Imagine sitting in a theater, all of 7-years-old, and having an experience that was so visceral that you knew right then and there what it was you wanted to do for the rest of your life.
It’s probably a familiar feeling. Plenty of us thought we had it all figured out in the first grade. We’d be teachers or doctors, football players or movie stars. Only a few realize that dream and see it through.
Carlotta Schmidt is doing that.
“I saw these high schoolers playing at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. I said to my parents, ‘I want to do that’,” Carlotta Schmidt recalls. “That was kind of like a core memory, it kind of started my desire to perform live.”
It was also the beginning of her musical journey. Fast-forward one year and she was standing on that very stage, performing in front of thousands of people. A decade later, Schmidt is as committed now as she was at 7, when she told her parents what she wanted to do and ran with the opportunity.
“For me, being a musician isn't a choice, it's just who I am,” said Schmidt. “It's my calling.”
FINDING HER VOICE, AND HER WAY
With a decidedly folk-rock and jazz vibe — Schmidt counts Indigo girls, Ella Fitzgerald, Brandi Carlile, guitarist Joe Pass, Carole King, and Fleetwood Mac among her inspirations — Schmidt’s talent is earning admirers, and can even claim one of her inspirations as a fan.
Last year, Schmidt was one of 11 people selected to perform alongside Carlile and the Grammy-winner’s band at the Mothership Weekend music festival in Miramar Beach, Florida.
“I’m typically not a very nervous performer, generally speaking. It has to be a high-pressure situation,” said Schmidt, who sang Carlile’s “Dreams.”
That experience — singing in front of a crowd of thousands next to one of her idols — was a “nerve-wracking performance in the best way possible,” one a grateful Schmidt called all too quick, but awesome.
“Singing with Brandi Carlile was beyond special, it was a dream come true,” said Schmidt. “Not only is Brandi one of my favorite singers, but she's doing what I want to do as a professional musician. She worked super hard to get where she is, which I find inspiring. … (The experience) is something I will never forget. And on top of all of that, Brandi and her band were really nice and supportive.”
SUPPORT SYSTEM
It was one of the biggest moments of Schmidt’s career thus far. But ask anyone in Long Branch who has seen her take the stage, and they’ll tell you there’s nothing surprising about Schmidt getting her flowers. In fact, hometown support from local music legends like Sandy Mack, who Schmidt shouts out for introducing her to several other “amazing” musicians, including her bandmates. She’s also grateful for regular gigs at places like 21A on Broadway.
“Having local support fuels me in every way imaginable,” said Schmidt. “I'm thankful and glad that people in the Jersey Shore and Asbury Park area like my music and want to support me. This includes not only the people who come out to my shows, but also includes the musicians and organizations I've worked with throughout my career. … The whole local scene; the fans, the musicians, the whole music community, and the great venues are all part of the amazing support network this area offers to me as a musician.”
Schmidt continued: “Being able to pursue my dreams as a professional musician means the world to me. I'm so thankful that I have such a supportive family and friends backing me up. And I'm so thankful to have the resources available to me to be able to pursue my craft. …I love what I do and I hope I can do it for the rest of my life. I'm sure going to keep working hard at it.”
As for what’s next, Schmidt is planning to follow up her self-titled debut album with her sophomore album soon; she's due to return to the recording studio this year.
Schmidt, alongside her manager Heather Bedenko, are also gearing up for the second annual Fourth Wave Fest, a day of music featuring women-led bands. The event — which will take place at House of Independents in Asbury Park on March 9 — raises money and awareness for 180 Turning Lives Around, a nonprofit organization that helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Carlotta Schmidt can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram (@carlottaschmidt_music) and Facebook. For the latest, visit carlottaschmidtmusic.com. For more on Fourth Wave Fest, visit fourthwavefest.org.
“For me, being a musician isn't a choice, it's just who I am. It's my calling.”
“Having local support fuels me. … The whole local scene; the fans, the musicians, the whole music community, and the great venues are all part of the amazing support network this area offers.”