Soulful traveling ‘space man bass man’ Carter Fox returns from the outer reaches of the cosmos with brand new music motivated by the question, "What does the universe sound like?" "Rise", the first single from his forthcoming EP Lost Signals From Outer Space, is a groovy downtempo instrumental piece that takes aspects of African rhythms, electronic production, and smooth bass and combines them into Fox’s unique style of chill instrumental music. Listen to the story unfold as Fox continues to unveil new music leading up to the release of Lost Signals From Outer Space, a collection of works inspired by the idea of finding an alien sound signal broadcasting from deep space this summer.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Carter Fox, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. How has the time gone for you since our last interview?
C: Things have been good, groovy, and busy! We chatted just as 2023 was kicking off and now it’s 100 days in and feels like going the speed of light. I released ‘Rise’ and preparing to release another new single on 4/20! And I’m finishing my MBA all while pursuing this all. Should be done in June, just in time for plenty of new music.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
C: Making a plan/schedule/to-do list where I’m able to visually see what I need to accomplish and can set myself up some time to be creative really helps me be balance. It’s important to be consistent with creativity just like with working out or work in general. But it definitely is not always easy to go from the gym to the 9 to 5 to grad school class at night to rehearsal to show to studio every day, but when it’s something you love, you make time.
Your latest song is 'Rise'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
C: This song was really fun to create as a blend of ‘live’ and electronic. It started out really with the synth/vocal chops as I was working to just mess with the synthetic sounds. Then built the percussion and drums, added my bass (with lots of fun runs and feels) and everything! It was fun taking that and arranging it how it turned out. It feels like a more positive, uplifting, optimistic song so I hope others feel good vibes from it, too.
How do you know when a work is finished?
C: There’s a really cool documentary about A Tribe Called Quest that talks about Q-Tip’s perfectionism with producing and never really being done a track, just releasing it at that state. I think THAT is a great way to understand when a work is finished. I could go in why I dig that because of a literal ‘place in spacetime’ that song actually does represent for everything (because that’s trippy), but really, when I get to a point where I ‘feel’ in my soul I’m done, then it’s done. But to be honest, I probably could go back and keep working on songs from a decade ago. It’s just as important to move on and keep creating, too.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
C: I started out as a young bass player who also had an Ari Gold complex and wanted to run a record label and be a top manager. So early on in high school, I managed a few local bands (and some who’d go on to be much more) and helped put out a few albums for people, including my own. College was very similar but expanded into producing with some really notable artists, performing with some incredible artists, just being involved with some incredible music. Post-college I toured with R&B legend Freddie Jackson for many years, worked with many incredible artists and… yea, I think I always knew I’d walk the line of business and music. Left Brain/Right Brain in a fine fashion.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
Being self-confident, I’d say. I dealt with weight issues throughout my life. But hey, I’ve lost over 100 pounds over the last few years and feel great!
What’s your scariest experience?
C: Hmm… maybe when I was 12 or so and took a huge wave to the face that held me under a bit too long in the ocean. Still enjoy swimming and the beach though!
Why do you want to record and release your own music?
C: Music is my passion and my expression. I want to do it, and I do it, because I want to share that experience with others who also want to share the experience and joy that music brings. With my music, I like to say it’s for people who also dig space, video games, and good vibes! And also, for plenty more people who enjoy more things!
What social issues are you most passionate about?
C: Legalize marijuana! Tax the corporations! Treat everyone with equality, fairness, and justice. I think the general idea of ‘being good to each other’ is pretty easy for people to grasp so hopefully we as a civilization can get better at it.
What can we expect from Carter Fox in the near future?
C: Plenty of new music! I have a new single called ‘Amy’ dropping on 4/20, and a few more releases leading up to a new EP this summer. I’ve been busy working on even more new music and trying to collaborate with more great artists. Oh and I look forward to performing more too!