Multifaceted vocalist, songwriter, entertainer and recording artist Kevon Carter realised at a very young age his creative ability with music through play. His spontaneous compositions on the guitar highlighted an area of definite skill. While resident in the United States in his younger life, Carter defined himself as a product of his West Indian roots and the New York melting pot which led to his adopting a world music styling, based upon the blending of his cultural influences. The youthful-looking Carter is often identified locally as the other half of the dynamic duo along with Tricia Lee Kelshall.
Q: Tell us about your early years in life, where did you grow up, and who ‘discovered’ you.
A: I grew up in Barataria. I was always surrounded by music, whether it be my family playing records from disco, soul, motown, ballads, alternative, calypso, to Christmas, etc, or watching my uncle rehearsing his parang band in the yard which at age 11 I picked up the cuatro and started messing around. That lead to me learning to play the instrument and a year later joining the long standing Parang band Los Alumnos de San Juan. I attended Barataria Junior Secondary from Forms 1-3, then St Augustine Senior Comprehensive, Form 4 and 5 after which I left for the USA where I attended Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn which I felt was the norm to do, however my passion was really for the arts.
What other goals do you have besides winning a Grammy Award?
Outside of my singing career, I enjoy the hospitality industry such as hotels and restaurants. I’ve worked in few of those establishments in New York City. I’ve always had a love for interacting and connecting with people. You never know, one day I may open up my own little bar and lounge.
Tell us about your collaboration with Tricia Lee Kelshall.
Tricia Lee Kelshall and I met in person in 2014. We were on a same gig that year. We chatted for a while, and ended the conversation with, ‘Let’s collaborate on a song sometime’. Fast forward to two years later, we were both in the right place at the right time. I was doing some work in a studio and she came in to discuss recording a Christmas album with the same producer. She sat in my session until I was done. Before I left, she asked if I would be interested in writing a Christmas song with her. That song turned out to be Call Me Baby which did really well for us that year.
The duet really worked in our favour and was something fresh and new on the Christmas scene. We are now a solid duo in addition to our individual solo brands. This year our latest Christmas duet is entitled Best Wishes which we hope will have similar success.
Who are your favourite artists?
I’m a child of the 80’s, so therefore the music of that era has inspired the artist and creative in me. I’m talking of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Michael Jackson, Sade, Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, Bob Marley, etc. My list is very long. If we are talking local music, I enjoy the music of David Rudder, Merchant, Lord Nelson, Sparrow, etc. Of course, and Tricia!
Which are three songs do you enjoy performing the most, Christmas and non-Christmas?
Three songs I enjoy performing the most would have to be the new Christmas song with Tricia Lee Kelshall Best Wishes (I know cheap plug) , Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers, and You are Everything by the Stylistics.
Any further thoughts to share with our readers and younger aspiring artists?
It’s always special to touch the hearts of listeners through the gift of music. The masses may not be too familiar with me, however I’m always grateful for the little blessings and folks that do support my work. I am just the vessel, and one of my main goals is to keep great music alive in my performances. Once I am able to exercise my God-given talent and give back in a positive manner that will always be memorable to me. My affirmation as an artist is to stay humble. Humility goes a very long way. Don’t ever think that you know it all. There is always room to improve so stay hungry. Don’t get caught up in the ‘instant gratification’ mindset. There is no longevity in that. Pay your dues, hone your craft, strive to be better than your best self. Always be thankful and I am thankful to the Sunday Guardian for this interview.
Describe yourself in 2 words, one beginning with ‘K’, the other with ‘C’, your initials.
K- Kempt, C- Confident
How can readers contact you if they need to?
For further information I can be reached at kevoncarter.info@gmail.com.