The cowboy singer-songwriter premieres his brand-new single exclusively with C&I.
Texas-born and bred Will Carter comes by his respect for hard work and traditional values honestly. He grew up in a close-knit family that homeschooled and lived simply off the land. From a background that included breaking horses, milking goats, and tending crops, he became a singer-songwriter who explores the commonalities and concerns of small-town America. He just came out with his recent single “You Feel Like Home” and the brand-new tune we’re premiering here, “Fallin’ in Love.”
Cowboys & Indians: Where and how have you been spending lockdown?
Will Carter: Horseback riding, skeet shooting, and burying my F250 diesel in the mud, which sparked the idea to refurbish my old four- wheeler. I have also written several songs and have hosted a ton of Facebook and Instagram Lives.
C&I: What has this period meant for you as a musician who is used to being out there playing live?
Carter: It really helped me appreciate the simpler things in life that mean the most — the everyday things we take for granted in our busy lives. I was also grateful that Facebook has a LIVE feature — haha.
C&I: Tell us about the song “Fallin’ in Love.” How did it come together?
Carter: I write a lot of songs. As any writer will tell you, writer’s block is a real thing. I wanted to write an upbeat, happy, sweet song for my girl and was struggling with coming up with what I wanted to say. So I decided to say that! Nash Overstreet produces most all of my songs. We also featured Jeff King on lead guitar for this track. I recorded this song at Starstruck Studios in Nashville.
C&I: What’s your creative process?
Carter: I keep a “Notes” file on my iPhone that syncs with my devices. Any time a hook hits me, I write (or type) it down. That way when I’m ready to develop it, it’s still there.
C&I: When your dad was sick and you were just a young teen, you made a playlist of some favorite songs. What was on that playlist that stood the test of time?
Carter: “I Swear” and “Life’s a Dance” by John Michael Montgomery.
C&I: After lockdown is over, what are you most looking forward to?
Carter: Playing live shows for my fans — hands down!
C&I: What are some things we should definitely eat/see/do in your hometown.
Carter: I live in Houston. My favorite things to do there (and what you should definitely do) is attend a concert at Dosey Doe and the Firehouse Saloon, go to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, hit a Houston Texans game, and eat at B&B Butchers or Trulucks or Killens.
C&I: What might we be surprised to learn about you?
Carter: I grew up on a self-sustaining farm. I milked goats, gathered eggs, tended the garden every morning. I was homeschooled. My parents put me in tap, jazz, and ballet from 3 years old until 8 years old to develop agility and balance.
C&I: Anything else you’d like to get into about your music and career? What’s next for you?
Carter: Most recently, I just enjoyed my having my first Top 10 on Texas radio with “You Feel Like Home” reaching No. 8 on the Texas Regional Radio Report. We’ve chosen “Fallin’ In Love” for the next single, which will be my 10th release to radio. I’ve been nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year and taken home trophies for Songwriter of the Year at the Texas Country Music Awards show for the last two years in a row. This year will be my third year to be a part of it. I am also playing for the after party following the Texas Regional Radio Awards this year and this is my second time to perform for this event. We are starting to fill up our show calendar for the year (finally!) and I absolutely cannot wait to see everybody again in person!
Playlist: Will Carter’s Getting Through Trying Times
“You Feel Like Home” — Will Carter
“Six Feet Apart” — Luke Combs
“To Hell & Back” — Maren Morris
“House Party” — Sam Hunt
“Pretty Heart” — Parker McCollum
“Feel Good” — Will Carter
“Blessed” — Thomas Rhett
“B.O.R.E.D.” — Hot Chelle Rae
“Red Sunrise” — Will Carter
“Started With a Whiskey” — Will Carter