Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Mya.
Hi Carla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been singing since I was a child and began formal training as a teenager in Melbourne, Australia. I was lucky to be taught by David Jaanz in the early days of his singing school before it grew into an international academy. At the time, I was in David’s elite class and was asked to record one of my original songs for the Jaanz Top 20 album. It was such a fun and rewarding experience; my love for songwriting and recording grew from there.
I’ve performed in Australia, Spain, the US, Venezuela, and Jamaica, have recorded three original EPs, written songs for friends’ engagements, christenings and other monumental events. I love being able to take someone’s idea or scribbles on a paper and turn it into a musical reality. I enjoy everything about the writing/recording process: from strumming my guitar until I get a great hook to sitting in the studio during the final stages and choosing the best takes — even if it takes all night. I once read a magnet that said, “Do more things that make you forget to check your phone”. Being in the studio definitely qualifies for me!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest obstacle has been getting nervous before performing in front of a live audience and not particularly enjoying the grind of gigging. I feel much more energized and excited prior to a studio session. One of my best memories is recording in Kingston, Jamaica when I was traveling with a music school. We were in the studio for over 10 hours and I read the whole of Bridget Jones’s Diary in between takes. It’s one of my best performance-related memories.
I also recently learned that drinking coffee is bad for your vocal chords and it basically ruined my life!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While I’ve been performing as a singer for over two decades, I am now channeling my skills into songwriting for other artists and writing specifically for TV and film. During a recent recording project, I was able to see how a song came to life when another recording artist/friend Adrianne Ralph performed it. It was so fun hearing her interpretation of the song and I feel like it’s a better final product as a result.
I’m currently working on a project that involves composing an “anthem” of sorts for a client’s wellness business. It’s very meaningful when you get to create something musical for someone that may seem difficult or even impossible for them.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that even if a song doesn’t sound right the first time you record it, there is so much you can do with it during the production process. I recently recorded an EP at Love and Laughter Music Group and learned so much from my songwriting coach Lisa Arreguin and producer Joey Arreguin about the various ways to lift and transform a song. As a result of this project, I was also signed to the publishing arm of their studio which focuses on placing music in film and TV. I’m fascinated by all the different facets of the music industry and the players that make it interesting!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inventingcarla.com/music
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/carla-wells-590998294
Image Credits
Adrianne Ralph
