A master of contemporary country music, Carly Pearce weaves tales of heartache, resilience, and self-discovery through her evocative melodies. Born from her own experiences, Pearce’s music is authentic and draws listeners into deep emotional depths. Pearce gives Inked readers a glimpse into her musical journey, from humble beginnings to the creation of her latest masterpiece, “Hummingbird.”
Some of Pierce’s earliest influences were the golden age of country music, a period she fondly recalls as the late ’90s and early 2000s. “A lot of artists from that era inspired me,” she says, citing icons like Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood and her idol, the indomitable Dolly Parton, as muses. It’s a testament to Pierce’s deep respect for the classics, a reverence that permeates her own artistry.
At just 16 years old, Pierce embarked on an incredible chapter of her life, gracing the Dollywood stage with her radiant talent. Recounting her formative years, Pierce shares anecdotes of youthful exuberance and unwavering determination. “I convinced my parents to let me drop out of school and take online classes so I could perform there,” she fondly recalls. Her time at Dollywood, which featured six shows a day, five days a week, instilled in her invaluable lessons of work ethic and perseverance. There, surrounded by throngs of adoring fans, Pierce formed a bond with Parton that continues to inspire her to this day.
The evolution from her critically acclaimed album 29: Written in Stone to the transcendent Hummingbird reflects Pierce’s deep journey of growth and healing. “I intentionally took my time writing and producing this album because I wanted to fully experience the life I was writing about,” she says. With each note and lyric, Pierce delves deeper into her emotional landscape, crafting a record that serves as a testament to her resilience and a beacon of hope for listeners.
Hummingbird marks a milestone for Pierce, her first foray into collaboration, an endeavor she approaches with both anxiety and excitement. Collaborating with industry stalwarts Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, Pierce is stepping into familiar territory and surrounding herself with kindred spirits who share her unwavering commitment to country music purity. “I’m making the music I’ve always dreamed of making,” she declares with obvious pride.
In addition to her musical journey, Pierce’s body bears the indelible mark of her personal story. Adorned with tattoos that are symbols of remembrance and beacons of hope, Pierce speaks to the meaning behind each of her intricate designs. “I got a hummingbird tattooed on my arm before I announced the title of the album,” she says. “I thought it would be a great way to enter a new musical era, but also a reminder of this chapter of my life: healing and hope.”
But hummingbirds aren’t the only thing that holds meaning for Pierce. A red feather tattoo on her arm pays tribute to her late grandparents, who played a key role in shaping her love of country music. “They never got to see this dream of mine come true, but every night when I’m onstage playing my guitar, I dream and I think of them,” she says emotionally.
The journey of self-discovery and healing that Carly Pearce began on “Hummingbird” resonates deeply with audiences. Through her music, Pearce encourages listeners to find solace in their lived experiences through the power of melody and lyrics. “My hope with this record is to continue to inspire my fans to heal, grow, and embrace their own stories,” she says.
Pierce is humbled by the magnitude of her journey. With a heart full of gratitude and a spirit unbowed by the challenges that lie ahead, she looks to the future with unwavering optimism. “Keep going,” she implores her younger self, a sentiment that resonates through the ages. For Pierce, the journey is not over yet. It’s only just beginning.
As Pierce reflects on the journey that led to this moment, she finds solace in the power of her music to touch lives and stir souls. With “Hummingbird,” she takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery, where healing and growth intertwine in melodies that resonate with the human experience. Through her music, Pierce conveys a timeless message of resilience and hope, reminding us that beauty can be found even in the darkest moments.
