Nashville performing singer-songwriter Carrie Cunningham has recently released a new LP titled “Showgirl.” Watch the video for “Doors Don’t Close,” directed by Nate Terry, which is nominated for Music Video of the Year at the upcoming 8th Annual Josie Music Awards to be held on October 23 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
Carrie’s music will capture your spirit through her songs that she delivers in a smooth and sincere style with lyrics that make you listen. These gifts have made her a much-desired opening act and have brought Carrie to many stages across the USA.
Thank you, Carrie, for your visit to 11 Questions. Ready for you to make a mark in Music City and best wishes for the upcoming awards show.
Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?
I am a nomad! OK, not really, but I am originally from Nebraska; a few stints town hopping in the NW with my parents and siblings before landing in Spokane, WA. From there it was Seattle, Vancouver, WA, and California. I moved to Nashville in 2019 after going back and forth since 2001. I would have moved sooner but for family reasons, I had to keep going back and forth. I love this city. I have since the first time coming. My first time was actually a few months after 9/11. I was supposed to go on September 13th.
What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?
My first was a cassette tape of Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA. I was so happy. I bought it with birthday money. I still remember sitting on my front porch in Nebraska, listening to it with my Walkman. My latest purchase was Maren Morris’s new album Humble Quest. As of right now, I have downloaded it from Apple Music but would love to have it in vinyl. I have a few record players and I love vinyl.
First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?
Ha! The first concert I went to was Firehouse / Dokken / Poison in Spokane. I love all genres and I might have had a little bit of 80’s Rock in me, but who didn’t? My last concert was Midland in Las Vegas at the beginning of March. Love them so much!
Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?
Rhett Akins.
Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?
For pizza, by far the best place is Pegasus Pizzeria on the edge of Nashville and Brentwood. Seriously, good pizza! I’m not a coffee drinker, I drink tea. I explore different places and try to find venues that have more than just the basics. Give me some lavender. Some sort of mixed blend, etc. It also has to have a cool vibe inside. Organic feel. Make me feel something when I walk in. Am I sounding snooty?
What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?
Brandy Clark’s 12 Stories, especially because of the backstory. I love her songwriting and her voice!
Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?
I always forget about other places and just head to a Waffle House. Ha!
The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.
Mitch Oglesby, Keesy Timmer, and Kelly McKay.
What are your favorite music venues to play in town?
I play out of Nashville mostly, but the Tin Roof is a good place. I would love to play the Local and Live Oak. I just need to be more proactive locally. I tend to listen to others more when I am here.
Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.
Sierra Bernal, from Texas. She is a firecracker and I love writing with her!
Finally, what’s in your musical future?
I will continue to write, sing, work towards winning that Song of the Year award and not let anyone tell me what I should or should not be doing.
Music City Mike 