One of the biggest reasons us music connoisseurs love going to festivals is the fact that you are given the opportunity to discover so many new talents in such a short time. In the case of Carlie Hanson, not only did she perform at one of the largest festivals on the West Coast, she performed on the Bumbershoot Main Stage! It’s not much of a surprise though considering her quick rise in popularity through 2018. Lucky for us, Carlie had a few minutes to chat about her experience at Seattle’s beloved arts festival, as well as what’s on the horizon.
Brandon: Hey Carlie! You just got done playing the Main Stage here at Bumbershoot, how did it feel?
Carlie: I was kind of nervous, but it was so much fun! Everybody was so welcoming in the crowd. I was just bouncing off of them, it was so much fun.
B: We were talking a little bit before this interview about Bumbershoot and obviously I am a little partial, but it really is one of the best festivals.
C: This is probably one of the more fun festivals I have been to. There is so much to do and everybody is just having a great time. It’s so fun!
B: I mean we’re standing under a giant unicorn doing this interview, it doesn’t get much better than that.
C: *laughs*
B: At least for those on the outside, it feels like your rise in popularity has been super quick. What has that been like for you in such a short time?
C: Coming from a really small town in Wisconsin and being only 18 and just graduating high school; now I live in L.A. and I make music every day and I make a living off of it? There is no way to explain that, it’s just unreal that I get to do this and what’s happened with my career so quickly, it’s a blessing.
B: Well and you worked at a McDonald’s before this right?
C: Yeah
B: I’ve talked to so many artists who are excited about thousands of views and listens on their songs and they should be, but you are in the millions!
C: I don’t know how to explain it. Like you said, I was JUST working at McDonald’s and now I put out music that people are loving and my life changes just like that. It’s amazing.
B: You’re going to be touring with another huge act soon too, Troye Sivan?
C: I will be! I have one tour before that with Jeremy Zucker and that goes until early October. I get a week off and then I start touring with Troye. I am going to be touring all fall, it’s going to be insane! I am really excited to tour with Troye, I have become good friends with him and I love his music so much. I was a fan of him before I met him. It’s going to be so much fun.
B: He’s on the tip of everyone’s tongues right now too. You’re already huge, so you’re going to be even bigger after this. Is this your first time in Seattle?
C: Yes, I honestly want to live here.
B: A lot of people seem to say that.
C: It’s so beautiful. The city, the water, the people, I love it all.
B: The mountains too, they’re just under a smoky haze right now.
C: I haven’t been able to see them!
B: Did you get to see any sights though? The Fremont Troll? The Gum Wall?
C: I saw the gum wall…
B: You did see the gum wall…disgusting right?
C: Pretty fucking gross, but yeah, I love it. *both laugh*
B: Thank you so much for taking the time today to do this interview! We absolutely loved your set.
C: Thank you for having me!
Check out Carlie’s music video for “Only One” below!
