Carlby Interview
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Carl, a singer, songwriter, and producer from Wisconsin. I release music under the name Carlby.
Where did your name come from?
Funnily enough… my name comes from an IKEA tabletop called KARLBY. I discovered it while watching DIY PC gaming desk videos on YouTube, and since my name is Carl, I thought it had a nice ring as my artist name.
Who or what inspired you to start?
I first heard shinigami and JUICE WRLD in 2018 and they sent me down a rabbit hole of emo rap. Both of these artists heavily inspired my early music as Carlby
What’s your favorite moment so far in your career?
Performing live in my hometown with Trechor Boy, 4lorn, and Nova Garden after meeting them online. I even got to meet up with Spookygang in person at that show as well!
Also I got to meet shinigami & Anxiety Attacks on the Emo Rave Tour after collaborating with them online. (Shoutout to Yung Kell too.)
Who is your favorite artist/Band?
Dance Gavin Dance is my favorite band. Others include Hot Mulligan, The Story So Far, Fats’e, Transit, Brakence, and Post Malone.
What is something that inspires your art that might surprise your fans?
I didn’t grow up listening to pop and hip hop, but metalcore, post-hardcore, emo, and pop punk, and I think that reflects in my music.
What have you found to be the best way out of a creative rut?
I just accept that sometimes I have to make a “bad” song or two before I can write one I really feel confident about, so I don’t let myself get discouraged.
Who would be your ultimate super Group be?
Julia Wolf (Vocals)
Brakence (Guitar/ Vocals)
Will Swan & Matt Mingus of Dance Gavin Dance (Guitar & Drums)
How do you approach converting haters into fans?
I’m not really interested in engaging with anyone who might dislike me or my music. But I do sometimes branch out into different genres, so even my “haters” may find something they like.
Dream collab?
I would love to work with Fats’e one day.
What’s your favorite accessory or piece of clothing in your closet?
I added some spikes and chains to a pair of black crocs, and I call them my “goth crocs”.
Message to the youth, or those getting started in your craft?
Expect to be bad at making music, and have no audience for the first few years. Being a musician is not for those seeking instant gratification. Write songs, make beats, and sing, even if you’re not very good and no one is listening. Years later, you’ll be glad you didn’t give up.
Where can we find your work?
Visit my website www.carlbymusic.com for links to my music and social media pages.