We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madi And Ella Carr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Madi and Ella, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

We are so thankful to be able to earn a full-time living from playing music. From a very young age, we have known that music is our calling.
We grew up in a small Florida town called Crystal River. Our parents were very supportive and encouraged us to perform any chance we got, whether it be a local festival, talent show, or karaoke night. As we approached high school-age, we began playing paid gigs at coffee shops and listening rooms in Jacksonville, FL.
However, moving to Austin in 2023 catapulted us into making music a full time career. The sheer amount of venues here provided us with opportunities we never would have gotten in Florida. We now have a residency 5 nights a week at San Jac Saloon on 6th St. Playing at a high energy venue with a primarily tourist clientele has taught us a lot about engaging a live audience and has allowed us to really hone in on our craft.

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.

Florida-grown sisters Madi and Ella grew up playing music together. Their tight vocal “blood” harmonies combined with flat-pick guitar and acoustic bass create a unique small-town sound that could best be described as a blend of folk, rock, and country with a bluegrass edge. In addition to performing soulful original songs, the duo covers a wide range of classic rock, folk, and country favorites, drawing influences from Johnny Cash, Tyler Childers, and Bruce Springsteen.
The Carr Sisters released their debut album Heart and Fire in May ‘24. Consisting of 8 heartfelt original songs, the album is available on all online streaming services.
The duo also can expand to a trio featuring a skilled fiddle player, or to a full band with drums and lead electric guitar.
From an energetic Friday night in a crowded bar to an intimate wedding reception, The Carr Sisters deliver lively shows, and their musical chemistry is undeniable.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for us is simply bringing joy to people. Our mantra has become a Tom Petty quote: “If people forget about their problems for two hours, I did my job.”
We are so lucky to be able to call performing our “job”. Music is a therapeutic portal to self expression, and gives the ability to make beauty of whatever experience life throws at you. However, not everyone is able to play music. Performing for people is so rewarding because you can get them lost in the music. There is nothing better than walking into a venue, starting our set, and watching the audience slowly start to put their phones down and start to watch, sing along, or dance. Time stands still and we are all transported to a different place, until the music stops.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Even though it’s a cliche, we have learned that it is better to be what people don’t expect.
We have found that our image as young female musicians often leads to the expectation that we will primarily perform slow love songs in gentle voices. While there is nothing wrong with slow love songs, our real passion is much different. We love playing fast bluegrass, outlaw country, and classic rock covers. Our performances are much grittier than people initially expect, and more often or not, they are pleasantly surprised by our song choices and performance style. We have learned not to play it safe by conforming to the mold that people initially request.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thecarrsisters.com
• Instagram: @thecarrsistersband
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@thecarrsisters
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4d3UmMmGqYSWgS0srGOpqc?si=XixsnBLdT1-FBRhRI9j_bA

  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-carr-sisters/1746203242

  Tik Tok: @thecarrsistersband

Image Credits

Raul Ochoa