Carlie Hanson- Who

106 Shares

How can a girl working at McDonalds get a record deal

Interview conduct on May 1st, 2019

by Dan Locke

In under two years, 18-year old Carlie Hanson has made her way from working at a McDonalds drive thru in a small Wisconsin town to becoming a full-fledged artist and songwriter that has graced the pages of iconic fashion magazines CR Fashion Book and Remix Magazine

Daniel Locke: How do you feel about your fast track move up the musical ladder? First, from McDonalds Drive thru to an artist who has performed at both Bumbershoot and Summerfest?

Carlie Hanson: I’m very very lucky to have found the best team in the world to help support this dream of mine. Legit sometimes have to pinch myself sometimes. Signing with Warner was probably the most surreal moment so far.

You grow up in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Do you remember the first time you performed in front of people?

The first time I performed in front of an audience that wasn’t my family in our living room, lol. was at this small talent show that was held in another town in Wisconsin called Holmen. I didn’t win or anything, I was actually pretty nervous and I think it was kind of embarrassing lmaoo. But hey, we’ve come a long way since then though!!!

You were inspired by Justin Bieber. And you started to post cover songs on YouTube. What was the first song you posted? And have you met Justin yet?

I don’t know what the first cover I posted was. but it was definitely a Bieber song. I haven’t met him yet, no, but I really want to just so I can tell him how much he’s done for me. He really is my biggest inspiration!

You have some really good luck having someone at iHeart liking you singing so much, that they reposted it on the web, and got you your start.

Yeah, I really do have some good luck!! t was very surreal when that happened, I remember when they reposted my cover, I was in Art class and my friends ran in screaming like “holy shittt iHeartRadio reposted your cover!!” it was all we talked about for the rest of the day. It ended up being the most impactful moment, since though that video I connected with House Of Wolf, who ended up producing Only One and Why Did You Lie.

Taylor Swift like “Only One”, so much that she included it on her playlist. Are you now part of her inner circle?

Pffffftttt, you are funny!! No, I’m not… not yet at least, hahaha.

Where did you film the video for “Only One”?

We filmed it in some small desert area outside LA! It was cool too because not only was it desert, but the snowy mountains were in the background!

Why do you think people took to your second single “Only One”?

It’s simple.. Simple melody, simple lyrics. Easy listening. I think that’s why so many people gravitated to it more.

How was the tour with both Yungblud and Bad Sun?

YUNGBLUDs tour was just absolute madness. I had never been to Europe before, but the energy out there was just amazing. So many amazing fans I got to meet and I took so much inspiration from YB. He’s such an amazing performer. Bad Suns, I have been a fan of since I was like a freshman, it’s been sooo much fun as well. Such good energy. I have been having a blast!!!!

You are about to play Bonanza Campout Music. Are you ready for it?

I guess so?!!? I don’t really know what to expect!! But I’m excited! Festivals have such a fun vibe to them, and I’m ready for summer to get here.

You just played the House of Blues in Chicago (April 27). How was the show?

It was really good, my family got to come out and my best friend too. I always love when they can come and see a show! And I hadn’t seen my family since January, so that was good to re-connect 🙂 I had so much fun, and love every House of Blues venue holy shit they’re legends.

What would you like your next stage in your musical career to be?