BUZZNET Exclusive Interview: Bridget Carrington Of ABC’s “Duets”

Hey Buzzies,

I got a really cool opportunity to interview the very talented up and coming artist, Bridget Carrington. You may have seen and heard her on ABC‘s show called “Duets“. She is currently working with the legend himself… John Legend. Check out her first single Fall OffHERE as well as the interview below!

Let me know what you think!

Tell us about your experience on ABC’s “Duets”

Bridget Carrington: WOW! Being selected from thousands of applicants to perform on a national television show was my “Waiting to Exhale” moment. After several attempts of trying to break into the industry and audition after audition, standing in long lines and sleeping in my car overnight; it was almost like God said “This is your time”.

I submitted a 3 min. audition tape of me telling a little about myself and then I sang “At Last” accapella. The video was originally submitted for an opportunity to sing with Lionel Ritchie, but I would later find out he decided not the do the show. When John Legend came on board, he reviewed the tapes and chose me & 11 other finalists to fly out to LA to audition in person. I flew out on a Monday, auditioned on that Tuesday, was chosen and filmed the first episode that Wednesday. And when my head stopped spinning, I actually realized I was about to take the stage with a grammy award winning artist and sing in front of millions of people. No pressure, right?

To say I loved every part of my experience on the show would be an understatement. From the comradery with the other contestants to the willingness of the producers, stage managers & directors to help out in any capacity; it was a pure blessing. But the best part was actually getting the opportunity to absorb so much knowledge from the recording artists on the show.

I worked directly with John Legend, who all by himself is a musical genius, but to have Jennifer Nettles visit our dressing rooms to sit and chat about everything from life to music was definitely a surreal moment. In between shooting, we would sit with Robin Thicke and he’d listen to and give advice about our original music.

To have Kelly Clarkson, the vocal anomaly herself, tell you how great you are and to encourage you to stretch yourself was so motivating. How many people can say they got an opportunity like this? Television is oversaturated with singing competitions, but “Duets” was truly an original concept. It was like getting a free concert from your favorite artist every week. I’d say, I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my career.

Describe your sound in three words.

BC: REFRESHING is the sense you get when you the music and lyrics. Why? Because they’re RAW & uncut. Not just pretty, witty songs to make you move, but songs that move you from the inside. They totally uncover my true life story. And I want people to feel and hear me….UNDISGUISED.

Who has been your biggest influence throughout your music career so far?

BC: Hands down….My dad! He was my first mentor and my first duet partner. He encouraged my love for music and took me to just about all of his performances (which were always in church) and sometimes my sisters and I would open up for him.

I’m from the country so there was nothing better than riding with my dad to church in his pickup truck listening to quartet gospel and then crank up a little Motown on the ride back home. His passion for music sparked a fuse in me to take this thing to the next level.

Everything I know and everything I am is because of him. Can you tell I’m a daddy’s girl? A proud daddy’s girl to be exact.

You just released a new track called “Fall Off” what is that song about?

BC: “Fall Off” is basically my introduction to the world. It tells the story of how some of the viewers and media outlets really didn’t get a chance to see who I was as an artist on the show. But it dubs as an anthem for anyone out there who’s trying to do something positive but can’t seem to shake the people trying to block your progress.

We just simply want to tell them to “Fall Off”. My favorite line in the song is “I’ve worked with a Legend, now I’m about to be One”. I believe that, because the bible says God wants to give us the desires of our heart.

How do you feel that you will stand out amongst other artists in your genre?

BC: Brutal honesty…and from a mature view point. Not preaching but testifying. I make songs that play out the movie of my real life and its wealth of experiences, both good and bad. Because I often don’t relate to the “female point of view”, I sometimes tend to think like a man, so I have a unique perspective and it comes out in my songs.

If you could put together your dream tour who would be on it?

BC: My tour would have to have my favorite male artist, Joe, on it. And he has to sing “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do)”…woooo…I need a minute after that visual. Ok I’m good now. Next up, would be Brandy the vocal beast herself. And my last 3 powerhouse artists would be Smokie Norful, Beyonce’ & Celine Dion!

How has it been working with John Legend?

BC: I can honestly say John is a cool dude. He was really investing in helping me reach my vocal potential. He’s a busy guy though, so when we were filming it was strictly business; no time for games. I wouldn’t call him Joe Jackson, but if Joe had a little brother, his name would have been John. And I’m so joking right now, but seriously, we had a great time together.

He helped me with my breathing and some vocal techniques and he really tried to find songs that would fit my voice. We’re still in contact with one another and he’s even offered to contribute to my EP which comes out this April. So definitely stay tuned for that.

What is one song you heard in 2013 that you wish you had wrote?

BC: The song that jumps out at me is Tamar Braxton’s “Love and War”. I actually did my very first YouTube Cover to this song. It’s so relatable and it truly depicts what love & marriage really is. It’s a beautiful thing, but it’s work and sometimes you’ve gotta go to the battlefield to keep that thing together. But anything worth having is worth working for.

Somebody say Amen!

What is one of you main goals musically for 2013?

BC: My main goal for 2013 is to be heard. I’ve been seen by millions, but now I wanna get my viewpoint out there. I’m independent right now so I have a lot of freedom to move the way I want to. I would like to tour overseas, build on my fan base and eventually spark the interest of a major label.

Any last words for your fans and readers?

BC: To the fans, I appreciate your love and support. I used to watch awards shows and listen to artists speak to the fans saying “without you there would be no me”. I thought it was cliché, but now I know it’s the truest most real statement ever. So know that I love you and I do music because it runs through my veins and because something I may say could be a blessing to you.

To the readers and those who are just becoming familiar with me and my work, it’s gonna be a journey and I want you to experience it with me. The best time to start something is at the beginning. So I invite you to ride with me. It’s gonna be great! I promise you that! Be on the lookout for my EP releasing in April of year. Follow me on Twitter @BridgetCmusic . Hit me up, I’d love to chat with you.