We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carley Lusk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Carley, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful project I have ever worked on would have to be my upcoming E.P! To paint a picture before the writing of this project, I was at a stand still. Everything was moving so fast around me, and the producer I had worked with no longer had time, as he was engineering Ariana Grandes album, obviously a priority! I knew my music had to continue to grow upwards, but where was I going to find another producer with an amazing skill set who I also connect with? At this time I was grieving the passing of my grandparents, and navigating my life in Los Angeles as an independent artist. On a random Tuesday I decided to volunteer at a homeless shelter in Hollywood. There were only two other volunteers there that day, a songwriter and a producer. These two became like family to me and when we found out how well we worked together, the E.P came out effortlessly. I am so proud of these songs and the beauty that they are. It really taught me that when you have your head on straight and move towards the betterment of humanity, the universe will always have your back. Be a good person, meet a good person, make magical music.
Carley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi my name is Carley Lusk, I am a singer songwriter from Detroit Michigan. I learned I could sing and write in my high school years, and once college rolled around I packed my bags and moved to Los Angeles. At the age of 20 I threw myself into a world where I learned to provide for myself, as well as grow a network of like minded people. I remember my first show had 3 people in the crowd, but I felt like there were hundreds because I did it. I booked my first show, a band, had an apartment, and was writing music! I met so many amazing people through performing and having that community made my dreams possible. I recorded my first two original songs about a year into the city after meeting a music exec while performing at a country club. ( the country club I also waitressed at). Once I had my first songs under my belt, it was easier to work with producers having had a backlog. I continued to meet new people, book more shows, record more music, direct new music videos, and find out who I really am as an artist, and what I want to share with the world. This upcoming E.P really embodies my whole experience, and inspires me to continue on.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I think my entire journey living in LA showed my resilience. I didn’t come with any plans or any money, just a whole lot of confidence. I knew what I wanted and no one could tell me it was unattainable! Whats the point of living if you don’t just go for it! I worked so many different side jobs to pay my rent, pay my band, and to fund my recordings and music videos. My dad always was a hustler and instilled that in me at a young age. You work for what is yours. That was very difficult to juggle, the city is overwhelming and it can be tough to find genuine people at times. I remember buying my first car, a Volkswagen bug convertible, I had to jump start it almost every time I drove it, but that gave me an opportunity to learn, and eventually upgrade! The struggle is worth it in the end, because you learn about yourself and get to inspire others along the way.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I built an audience on social media, by being consistent and original to myself! I think being comfortable on camera is huge, and if you aren’t, then finding a way to communicate through your creativity, whatever that may be! I love to meet people online and when someone finds me through my music there truly is no better feeling. I love to make people happy, and entertain others, so It comes naturally for me to do those things through social media. If you are getting started in social media, throw paint at the wall and see what sticks. There are tools and concepts that are proven to work, but everything has been done before, so be original.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qU200Ufqz27HjYrCPb0Nx
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carleylusk/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carley-lusk-4a198bbb/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBTmB9A69BVlW7S8Ci31cA
Image Credits
Photographer: Mike Moy