We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Terrill Carter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Terrill, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Two of the most meaningful projects I’m currently working on is my upcoming EP and the series of inspirational children’s books I’m creating. The EP is particularly special to me because it represents a new phase in my life, where I’m focusing on authenticity and positivity. I want to share music that truly reflects who I am now, infusing it with light and positive energy.
The children’s books hold a deep personal significance as well. My late mother envisioned me creating such books, and working on them feels like a way to honor her memory and continue her legacy. Both projects are interwoven with personal meaning and a desire to make a positive impact, aligning closely with my values.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I won my first citywide talent show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at a young age. The event took place at the Centroplex downtown, where I competed against 25 other acts and clinched 1st place. That experience was a pivotal moment for me—I realized then that I was destined for a music career and that the stage would always be my passion.
I first performed on stage at eight years old, and by 13, I was recording in the studio with James DeBarge, his nephew Chico DeBarge, and his daughter Kristina DeBarge. At 15, Paul Tilman Smith of Bay Area’s Jazz Society wrote my debut solo song, “What is Love.” By my early twenties, my drive to pursue music full-time led me to move to Los Angeles.
I relocated to LA in 2011 and immediately began performing at the Romanov Theater in Studio City as part of the R&B Live Hollywood show. There, I had the opportunity to open for well-known acts like Faith Evans, Eric Benét, and Tweet. I released my debut solo album, “Feels Like This,” in February of 2023 which has been well-received both in the U.S. and Europe under David Nathan (The British Ambassador of Soul) and the Warner X Label. The album was produced by the renowned Preston Glass, along with actor/entrepreneur Christian Belnavis and Bruce Carter. Currently, my remake of “Exchange of Hearts,” written by Jacky Jack White and performed by David Slater, is ranked number 26 on the CashBox Pop and Rock chart.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with others on a deep, emotional level. Creating music or art allows me to share a part of myself with the world and see how it resonates with people from different backgrounds and experiences. When someone tells me that my work has touched them, inspired them, or helped them through a difficult time, it reaffirms why I chose this path. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that something I created can have a meaningful impact on someone else’s life. This connection and the ability to make a difference, even in small ways, is what makes the journey as an artist so rewarding.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I started my YouTube channel in 2018 after deciding to move away from talent competitions and build my own following. Initially, I focused on posting covers, and although growth was slow, I persisted. When the pandemic hit in 2020, my channel began to gain momentum rapidly. Now, with a following of over 4,000 subscribers, I host a popular Friday Night Live Karaoke show and share a mix of covers, live performances, and acoustic sessions.
One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of engaging with your audience. Social media can be demanding, and it’s sometimes challenging to keep up with comments and messages when life gets busy. However, taking the time to interact with and show appreciation for your supporters can foster a loyal community. This connection not only helps grow your following but also builds meaningful relationships with those who support you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.teamterrill.com
- Instagram: www.instagram/teamterrill
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrillteamterrill
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teamterrill/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/teamterrill
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamTerrill
Image Credits
BRUCE Carter