HELLO CARSON FERRIS, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS CARSON FERRIS IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I am a 10 year-old that gets lots of opportunities to sing and has a YouTube channel. I’m also a normal kid who gets to go on bike rides and read and do things with my family. Music has always been a very important part of my life. When I’m feeling down or sad or lonely it helps me through that. I want to share that with other people and help them hopefully feel that through my music.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST BEGIN TO CREATE MUSIC?
Ever since I was little I’ve loved music and singing. I started taking guitar lessons when I was six. My guitar teacher, Dave Wilbur, helped me get out of my comfort zone. When I was eight I started taking singing lessons and auditioned for the One Voice Children’s Choir. Through that choir I met Debra Bonner, and started taking singing lessons with her as well. She introduced me to O/B/A and Nate Jolley, and I’ve been making music with them for the past six months.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE CREDIT TO FOR YOUR SUCCESS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
There are so many people who have helped with my music. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Debra Bonner. She has helped me hone my talents through vocal lessons, but beyond that she has believed in me and given me so many opportunities. She has helped me see that I am someone worth believing in. I’d also like to thank O/B/A and Nate Jolley for producing my music and helping me get out of my comfort zone. And my family for loving and supporting me every step of the way.
WHAT IS THE MEANING BEHIND YOUR DEBUT SINGLE, “I WILL FIGHT?
I wanted to sing a song about overcoming the challenges and anxieties that I go through every time I perform. Something I really struggle with is performance anxiety. Before every performance I feel like I’m going to mess up and no one will like it and that maybe I should just give up. In spite of this I’m always glad I am able to go up on stage. Once I’m up there I feel like I can be myself and all my problems seem to fade away. “I Will Fight” is about pushing through things that are hard, so that we can do the things we love.
WHO IS THAT ONE PERSON OR EVENT THAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR GROWTH THE MOST AND HOW?
Definitely my mom because she practices with me even when I’m stressed or being difficult. She always gives me good feedback and helps me with my difficulties. She always encourages me and helps me and supports me with everything that I do.
WHAT IS THAT ONE THING THAT YOU ALWAYS KEEP IN YOUR MIND WHILE PREPARING YOUR CONTENT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA?
I keep in my mind that I want to show people who I am, let people get to know me as a person and as an artist. I want to come up with things that people already know and like, but put my own spin on it.
WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE TO OTHER KIDS YOUR AGE WHO ALSO STRUGGLE WITH PERFORMANCE ANXIETY?
I want them to know that they’re not alone and that there are lots of people who deal with it. There is probably somebody that they know that also goes through the same thing. I’d also like to say: don’t let it keep you from doing the things that you love because it doesn’t have to. I feel like when I push through my stage fright I’m really me when I’m singing. I feel like I’m the best possible version of myself that I can be. I don’t think that people should let anxiety about messing up in front of people should keep them from being themselves, because sometimes it’s almost kept me from being myself.
WHAT MUSIC PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON NEXT?
My second single is coming out next month. It’s called “Number 1” and I’m really excited about it because I helped write it. I am also releasing a cover song every month on the first Thursday of the month. I think people will really like the next two. The first one has a really good message, and the second one is the first Christmas song I’ve ever done!
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
I would like to say to anyone reading this: follow your dreams no matter what, and don’t let anything stop you.
