Meet French Singer-Songwriter and Producer Carla Kerridge
Carla Kerridge is a self-taught singer-songwriter, musician, and producer, driven by the exploration of her creativity! The R&B, Pop, and Soul music she produces is a reflection of her feelings, and the lyrics she writes are a translation of her thoughts. She released her debut single, “Not The One,” in September 2021, featuring London rapper Lobo. The catchy single contains some Urban Latin, Pop, and Soul vibes, and narrates a part of Carla’s life. Originally from France, mixed English-Jamaican, she’s now based in London, experiencing a brand new way of living and making music.
The release of her second single, “Touchdown,” announces some colors — more Pop and R&B. The ballad shows the sensitivity of the singer.
With her single, “Touchdown,” out now, we took some time to hear more from Carla Kerridge. Read below to learn more about Carla Kerridge, the story behind her single, and what’s to come.
Hi Carla Kerridge! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
It was on my birth certificate haha. Carla Kerridge is my real name.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I’m from a small city in France called, “Poitiers.” An ideal, peaceful place to grow up really. I’m now based in the real big world of London.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
If you would have asked the little 4 year-old me what I would like to do with my life growing up, I would have said music. It goes back as far as I can remember. But, I’ve seriously started going into recording studios to record covers and demos when I was 15.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
I had a multicultural upbringing. French from my mother’s side and English/Jamaican from my Dad’s side. So, yes, it has opened up the way I see music and all the possible different styles. But having so many options is not always a blessing haha. It can be confusing and hard when it comes to making choices.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I feel like I don’t have A specific sound. I’m at an experimenting stage right now, but it leads more towards genres like R&B, Pop, and Soul. I also tend to call my productions minimalists, but in a good way. I try to focus on that one good riff that would stay suck in my head for days and build around it.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I’m a runner! I love running. I did a few semi-marathon and would like to aim for a marathon in a close future. I also really love nature, animals, all sorts of sports, reading, wellness like massages, and games. All sorts of games, video games, board games…all of them.
And to stay creative, the best thing to do is to live. Just live, experience things, meet people, stay aware and awake at all times. That’s what works for me.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Rihanna, Beyoncé, Sade…the list goes on and on and on.
What are some of your future music career goals?
Release an album, produce for other artists, and getting rewards for my work.
Now onto your release, “Touchdown.” What inspired this song?
“Touchdown” is inspired by the heartache that a one-sided relationship can be.
What is “Touchdown” about in your own words?
“Touchdown” is about that time when you need to wake up. When it comes to love, many of us don’t see the situation for what it is. Due to ideas that we have in our heads, our hopes, and emotions. But, sometimes, a relationship can be one-sided and you may try all you can to make it work; it takes two to build romance.
What is your favorite lyric in “Touchdown” and why?
The first line: “Touchdown little girl, you want his love but you won’t get it.” Oh it gets to my heart every time that I hear it. It’s so real and sad, but real!! It also perfectly summarises the song’s theme.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from “Touchdown?”
I would like fans to see my music as a friend there for them. You can’t always have a physical support, but I want my music to be with people at any time. I want us to feel emotions together and go through life together even if we are not in the same room. “Touchdown” is a great demonstration of it! It’s a musical hug to all the broken or lost hearts out there!
What’s one of your proudest moments of your music career so far?
Releasing music! It’s been so hard for me to put my first 2 singles out. As it comes with doubts, perfectionism, and so many vulnerabilities. I’m not going to lie, but it is scary to show, publicly, an idea that comes from your brain and heart, and means something to you.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned so far?
That everything comes down to the choices you make. You have choices in life about how you want to handle situations, what you want for yourself, what do you want to be….choose wisely and with love.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?
I’m currently working on my next release and aim to put out an EP this year.
Where can we follow you on social media?
I’m on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlakerridge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlakerridge
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlakerridge
Before you go, let’s ask you something random. Name a song for each basic emotion.
Joy: We Found Love by Rihanna
Fear: Schizophrenia by XXXTENTATION
Sadness: Say Something by A Great Big World
Disgust: Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
Anger: Don’t Hurt Yourself by Beyoncé
Thank you so much!
No, thank you for the great interview! We wish you much continued success!
