Carmen Lookshire – Interview – Thanks for Asking

Carmen Lookshire – Interview – Thanks for Asking – by Liam Sweeny.

RRX: Who are you? Not, like, philosophically, but you know, who are the members of the band, who plays what? Describe yourself in one sentence (it can be a long sentence.) 

CL: My name is Carmen Lookshire, I’m a singer, songwriter, artist and old soul from Albany. I perform solo, in a duo called “Carmen and Life’s Guilty Pleasures”, in a five-piece band called “Band of Gold”, and in an 8-piece band called “TS Ensemble”. (I guess that’s two sentences)

RRX: Do you have anything out right now that people can enjoy, and if so, what’s the best way for them to get it?

CL: I just released a music video for my song, “I’m Not Crazy”, it’s about narcissism and gaslighting! It’s in a blues/rock style. Folks can find it on my Youtube channel under “Carmen Lookshire”. I also have an EP that was released in 2020 called, “For Love”, and that’s on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. It’s more jazz, soul, and blues

RRX: I know when pitching it helps to tell someone it’s “this meets that.” So let’s try that with you. If you had to give me two bands that meet each other in your sound, what are those bands? More than two bands?

CL: It’s hard for me to say because I had so many influences growing up, but I think some people might say Linda Ronstadt meets Norah Jones.

RRX: Let’s talk about your next project, your next few. Just not the ones you’re working on now. The ones you have your eyes on for the future. What’s coming to us?

CL: I’m currently working on my first full album. I wrote a lot of songs during the shutdown with my guitarist friend, Joe Carrick. So I’d like to get those down. Also, down the road, I would love to do a collab with other local artists, especially something with other female artists. Girl power! I’ve never been on tour so that would be cool too!

RRX: How does practice go? Is the road practice enough, or do you have a practice shack? If so, how does it look? What’s on the walls? What cool sh*t is in there?

CL: Practice? What’s that? Just kidding! Some bands that I’m with practice and some don’t. Most of the time, just playing out is the most practice I do. But I play out a lot so when I’m home I don’t want to sing. People might be surprised that I prefer silence at home. But when I prep for an upcoming solo gig, where I play guitar, I usually practice in the living room. There are lots of houseplants that listen!

RRX: Sometimes you gotta go on the road. Miles can build up, and it can stretch the comfort level of any travelling act. What do you bring on a road trip, or tour? What will you forget to bring?

CL: You always gotta have snacks. Sunflower seeds have been my latest go-to. I was a Girl Scout so I’m usually prepared. I bring a backpack with all the essentials for my gig. Jewelry, deodorant, shoes, lipstick, water bottle. I once broke out rain boots and a poncho from my car and my bandmates asked if I had a closet in there.

RRX: How can people keep up with you? What’s coming up, soon or eventually?

CL: People can follow me on the socials @CarmenTheSinger (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube) and my website carmenthesinger.com to see my schedule of events. Coming up I’ll be playing guitar and singing at Twisted Fiddler, Indian Ladder Farms, and Green Wolf Brewery.

I was also recently nominated for an Eddies Award for Solo/Duo Cover Artist. So I’ll be crossing my fingers for the win in April!

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