Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carrie Stephens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Carrie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When I was in 1st grade, my class put on a play of the Three Little Pigs. I got the part of the Littlest Pig; dressing up, working with the scenery, learning my (very few) lines, and doing it all onstage under the bright lights was exhilarating, even despite my nerves. It was such a small role in such a small play, put on for parents that would love it no matter what, but it igniting a creative part of me that longed to perform. This passion has never left me, though it has transformed and shifted over the years as I went back and forth between acting and singing, finally putting my full focus into music.

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

I’ve always wanted to be a singer, but never had the patience to learn an instrument, so there were times when I set that dream aside for years, sometimes thinking I would never get back to it. It was simply chance that got me where I am today; my partner had a co-worker that asked me to front a new project, and that led me to meeting another like-minded musician who shared my eclectic tastes and desire to make music without sticking to a specific genre. We’ve spent 10 years exploring our sound, never putting limits on ourselves, but simply creating music that we love to play and love to listen to, ultimately leading to Cara Van Thorn, a full band that encourages input from all it’s members to bring their own styles and influences.

This project also gave me the confidence to join another, completely different band that’s strictly based on symphonic metal. As an actor, I found it easy to slip into a new character, and present myself as someone else. As a singer, it was harder to just play me, and for a very long time my nerves would regularly keep me from putting myself out there, I was so afraid of failure. Then I realized I was the one putting too much pressure on myself. As long as I put my heart into my performance, and brought my authentic self, no one else cared if it was perfect.

With both bands, I try to marry my former love of acting with my newfound joy in letting go and taking risks, and I feel that brings a unique experience to all my performances.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Explore and spend your money wisely. The music industry in particular is still dominated by corporate conglomerates who gatekeep to keep the money and power with a small group, but with streaming services it’s easier than ever to discover independent artists. However, discovering isn’t the same as supporting, so it’s important to go to local shows and buy merchandise and stream and follow on social media. A huge barrier to becoming a successful artist is just being noticed in the first place, so it’s on all of us to actively seek out new art.

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

One thing that’s joked about a lot is the idea that degrees in arts are meaningless, but I’ve definitely heard it in real life. That it’s not a real job is the one I’ve heard the most. And I have 2 responses to that: 1, it doesn’t have to be a job. Art is a part of our humanity, and it’s sole focus shouldn’t be about our survival but about how we thrive; and 2, of course it’s a job! Every time we listen to music, watch TV, buy a holiday card, you’re supporting an artist’s paycheck. Art is a part of our culture and our lives it deserves that recognition and respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: caravanthorn.com, seventhlegend.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/caravanthorn, instagram.com/seventhlegendband
• Facebook: facebook.com/caravanthorn, facebook.com/seventhlegendband
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caravanthorn, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3zfgZs1bj5uuV_qfIF9ywQ

Image Credits
Christopher de la Rosa Kaili Rose