Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I’m Tina Carzon (they/them) and I am a singer-songwriter from [Washington] D.C. and now based in Maryland.
I’ve always been surrounded by music but I honestly didn’t picture myself pursuing a career in music. Yet, here I am, it’s a hard journey but I love it here.
So much has been happening and I didn’t expect the amount of buzz that I’ve been receiving, ever since I dove back into it.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: I listen to a lot of bossa nova, R&B, lo-fi, jazz, and even old school hip-hop. It varies and depends on my mood, but lately I’ve been listening to DOMi & JD BECK, Ginger Root, Daebull, Orion Sun, Hope Tala, Little Simz.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
A: My family – my siblings and my parents. I was raised in a musical household and we had this upright piano back home, where my family and I would have random jam sessions.
I was fascinated by my sister, Chloe, because of her piano skills. She would play ‘Ode To My Family’ by The Cranberries, and we would sing along the harmonies to it.
My dad played the guitar. My mom used to do concert piano. She still practices from time to time. She also plays guitar. My brother raps. Music was always there.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘skin to skin’. Is there a story behind it?
A: ‘Skin to skin’ essentially highlights the power of love to transcend boundaries through space and time and explores the chemistry between mysterious lovers through intimacy and vulnerability in the face of the unknown.
When I initially wrote the hook, there wasn’t really a specific story behind it so I just kind of based the story off of what I wrote and everything just blended really well together.
It’s also kind of my comeback single since the last single that I released was in 2021, ‘In My Mind’.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: I’m always making new stuff but it’s just a matter of timing.
I am releasing new music very soon, so stay tuned.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: My music tends to be chill, ethereal, and sometimes soulful. I used to listen to a lot of Enya growing up, a lot of jazz, bossa nova, and R&B, all of which influenced my music.
I feel like I have a pretty distinct sound so you’ll know it’s me.
My main thing is layers of harmonies. I love a track with multiple harmonies.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: I really don’t try to expect too much when it comes to the amount of work that I’m putting into music but recognition is always a plus.
I probably should expect more but I make music for myself and if people resonate with it, then that’s dope. I’m grateful that people dig my sound.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do you usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: My creative process varies. I’ll start with a melody in my head, put it in a voice memo. Record it later and then write to it. Sometimes, it’ll be the opposite. I’ll have something written already and then come up with the melodies later on.
Sometimes, I’ll just play around with different chord progressions, either on the keys or the guitar, and it gets my creative juice flowing.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: I don’t think people realize that there is a LOT of groundwork that happens behind closed doors, especially as an independent artist. It’s easy to get lost in the industry if you don’t know what or who you’re dealing with, so make sure that you read those contracts. Don’t just say yes because it is an opportunity, really make sure you understand what is happening. I know many artists that tend to go that direction because it provides more exposure and opportunities, which is usually a good thing, but intentionality is important. Don’t forget to give yourself grace and rest. Rest is extremely necessary. Listen to your body.
Since I’ve started performing again, life has been coming at me really fast and all of the opportunities have been skyrocketing. I’ve been manifesting more shows and I’m very blessed to participate in all these amazing shows, alongside really inspiring artists.
I get really excited for all the opportunities that the universe is throwing my way, but sometimes I overdo it and I have to remind myself that I’m not a full-time artist, at least not yet. My time will come, but I’m working on prioritizing rest during my creative phase for the most part.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: Honestly, I’m just proud of being surrounded by people who have already made it in the music industry, selling out multiple local shows, headlining, community building and connecting with musicians.
I’m proud of the community that I’ve created within the music realm because I feel like I’ve opened so many doors and opportunities for people, it’s always good energy.
I had this cool direct-to-vinyl opportunity in [Brooklyn] New York and I had my band pull up with me. It almost felt like we were on tour. We even got to roam around the city for a bit, so that was cool.
Right now, I’m gearing up for two months of intensive shows. I’m really excited for what’s next and to finally showcase some of my new projects.
