Carly Pearce has built her career by telling the truth, even when it hurts. Now, with her new album Honest Woman, the Kentucky native is looking back at the family, bluegrass roots and early influences that shaped her long before Nashville.
Ahead of taking the stage at Glendale’s Desert Sky Music Festival this month, Carly shares 13 quick hits on Dollywood, protecting her peace, life with Johnny and June, and her pre-show ritual.
1. Which feels more like you: a Kentucky sunrise or an Arizona sunset?
Kentucky sunrise!
2. When you step onto the Desert Sky stage, which Carly are we going to meet: the Kentucky girl, the fearless truth-teller, the romantic, the firecracker or all of the above?
The fearless truth teller, but really all of the above!
3. You left home at 16 to perform at Dollywood. Was that always a dream of yours?
Dolly was always a big influence, but I didn’t really know that Dollywood had performers until I saw an audition in our local newspaper. That’s kind of when I decided to chase that. Other artists that influenced me early on were Loretta, Wynonna, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless.
4. What do your dogs, Johnny and June, know about you that the rest of us do not?
How great of a mother I would be if I wanted kids!
5. What does a perfect ordinary day look like when there is no stage, schedule or glam team?
Very simple. Wake up, work out, hang with my dogs, do some laundry, make dinner at my house, watch a movie, early to bed.
6. You have spoken honestly about the sacrifices behind living a dream. What have you learned to protect, even when your career asks for more?
You don’t have to say yes to every single thing.
7. What is something you no longer apologize for?
Being the type of artist that I want to be. Having an opinion, and having a point of view as a songwriter and artist.
8. Any pre-performance rituals?
A glass of wine with my band.
9. Your new album, Honest Woman, just dropped. What does this album reveal about you that listeners may not have known before?
Everything that shaped me into who I am as an artist. The girl prior to moving to Nashville 17 years ago; where I come from, my family, the Kentucky roots, and the bluegrass side of my artistry.
10. Which song best captures the woman you are right now?
“Dream Come True” really was the inspiration for the start of this record, so I think that is a definitive song on Honest Woman.
11. The album features collaborations with Riley Green, Dan Tyminski and Molly Tuttle. What did each artist bring to the project?
Dan brought so much of his signature tone in his voice, and his signature guitar & mandolin playing... he brought that Appalachian sound to life. Molly brought the flavor of current bluegrass and Americana and made it so special. Riley brought his classic and traditional country voice to the record, and he was exactly who I heard in my head for that collaboration.
12. Your music has turned heartbreak into strength. What does a genuinely healthy love feel like to you now?
Simple, steady, and safe.
13. Among your friends, are you the planner, the truth-teller, or the hype girl?
Truth teller.
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“Dream Come True really was the inspiration for the start of this record, so I think that is a definitive song on Honest Woman."