Q: How would you describe your musical style?
CS: I play a lot of different kinds of music. I learned guitar by playing jazz, but I quickly moved into rock, blues and R&B. I’m really inspired by Brandi Carlile and the Indigo Girls. I love Emily Sailers’ guitar playing.
Q: What can people expect at a Carlotta Schmidt show?
CS: Most of the time, it’s a healthy mix of jazz and rock and originals. I have originals and also do some covers; some songs by Queen, throw in a few jazz songs. I hope the audience feels that a show is high-quality and high-energy.
Q: You organized Fourth Wave Fest. What’s the story behind that?
CS: A couple of years ago, I learned about the women-led music festival Lilith Fair and I became obsessed. Fourth Wave Fest was born out of my wanting to do a local Lilith Fair. We put on the show and raised $5,500 for 180 Turning Lives Around.
We had so much support for this event. Steven Van Zant’s organization, Teach Rock, let us use their content; Sills, Cummis & Gross was our main sponsor and people from the firm attended, it was really women supporting women; Michelle Charlesworth from ABC 7 was our host; Assemblywoman Luanne M. Peterpaul got involved. I’m very appreciative of their support.
Q: What’s next for you?
CS: Gigging, writing songs and planning for the next Fourth Wave Fest. We’re looking for female-fronted bands and sponsors!
www.carlottaschmidtmusic.com
