community drumline with a local nonprofit. Students in the drumline have varying musical abilities, but we all come together weekly to learn basic music skills, discipline, and teamwork. Now, I am pursuing modes to provide free music lessons for all students in Richmond, Virginia. Musically, I am recording an EP of original music to be released in the Spring.

As a child, I enjoyed many activities and did not know exactly what my profession would be. However, I do many things via life’s beautiful journey. Through my various relationships with music, I perform, teach, write, research, and take it to others. I am most proud of my ability to help other musicians. As a musician, it’s easy to only think about yourself, But I believe if you want something bad enough, you will help others get it too.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

There are two things I find rewarding about being an artist. First is the transfer of energy I feel from performing or being in front of a crowd. Engaging with audiences is a mutually beneficial experience. I give them something, and they give it back, which allows the performance to elevate. No matter what happened before that moment, performing will enable me to leave it all behind, if only for that moment. The same for the audience, many come to a performance looking for a release, and it brings me great joy that I can do that.

A more recent rewarding (challenging) experience has been teaching. It is a great feeling to empower someone else to do something. Many of my music students have little to no prior experience, so watching them progress is exciting. It’s even more rewarding because it’s not just about them learning a musical instrument or becoming a professional musician. It’s about them learning skills like discipline and confidence that will carry them throughout their lives.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carlehrswanson.com
• Instagram: @car.lee.ah
• Twitter: @carlehr
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/CarlehrSwanson
• Other: Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QBe8c_fNAA

Image Credits
Kimberly Needles Genie Bunton