It is that time of the year where we celebrate the acts that you need to keep an eye on in 2023. It is an exciting time of the year as it means we can talk to acts to find out what they have in store for audiences and what you can look forward to in the new year. Today we speak to Melissa Carper about touring, awards and the UK

Hello tell us all about your band!

I play old-time country, country blues, country jazz, and country soul. My band is sometimes a duo or trio and sometimes up to a six-piece.  I’ve been touring most recently with a great fiddler, Rebecca Patek, and a great guitarist Doug Strahan. They both sing as well, and I’m on upright bass.  For the album release I will do in Austin, Texas, I’ll have Rebecca and Doug and also Emily Gimble on piano and vocals, Jenn Miori Hodges on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Timmy Campbell on drums. 

How was 2022 for your band – what were the highlights?  

Releasing my album Ramblin’ Soul was a big highlight and I also recorded the album at the beginning of 2022 so I guess pretty much my whole year has revolved around this album.   Americanafest in Nashville was really fun.  I also toured some with Kelly Willis and Brennen Leigh this year and that was amazing.   

How did you get into music? 

My family got us into music young. We sang in church when we were kids and then formed the family country band when I was 12.

What are your plans for the band in 2023?

I’ll be touring quite a bit in support of the new album.  A West Coast tour in January and February, and then the Ameripolitan Awards in February. I’ll have some shows with Kelly Willis and Brennen Leigh in March, and some shows with my band Sad Daddy in April. Looks as though some support tour things will come through, and also possibly shows in the UK and Australia.  It’s looking like it’ll be a busy tour year.  

What other bands and musicians are you looking forward to seeing perform this year?

I’ll be touring with Kassi Valazza in January and February, and am really looking forward to hearing her a bunch.  At the Ameripolitan Awards I’m sure there will be so many great acts performing, looking forward to that.  I get to do a show with John R. Miller coming up here soon and that will be the first time hearing him live, I can’t wait.  

What styles do you hope to see more of in music his year?

I’m enjoying hearing so many musicians play really rootsy stuff.  That’s always my favorite, music that sounds old.  So I hope to see that wave or trend keep going. 

What band is your ones to watch in 2023 and why?

I don’t really know what is going on out there to tell you the truth, ha.  I really enjoyed hearing Theo Lawrence at Americanafest.  I can see them really taking off, and they probably have already.  

Do you have any new years resolutions? If so what are they?

Hmm, I’d say to try and schedule time off because lately I have not succeeded and I feel as though I may go crazy soon!

Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about your troupe?

I am on IG-melissacarpermusic and FB–melissacarpermusic and TikTok–melissacarpermusic.  My website is melissacarper.com

Three words why people should come and see you this year?

Houndstooth pants

QUICK FIRE ROUND

The movie or television show you are looking forward to seeing this year?

I don’t watch much television these days and I don’t know what movies are coming out to tell you the truth.  I really enjoyed the Elvis movie this year.  I went to see that in the theater.

Your favourite book?

Mutant Message From Down Under, Marlo Morgan

One thing you will always remember about 2022?

That dang album, Ramblin’ Soul

If you could paint anything what would you paint?

 Georgia Peach (my dog)

What is the most delightful word you can think of? 

Georgia Peach (my dog)

Favourite album?  

These days  I’d say, John Prine, Tree of Forgiveness

Where would you love to go on holiday this year?

I think somewhere in Central America, maybe Costa Rica.  I’m already cold in Texas. 

What is your favourite quote from a television show? 

I do enjoy saying “That’s what she said”

Who is your favourite film character and why?

Rocky Balboa.  The first Rocky is my favorite. I really believed that character.  He got more ridiculous with each Rocky of course. The underdog story, the drive, the passion, the love scenes with Adrian. I got a quote from Rocky, “Nice couch, I don’t know.”