Larry “Phylle” Carter is a Philadelphia born-Norfolk raised artist who takes his passion for music quite seriously. In 2007 the tall, light and handsome crooner started an independent record label, Real Talk Music LLC. “I started the label to follow my vision to make the kind of music that I liked rather than being told by a record label what they wanted me to sing,” says Carter.
In a recent late evening conversation he told me the story of about a conversation he’d had with his mother. She’d called to tell him how proud she was of his achievements as she watched Maurice Jamal’s Dirty Laundry featuring his song Talkin’. I’m a little exhausted after pulling a few consecutive nights of writing sessions, but as I listened his positive vibes traveled via cellphone forcing me to wake up and take note of this rising star.
PRIDEINDEX: Describe to us what happened the first time you performed in front of an audience.
LARRY CARTER: The first time I performed in front of an audience as an artist I was so afraid! My throat was dry palms were sweating (Laughs). I was in a group Khameleon shout out to Nakeylla one of my best friends to this day. It was crazy the crowd gave us so much love it was unbelievable!
PI: If you could travel back to that point in time what would you tell yourself.
LC: Wow if I could travel back I would tell myself to have more faith in you. So many people talk to you saying this saying that you really have to be grounded in know who you are.
PI: Tell us about some of the projects you’re currently working on?
LC: I am just finishing up my album titled “The Coming” it will be on iTunes late October. It is what I really been focused on beside the work I do in my community in Atlanta. I am Big on being active in my community I think it is so important now more than ever!
PI: What themes do you cover in your music?
LC: I sing and write about a lot of different things. Most of the songs are about love and relationships. I mean every part from the love lost to love gain to it’s just not working to the chose him or me. I did a remake of Ready For The World’s “Oh Sheila.” One that is very near and dear to my heart is “Stay Strong” it is a real look at the personal pains a person can go through and you not even know the struggle. I dedicated it to a friend of mine who I lost to suicide.
PI: Obviously you were influenced by the Philadelphia Sound which is responsible for producing greats such as Patti Labelle, Teddy Riley, Teddy Pendergrass and others. Name at least 3 non Philadelphia legends that have most influenced your artistic style.
LC: Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and Aaliyah influenced my sound the most.
PI: If you could work with only one of the Philadelphia Sound legends, who would be?
LC: Wow, it’s so much great music with Ms. Patti, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, and the O’Jays. Then you have new school artist such as Jill Scott, Musiq, and Bilal. They’re all great and I would work with any one of them. My mom would be so proud.
PI: Were you formally trained as a songwriter? If so when and where?
LC: Not formally trained, but my Aunt Linda Powell, a gospel singer whom recorded “I talked with Jesus,” sat me down when I was 11 years old and taught me how to format a song. I told her I wanted to write so she took the time and showed me the way. I love and miss her so much.
PI: If you had the opportunity to work any Grammy award winning producer and/or artist who would you want to work with? Why?
LC: For writers I would have to say Diane Warren because she’s very analytical, lyrically inclined and writes to help showcase a singer’s true ability. She wrote “I Was Here” for Beyonce. For producers off the top of my head I would say Timbaland, he is just an awesome talent! And for artists I would have to say it’s too many great talents it is hard to chose just one.
PI: What else would you like to tell us?
LC: I am thankful you for this chance to be heard. You all can come by my site www.phylleworld.com check out my music my single “Two Way Street” is on iTunes now pick it up! The album The Coming will be released October 25 please support! Follow me on www.Twitter.com/Phylle
