Today we’d like to introduce you to Carley Bearden.
Hi Carley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started writing music & poetry when I was around 15. I played softball my whole life, from 3-18. I was in guitar lessons for a while but chose to do Softball lessons over guitar when I was a kid. I kept up with it though and taught myself piano and guitar by ear. When I was 17, I started hanging out with some buddies outside of school who were creatives, musicians. I was inspired more than I had ever been before and wrote a song on guitar one day… I played it for my buddies, they pretty much forced me to record it and upload to Facebook. The next day, I got a message on Facebook from a studio in Fort Worth that wanted to record my song for FREE. I’m pretty sure that same week, I quit softball. It was the hardest thing of my life, and I will never forget my coach saying “You will regret this forever”, and it made me sad, but I knew I craved music more than anything else… it was a new feeling. Fast Forward a few years, my whole circle of peers were creatives. I was constantly writing and indulging myself into the music world. I went to UNT in 2018, met my girlfriend Jasmine shortly after, and this inspired me to release “Headspace” and “Sweet Disgrace”, which really jump-started my career. I began gaining a rather large fanbase via Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. We began promoting these songs on TikTok and that pushed me even further than I thought. The LGBTQ+ community wrapped their arms around me as an artist, vice versa, and my platform just became a safe space for those who did not feel safe.
I dropped out of college in 2020, mostly because I failed Statistics 4 times… but truly, I was not focused. College wasn’t for me. My parents were supportive but wanted me to take on all responsibilities as an adult, which I should. So, I began working full-time at Fosters Sushi In Roanoke Texas. This inspired me to push harder, grow, inspire. I signed with Electric Republic Records in 2021 owned by Jacob York, and since then, things have continued to grow.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh definitely not. There has been many struggles, but I always remind myself that the things that are worth it, do not come very easily. I crave being a creative and this fuels my soul to keep pushing. In this industry, you are constantly told “no”, you’re constantly let down, but those who keep on, keeping on, through the struggles, succeed. I’ve cried, I’ve yelled, I’ve screamed, I’ve smiled and I’ve laughed. This is what makes it worth it. This is a part of the Documentary. I have been screwed over by people, I have been lead on, I have lost creative control, I even had an “Executive” tell me, “Stop posting pictures on Social Media from the neck down, you are too masculine and that is unattractive.” I hung up that call and started posting MORE from the neck down. Bottom line is, this is your life, your art, nobody else’s. Stay true to yourself only.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My name is Carley Bearden, an LGBTQ+ Indie-pop artist who wants to bring more vulnerability and honesty into this industry. I like to focus my brand and life around mental health because, to me, this is the most important aspect of life. You have to treat yourself like a seed. The seed will only grow if you water it. It will only sprout if you treat it kindly.
I love that my platform and my voice can be a safe space for those who feel as though they cannot be themselves. For those that are afraid to speak up, because I will for them. This is a very dark world, and it is my mission to be a light in any way that I can. Life is a short ride, why not enjoy it?
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Oh goodness. What makes me happy. Okay, here goes.
Iced Coffee, my cats, being a plant-mom, having a wonderful girlfriend of 3 years, my amazing supportive family. My little sister, watching her grow and guiding her, teaching her to be herself in all aspects. NOT following society standards,
Jazz music while I’m working. Poetry- Rupi Kaur Specifically. Traveling, the ocean, the mountains.
A lot makes me happy because it teaches me to slow down and really live in the moment, in present time. I struggle with this. I’m happy to go through the hard parts of life. I’ve learned this is how you GROW and SPROUT into who you are truly meant to be. The list could go on and on. Mostly, I love that Women and those of the LGBTQ+ are claiming power within the world and Music Industry. I am PROUD of us.
Contact Info:
- Email: carleybeardenerr@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/CARLEY.BEARDENMUSIC
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carleybearden_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carley.bearden/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNLGalVoJiCvxDKPUS1jMnw
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3c8xof9mx6WTi7UHyJ2WhZ
Image Credits
Jacquelyn Charfauros
Shaider Divina
Jeff Ryan
