Carter's Chord

The three daughters (Emily, Joanna, and Becky) of Carter and Barny Robertson (long time members of Waylon Jennings’ band) have sung together for quite some time. Their first recorded appearance came with Cowboys, Sisters, Rascals, and Dirt, Waylon’s 1993 children’s record. A time remembered fondly by all three. Becky, in particular, recalls that “that album was so much fun for us. We were kids and our Dad produced it. And we actually found a video online recently of an appearance we had done with Waylon years ago for that album…”

Their time as Carter’s Chord (their mother is Carter and three notes make a chord) began in earnest with their self titled debut of 2008. With the release of Wild Together (Show Dog/Universal), their second, I was able to visit with Becky, Emily, and Joanna.

The easy conversation began with a look at how their background has influenced their music. Becky quickly states that, “I definitely think our background is a huge part, and has made us, who we are as artists. Growing up we kind of joked that our house was like a musical conservatory. You know there was always something going on. Somebody was writing a song, or playing something. So we haven’t known anything but all different types of music going on constantly.”

All three began with piano, but as Emily states, “Becky and I became interested in other things. Joanna has stayed with piano, and now, I play mainly guitar, and Becky plays a little bit of both. So, piano and guitar are our main instruments. “

Joanna adds, “I just recently started taking up the accordion, which is just pretty much a piano instrument anyway.”

As songwriters, each shared a few credits on the first release and on their latest; all six tracks are at least co-written by one of the sisters. “We have written most of our lives mainly as individuals but as we came together as Carter’s Chord, we began to write with other writers in town and each other,” Emily explains. “It’s kind of like a mix them and match them kind of deal. Maybe one or two of us write with someone else or we’ll write together or whatever. So when it comes to picking songs for the album we have a lot to choose from. We all three write a lot. So when it comes to choosing, it depends on what the album needed. If there’s one that stands out and we think it should really be on the album, then we pick that one. But I would say that the writing is pretty equal.”

Joanna adds, “It kind of evens out.”

As I wondered if the process is either hurt or helped by being sisters, Emily, continued. “You know it definitely is a tough thing to do, because each song is like your baby, but we really haven’t ran into a hard time. But as far as agreeing on things, collectively, the three of us, we have really agreed…it has been obvious to us which ones we should do and which ones we should record. It’s a difficult process, but once we’ve reached the collaborative decision, we are all in agreement as to which ones to do.”

About the choices on the two releases Becky adds, “On our first time out we were really trying to anticipate what would be best for us on a first run. So, some of the outside stuff we thought would give us a better chance at radio. But we have had some time to mature and we just want to do our music and the things that make Carter’s Chord what it is. And there’s an honesty there, and something fans can identify with. We have always wanted to use our own material and we are really glad and fortunate that this time around we were able to put the songs out that really reflect who we are.”

About their current sound, Becky adds, “We have drawn from a lot of different influences and I think it is also a result of us being able to develop as artists over the past few years. Our first project came out about three years ago and that was our first real run at a professional album as the three of us.  And we were proud of what we did, but we have really taken the last few years to continue to grow as writers and singers and I think with Wild Together, it’s a culmination of everything we’ve been learning.”

I mention that a listen to the releases in order shows that with more involvement in the writing their sound has become a bit darker. Becky, again, responds, “Which is really funny because we all three are very happy and very content and are in good places in our lives. But I think with the artist in us, we do tend to tap into the more emotional side of life. Sometimes that’s darker, and sometimes we’re just being real with what a lot of people can identify with.”

Emily adds, “I think what gives it (the EP, Wild Together) that dark, kind of vibey, thing, besides the lyrics, is the track and the actual instrumentation that we used. The first album was more straight ahead bright country. This is little more organic. There are some darker instruments, and I think this is little more rootsy. And I think that that automatically gives it a darker vibier feel.”

“This time around we had Mark Wright help co-produce with Toby (Keith). He had some cool ideas and a great vision for us that is along the lines of who we are as artists. Maybe the first time around we had just as much freedom but were just so new and weren’t really sure how to be in the studio and how it works. This time we were more comfortable to speak up and voice opinions.”

Joanna adds, “Toby has always given us that creative freedom, but like Emily said I think the first time around we were just a little more apprehensive.”  With Becky fully agreeing with the other two, in stating, “We were green.”

But with Wild Together, according to Emily, “This is the music that we have wanted to make, and I think, this EP is just a springboard for us to continue along these lines and continue growing but I also think that it is a reflection of who we are right now as writers and musicians and the kind of stuff we enjoy doing.”

“And if you listen to the two records you can really tell the songs that we wrote and tell the difference between our stuff and the outside cuts we got from other writers. Because there is a difference; our stuff is a little more dark and moody.”

“But, it’s been great for us because we really have been allowed to take some years to hone in on what it is that we love and what we do.  We’ve had a label that’s been loyal to us and allowed us to take the time to develop whereas a lot of acts, if things don’t, you know, pop right away, you’re old news. So we’re excited to be out there and have this EP and have it be this reflection of who we are.”

In addition to the music and the touring, the three also regularly post webisodes. In these usually five to ten minutes videos posted on their website, you can see the group perform acoustically, see them in the studio, and/or involved in anything they choose.  Joanna edits all the videos and spoke the most about the purpose of making them. “We started doing those about a year ago because we’re really weird girls and funny. A lot of funny stuff happens to us, and we thought we should really get some of this down on video.”

“Our fans have responded really well and we do a lot of fan interaction through those. And it’s been a really good thing for us. And it was completely our idea and has remained under our control the whole time.”

In turning the talk back around to the EP, I mentioned how “Simple Little Screwed Up Life” really has the power to demand attention, and asked why “A Little Less Comfortable” was chosen as the lead off single.

Three voices answered, “That’s a good question.” And Becky, I believe it was, went on to explain how the label had tested several tracks with radio and based on feedback went with “A Little Less Comfortable.”

But as Emily explains, “Now that the EP has been released, “Simple” has become a huge standout and a crowd favorite. And everyone that we interview with, that is a song that keeps coming back.” Joanna finishes the thought in saying, “You just never know.”

However, “We’re really encouraged by the feedback we’ve been getting since the release from our fans and from new fans. And we’re excited to see where this new music is going to take us.”   

The trio does realize a challenge they face. As being a trio of girls, people may place a certain expectation on their sound. Emily explains, “Immediately when you see a trio of three girls you’ll assume that they will sound a certain way. People may see us and expect something a little more poppy or young and fresh, but we’re all in our late twenties and have lived some life.”

“Our music is just a reflection of who we are and what we’ve been through. So it is a little more mature. We’re not going to be singing exactly something a fifteen year old might sing.  It might present a little challenge at first for radio, but I think once people dig deep into it that there is something for everybody regardless of your age.”