We were lucky to catch up with Carrington Kelso recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carrington , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on to-date is my newest album, “First, We Fall” dropping September 22, 2022. The world has been so strange over the past three or so years. Between a global pandemic, a government hell bent on sending the USA back to the Stone Age, the increasing racial tension within our nation, and the economic state of the world, it’s a wonder how ANYONE is surviving let alone thriving in this climate. In the midst of ALL of that, I happen to get into my first relationship and had to learn to navigate that as well. As a creative, I have always made sense of my world through music and so I wrote my way through the infancy of my relationship.

“First, We Fall” is the rose colored glasses of a relationship; it is the lust turned love and I could not be more proud of it. As a Black, queer, artist it is very rare to hear and artist that looks like me talk about relationships and love with the nuance of our straight counterparts. I wanted to use this album as a pillar of reflection for any queer person who’s ever been in love, or craves love, but didn’t quite have the words for it. Representation is so important and I want to be that representation for all of my communities.

Carrington , 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?

For those who have never read about me, my name is Carrington Kelso and I am a Black, queer, creative who eats, sleeps, and bleeds music. I have been singing since I was nine and taught myself guitar at 18 because I wanted to write great songs like my idol, Beyoncé. They started off pretty rough at first, but eventually they evolved into something that I was extremely proud of and in 2017 I put out my first project, “T.N.T (The New Truth)” with my brothers Christian Warner and JT Kuhn. Our band, “Kelso and The Commoners”, played local spots for a while, but life took us all in different directions. From there, I released my first album, “Baptize Me” in 2018 and got opportunities to perform in places I had only dreamed of; The Virginia Highlands Festival, The Mall of Ga, Suwanee Porch Fest., etc.

From there, I got into my first relationship and subsequently wrote 38 songs about navigating love, life, and a career. Obviously, I knew I couldn’t release a 38 song album so I narrowed the list down to 9 of my favorites and created the album, “First, We Fall”! This album is a huge evolution for me as an artist because it the first project that I produced and record the majority of. I pushed myself as an artist, producer, and engineer, and I could not be more proud of the end results. This album also helped me released the need for perfection. Love, relationships, and life are not perfect and neither is art; I hope that anyone who listens to ANY of my music feels that and can release the desire to be perfect. There’s so much freedom waiting for you on the other side of perfectionism!

In the midst of creating this album, I also started a luxury fragrance company to honor my paternal and maternal grandmothers: ClaraRose Candle Co. As a musician, performing is one of my main sources of income. With the global pandemic, performing live wasn’t really an option and so I had to get creative. Candles have brought me so much peace and my grandmothers, and their prayers, are the ONLY reason I am where I am today. I wanted to create something to honor their legacy beyond their children and grandchildren and ClaraRose Candle Co. was born. Our tagline is “A Light in theDark” because my goal as an artist is to always serves as a beacon of hope in the darkest rooms. Be it our candles, room refreshers, unisex perfumes, or my music, you will feel love in what you interact with.

I am so proud of my journey thus far, and thankful for everyone that has joined me. I hope that in my story, you see even a little part of yourself reflected and you are reminded that you are never alone.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a Black, queer artist trying to navigate the entertainment industry and the fragrance industry my entire journey has been one of resilience. Like many artist, I have heard the word “no” more times than I can count. From American Idol, The Voice, The Glee Project, The X Factor and more; all no. Yet, I persevered. I was also raised by a single mother, and my grandmother. I should have been a statistic. Yet, I persevered. I know my journey is bigger than just me and my desires, so I persevere.

I also do not “look like a pop star” according to the music industry, but I have the audacity to challenge the status quo and I believe I will be reward for that. I persevere for every Black boy, queer boy, Black youth, queer youth, and every other community I intersect who has never seen themselves reflected in the entertainment space or the entrepreneurial space. I know it is difficult, if not impossible, to be what you cannot see and so I will be just that; a beacon for the world of “misfits” to see themselves reflected in space that couldn’t have dreamed up for themselves.

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

Financial support is the NUMBER ONE WAY to support artists, ESPECIALLY independent ones. It’s easy to open our wallets for a Rihanna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, etc. but when our friends or family are releasing something creative it is often crickets. Without our community, it is often impossible to grow to heights of sustainability for a creative career. If you truly believe in an artist, invest in them financially. BUY their albums, because steams pay PENNIES to the dollar. BUY their merchandise, share the purchase link with your friends and family; word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool. BUY tickets to their shows, even if you can’t make it. This shows the venues they are performing in that they are an asset and not a liability. Invite your friends and family to their shows; again word of mouth is so powerful. Support them before it’s “cool” to do so. RIDE for them like you would a celebrity artist. This is how we foster a positive and thriving creative ecosystem!

Beyond financial support, sharing the art is also very important and encouraging. If a piece or song moved you, share it and tag the artist. Not only does it make us feel AMAZING, but it offers encouragement for us to keep going; to keep creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CarringtonKelso.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carringtonkelso/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarringtonKelso
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarringtonKelso
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarringtonKelsoMusic
• Other: https://clararosecandleco.com

Image Credits
Carrington Kelso, Jean Nelson