Carrie Akre

By Alex Teitz

   Carrie Akre has done it all. She has been part of two bands (Hammerbox and Goodness). She has been signed to a small record label. Now she is on her own with her CD Invitation. Invitation has a strong pop-rock foundation and sticks to the listener. It is easy to see why Akre was signed to Good Ink Records. She is an amazing songwriter and performer.

   FEMMUSIC was able to speak with Akre via e-mail.

FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?

CA: I base a lot of my writing on personal experiences or emotions. It often starts with vocals/lyrics that sometimes come quickly and other times VERY slowly. I spend a bit of time figuring how I want the rhythm of the lines to go. This time I tried a lot the songs on keys first, incorporating a board that had a ton of patterns. I want to try new instruments that I haven’t had before. I’m still learning about what my style.

FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making Invitation?

CA: Constantly having the courage to tell/describe to the folks I worked with what my vision was and how I wanted the CD to turn out even when they were looking at me like I was strange.

FEMMUSIC: What was the best experience making Invitation?

CA: Hearing the new styles come out the way I had heard them in my head. Also hearing the great ideas that the players and producers added to the songs.

FEMMUSIC: This is your second release since leaving your other bands. What benefits does not being tied to a band give you?

CA: It gives me absolute control. I like being able to find out what I have in me and that’s easier when it’s just me to figure that out.

FEMMUSIC: Invitation is under your own label, My Way Records. What is the biggest challenge running your own label? Would you sign to another record label if offered?

CA: The hardest part is that you do EVERYTHING!!! It’s hard to change hats from business to art. It wears me out. I would consider a company that suited me and had a great system for working records in place and was creative/committed in busting a new artist out.

FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry, have you been discriminated against?

CA: I’ve played some rock shows where there were some men who seems to only want you to take your shirt off… they never seem to tire of that…

FEMMUSIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music industry?

CA: Shitty record contracts that have unfair percentages!!!!!

FEMMUSIC: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

CA: Go for it!! Want it!!! And prepare to work your ass off.