We recently had the chance to connect with Terrill Carter and have shared our conversation below.
Terrill, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
What’s bringing me joy outside of work right now is meditation and focusing on my inner peace. The world can feel incredibly chaotic at times—whether it’s work, the media, or everything else happening around us. I make it a priority to take 30 minutes each morning and evening to sit in silence. It’s time I intentionally carve out to center myself and maintain a sense of calm and balance within.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Terrill Carter. I’m a singer-songwriter currently living on the Central Coast, performing regularly in both Los Angeles and the Bay Area. My brand, TeamTerrill, is how I stay connected with a loyal and growing audience—sharing upcoming events, behind-the-scenes footage from performances, and more.
You can check out everything at www.teamterrill.com, where I also share my latest music, merch, and tour updates.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I’ve always been a dreamer, someone with a boundless imagination, and I truly believe that mindset can take you far in life. I had an imaginary friend until I was 13, and I think that says a lot about how vividly I experience the world around me.
I remember being in elementary school when the teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. While other kids said doctors or astronauts, I said, “a piece of paper.” I wanted to know what it felt like to be blown by the wind, written on, crumpled up, and even tossed in the trash. To me, that was beautiful—the idea of experiencing life from so many different angles.
That moment stayed with me because it reminded me that imagination gives you access to infinite possibilities. Being a dreamer means believing that the unreachable is achievable, and that the world isn’t limited by what’s practical—it’s shaped by what you dare to envision. For me, nothing matters more than the focus and dedication you bring to your dreams.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I’ve auditioned for just about every major music competition show—American Idol, The X Factor, The Voice, you name it. If it involved singing, I was there. I even had private auditions, but I never made it to the next round. Every “no” felt like a failure, and eventually, I gave up on trying out for those shows altogether.
At the time, I took each rejection personally. But over time, I changed my perspective. I started to realize that maybe it just wasn’t my moment yet. So instead of waiting for someone else to validate my talent, I began building my own following—sharing my voice across different platforms and putting myself out there in my own way.
Now, I see those “failures” differently. I wasn’t ready back then, and honestly, being denied by those shows was the best thing that could’ve happened. It pushed me to create music on my own terms, in a way that allows me to shine the most. Looking back, I didn’t fail—I just needed to grow.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—what you see is what you get. I’ve always been unapologetically myself. I don’t know how to be anything else. I’m a naturally happy person, I speak my mind, and I love giving compliments when I see something beautiful in someone.
I’ve noticed that a lot of people, especially in the younger generation, often follow trends just to be seen. But that’s never been me. I move from the heart—if something doesn’t feel right, I simply don’t do it.
I feel protected in being true to myself. To me, authenticity is the highest form of self-expression. So yes, whether in public or private, I’m always just me—always and forever.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What light inside you have you been dimming?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve loved everything about the music industry and celebrity culture. I dreamed of being part of that world for as long as I can remember. But lately, I’ve felt that dream fading. I’ve started to lose hope—not because I’ve lost my passion, but because the industry often feels like a closed-off club.
The truth is, I am the light. I shine on my own, without a label or big-name backing. But it’s hard to express that to an audience that measures success by who you’re signed to, what stage you’re on, or which celebrity you’re connected with. Sometimes it feels like people overlook genuine talent unless it’s co-signed by fame.
I’ve struggled to get features or exposure from big networks simply because I’m independent. And yes, that part of the game can feel discouraging. But with time, I’ve come to realize—maybe that’s part of my protection. I’m being guided on a path that’s true to me, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. My light might not be mainstream, but it’s real—and it’s mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.teamterrill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamterrill
- Linkedin: www.likedin.com/teamterrill
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/teamterrill
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamterrill
- Yelp: teamterrill
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/teamterrill
Image Credits
Brionna Otte Marco Antonio Carranza
