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1.) We’re very excited to have some time today with acclaimed L.A.-based alternative pop singer and songwriter as well as one out-of-this-world multi-instrumentalist Carter Vogel; greetings and salutations Carter and thanks for carving time out of a very busy schedule to speak with us and our ever-inquisitee readers here at Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how is the New Year finding you and yours?
The new year is finding me well! I’m heading into this new year very focused and centered on my goals. I spent a lot of last year bouncing between projects and roles, but this year I’m really excited to dive into my artistry and give as much time as I can towards writing, producing, and performing my own music.
2.) Major kudos and accolades on your stunner of a solo single Indigo which is lighting up record charts as well as listener’s hearts all across the ever-loving globe even as we speak! Starting at the top, can you talk about what inspired this gem of a ditty?
Absolutely, diving into where the song came from, I was in a place where I was grieving the loss of a relationship that lasted quite a few years. I knew when I started this song that the relationship was coming to a close, and when I’m having those feelings, I am always going to turn to music first. I wrote the chorus first and had a few passes at the verses, but nothing was clicking, so when I brought it to Megan and Tommy, my two collaborators on this song, I knew it was in good hands.
3.) Indigo marks your first release in five years. What made this drop-the-mic of a tune the perfect vehicle to re-introduce yourselves to audiophiles?
That’s a great question because I really went back and forth on which song I was going to release first. All of my old music sat in this acoustic-based singer-songwriter world. That’s how I grew up, performing my own music, and I think ultimately the decision to release “Indigo” first was because it felt like the best bridge between who I’ve been as an artist and who I’m moving towards. This new era that I’m jumping into is far more pop-influenced and definitely a bit of a new breath for me. With “Indigo,” I wanted to make sure that my roots weren’t forgotten. What better way to do that than with this heartfelt piano ballad?
4.) Indigo is a rare and beautiful bird in the world of music of ‘26 in that – unlike so many other songs on the fast track at the moment – it features minimal instrumentation which truly shines a loving spotlight on your personal refrain as well as the beautiful sound of piano! Was this a deliberate choice on your part as an artist?
If you know me, you know my heart lies with the piano. It was my first introduction into the world of music and self-expression. Understanding what emotions this song was born out of really helped shape my vision for the production of this song. Originally, we had a few more pieces of ear candy that I ultimately stripped back. As a producer myself, I’m fortunate enough to be very intentional and aware of my choices in my music. I wouldn’t have the song produced any other way.
5.) What was it like collaborating with Indigo co-writers Tommy Chambers and Megan Winsor on the new track?
Thank you for asking about them. I love working with them as collaborators. Both Tommy and Megan have a highly specialized writing brain. Tommy understands sallabaloc tone and phrasing, as well as vocal comping, far better than most, and Megan’s ability as a concept writer is almost unparalleled. I specifically chose both of them to help me write the song. I remember coming to them with that melodic chorus and knowing that we were going to knock this out of the ballpark. Both of them have great artist projects on their own.
6.) How is the new Indigo single similar to some of your past music such as Pull Me Close? How is it different?
I think, sonically, to the average listener, “Indigo” is gonna sit really well in the context of the rest of my music that I have out right now. However, all of that music from my early college days does convey an almost juvenile sense of longing. “Pull Me Close” was the first song I ever released. It’s also a piano valid and it’s also a very romantic song. “Indigo” feels both very grounded to me and also demonstrative of a more mature voice and writing style.
7.) In the wake of the January 23 release of the new single, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?
I actually just played at The Hotel Cafe, celebrating this single’s release. I’ve only ever played for other artists on that stage, so it was really fun having all my friends at the venue there to support me and ring in the new single. My next show is going to be early March, which is also going to coincide with the release of yet another single, but I won’t spoil that one just yet. The rest of the project that I’m preparing is gonna be a mix of genre blending and new sounds for me. I’m really excited for it.
8.) What other musical goodies from you can fans look forward to as 2026 marches onward? Might an EP or LP release loom on the horizon?
I’m really excited for this new year. “Indigo” is definitely the first stepping stone on my 2026 artist journey. I have a few more singles lined up. I have the early stages of an EP that I’m going to finalize, and who knows what else. I’m gonna be performing a lot this year, which is probably my favorite way to share my music, and also I’m going to continue building my discography as a producer as well.
9.) Who are some of the folks both in and out of the world of music who have informed and inspired your own unique and indelible artistic pathway?
To be honest, I think there are too many people for me to even count. I’d like to say I take inspiration from almost every person I meet. That’s part of the foundation of who I am and the foundation of why I write music, to connect with people. That being said, my biggest inspirations are my parents and my siblings. They’re always steadfast in their support of me, for which I’m eternally grateful. I’m inspired by my teacher and mentor Justin Levy, who runs a studio space out of Baltimore that I grew up working at and now teach at, and without his support early on, who knows if I would’ve found music in the way I did. When it comes to musical influences, I look to people like Stevie Wonder, Jon Bellion, Prince, and Chris Martin. It’s artists like them who showed me that you can do it all, and that’s what I’m striving for.
10.) At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-listen to your striking new single Indigo?
“Indigo” came out of a period where I felt very alone, and I think what I want most out of anyone who listens to this song is for them to know that it’s OK to feel like that. It’s OK to experience loss. It’s OK to feel heartbreak, but you have to know that through it all, you’re strong and you will get through those feelings and come out stronger.
Listen: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cartervogel/indigo
