Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlton Rashad.
Hi Carlton, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story.
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was surrounded by it.
One of my earliest memories of realizing my passion for music was winning my first talent show at 12 years old. I was the youngest person in my category, and that experience gave me the confidence to keep using my gift and pursuing my dreams. Years later, that same passion led me to writing, releasing, and performing my own music and even winning Best Male Vocalist at the 2021 Kansas City People’s Choice Awards, which felt like a full-circle moment for the kid who simply loved to sing. Haha.
So, from singing in the choirs and on the praise team at church and eventually taking over as music ministry director at 19, to performing throughout my school years [graduating from Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts], to the music that was played in my mom’s car and the artists I watched on TV, to singing with Versetile and Now Bloodstone (Legacy), those experiences not only shaped my musical tastes but helped craft the artist and performer I’ve become today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not by a long shot, haha. I say that with a lot of humility.
There have been moments where I’ve prayed, stressed, fussed, celebrated, and felt some really difficult lows. Getting to where I am today has required sacrifice, patience, hard work, sleepless nights, disappointment, and more than a few moments of self-doubt. There have been times when I felt overlooked, underestimated, or even alone in the journey.
I’ve been in spaces where my expertise, talent, or perspective was downplayed or completely ignored. Those moments can make you question yourself and ask, “What am I even doing?” I’ve had to become my own biggest encourager at times, reminding myself why I started and trusting that my time would come. Remember that God wouldn’t bring me here to leave me. He’s got me.
At the same time, I’ve experienced some really incredible moments. I’ve had opportunities to perform on some amazing shows with great energy, travel, meet people, and share my passion through music. Those experiences remind me that every challenge has been worth it.
I’ve learned that not every room will recognize your value, but that doesn’t diminish it. Sometimes you have to keep showing up, keep growing, and keep believing in yourself no matter what.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
This is a great question. I do many things, haha.
I’m an artist; a singer, songwriter, and performer. I create music inspired by real-life & love experiences.
I’m probably best known for my live performances. I love connecting with audiences and creating an experience that feels personal, engaging, memorable, and nostalgic. From performing around Kansas City and beyond to sharing stages with incredible artists, I’ve been fortunate to use music as a way to bring people together.
I’m most proud of is being able to share my own music with the world. I remember making up songs in my room as a child, imagining that one day I would be writing, recording, releasing, and performing music that people would sing back to me. Like my song, “Vibe”, I have a part that everyone sings along to “…and I don’t know you yet”, I blows my mind every time. Haha. That’s something I never take for granted.
What sets me apart is that I lead with authenticity. Whether I’m on stage or off the stage, I try to show up as my genuine self. I am the same, I don’t change up. I’m consistent.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You were entrusted with a gift. Whatever it is you do or hope to do and accomplish, know that it is possible. Understand that there is purpose in the process. You may face disappointments, be overlooked, or feel underappreciated, but don’t lose heart. Put your trust in God and keep going.
I’ve learned that sometimes you’ll have to clap for yourself and celebrate yourself even when others don’t or won’t. Don’t slow down or change your course because of others. Be proud of you!
Put one foot in front of the other with confidence and grace. Keep going, keep growing, and keep glowing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imcarltonrashad
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carltonrashad
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imcarltonrashad
- Other: https://linktr.ee/imcarltonrashad
