Nobody does jazz and soul-drenched melodies quite like Carrie Baxter. Although she has been compared to some of her idols like Erykah Badu and the late Amy Winehouse, the Irish singer brings a distinctively sweet vocal style to everything she does – one that is authentically hers.

We caught up with the Tileyard Education Alumni to see how her career is steamrolling ahead.

Tell us about your background, your upbringing, and your introduction into the world of music.

I’m from Waterford City in Southern Ireland. My hometown is very special to me despite me not being based there anymore. I think firstly it’s impossible to be from Ireland and not inherently pick up some form of love for music. The country is very rhythmical and built on storytelling which is why I love writing lyrics so much. My family were and still are very musical. A lot of my family either play or sing and I have to say they have great taste in music. You will rarely be in my house without some form of music on.  

How did you get into music production, songwriting, and performance?

I’ve been writing lyrics / poems for as long as I can remember. They only turned into songs when someone bought me a guitar for Christmas one year and I sort of taught myself some chords and started piecing structures together. That lasted a few years, then I found electronic music and started top-lining over various beats – that’s when I really found my flow. Performance came from my childhood; I trained in acting and musical theatre so I’ve been on stage for a long time.

What were some of the barriers you experienced, or still do experience, as a ‘female producer/performer’?

I think I’ve entered the industry at a really exciting and supportive time for women as there is a lot of brilliant people doing fantastic things to push the needle forward and shine light where there previously was none. I can only comment on myself as a writer in the room and as an artist showing up in a male dominant workplace and say that it’s very important to be able to stand your ground and say what you think. Having confidence in your own ideas and abilities is imperative.

How was your experience of Tileyard Education, and how did this teach you the knowledge and life skills needed to be in the industry?

It’s not an understatement when I say studying at Tileyard Education changed my life. When I started at Tileyard my songwriting and understanding of the craft really went up a level. Having people around all the time that I could ask for advice or guidance was invaluable and getting constant feedback from my peers was priceless.

What can we look forward to hearing from you in the next few months / year from your creativity?

I’m not even sure what to expect from my creativity next. I’m hoping to continue working on the multiple different projects that I’ve got going on. Dance music, R&B, Bassline etc. I’m thankfully playing a lot of live shows and just figuring out what I want to do next!