We found out some more about rising LA alt-pop artist Carter Vogel following the release of his vulnerable new single ‘Close Call’
With the release of his vulnerable new single ‘Close Call’, rising LA artist Carter Vogel opens up the scope of his immersive sound as he offers his own distinctive take on the “right person, wrong time” kind of narrative that can resonate and leave an impression on so many listeners with its relatability.
The artist’s distinctive charm and allure have seen him marked for success by many, and his willingness to embrace an openness and intimacy within his sound is a big part of that, showcasing both substance and style as he explores themes like romance, life and growth. We love the new release, and had a chat with Carter to find out a bit more about it, the artist’s journey so far, and what else he has in store for the near future.
Who TF is Carter Vogel?
No, really, who tf is he??? Self-discovery is real, the path is long, and in my experience, there really is no end. What I can tell you is that I’m a kid from the Midwest who grew up in Baltimore. I found music, and I latched onto it. I’ll always be a musician first, and I’m so grateful I’m able to wake up and create, whether it’s writing, performing, or producing, every single day.
How long have you been making music?
The first song I wrote was in 7th grade, and I sang about how every song I heard on the radio was about love. I’ve been making music ever since, and I think every song I wrote after that ended up being about love.
Why do you make music?
If it wasn’t for my mom putting me in piano lessons in 3rd grade, I don’t think I would’ve ended up here. My parents aren’t heavily musical, but they fostered my love and passion more than I could have ever imagined. I make music because more than anything, I love it. Playing and creating are all I can think about, and building a life in this industry is the biggest blessing I could’ve asked for.
What are your biggest influences?
Musically, I’m influenced by the likes of Ryan Tedder, Stevie Wonder, and Nick Drake. As a pianist, I love playing and exposing myself to different genres, so when it comes to creating, I’m able to pull from so many places, whether it’s D’Angelo’s chordal harmony, Big Thief’s lyricism, or Adele’s melodies.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
I am really proud of this last release. It was my first song that I’ve taken across the finish line on my own. I think realizing that I was ready to take the jump and trust myself was invaluable. I’m riding that high right now.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
My last few releases have been very different from one another, but my sound falls within the indie/pop-songwriter world. My first release this year was a piano-driven ballad, then I put out a pop-R&B hit, and now, with my latest release, I’ve taken on a more alternative twist.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
The dream is to play on stage at the Grammys. On the way there. I can’t wait to tour and play festivals around the world. There’s nothing like performing and doing it at the highest level is exactly what I want to achieve.
We love your new single ‘Close Call’, what more can you tell us about it?
I really love this new sound. I started this song over the summer after I met someone who was in the process of moving out of LA. I’ve been describing it as a new alternative-indie sound driven by my instrumental versatility. I’ve gotten really good feedback about how the genre suits me, and the new project I’m working on is full of songs like this one.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
I actually have an EP on the way. I’m finishing that up for a summer release. It’s going to be more of my new solo-production sound, and I honestly can’t wait to get it out to the world.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
It has to be my family back in Baltimore. My siblings and my parents are by far my biggest supporters. My parents actually just flew out to see me play a show just a few weeks ago. No matter what, I know they’re my biggest fans.
