Young Adult Magazine: Can you tell us a little bit about how you first realized that you wanted to work in the music industry?
Carson Lueders: I started playing guitar and performing when I was 5, played on a country music radio station when I was 6, won a singing contest at 8 and writing contest at 9. By the time I was 10 I had a pretty big YouTube following and flew out to meet with a record producer in LA when I was 11. It just kind of happened over time and realized I could really make something of this.
YA: I noticed that the same person, Nayip Ramos, has directed both Beautiful and Get To Know You Girl – what’s the story there? Did you share a great vibe on your first collaboration?
CL: Yes, Nayip is a great director and has become a good friend of mine. He’s believed in me from early on and I’m so grateful to have him want to work with me.
YA: What do you say to people who make the obvious comparison between you and a young Justin Bieber?
CL: I feel like it’s an honor to be compared to one of the biggest artist in the world. I grew up listening to a lot of his early music because I have an older teenage sister. Some say I look like him. Some say I sound like him. Some say I’m starting out like him. Even Barbara Walters compared me to him! But many of my fans say I am not the next Justin Bieber but I’m the first Carson Lueders. I love that!
YA: What was it like to perform with Keith Urban? Were you a fan prior to meeting him?
CL: It was awesome being able to perform with Keith on The View! He was my music inspiration growing up and I listened to his CDs every night while going to sleep. I told my parents I wanted to learn to play guitar like Keith Urban so they signed me up for lessons after my 5th birthday. I met Keith at a concert and he knew who I was because of a YouTube cover I did. It was such an honor to be given one of the first electric guitars from his new Urban guitar line and a complete surprise that I got to sing with him on the show. I was pretty nervous but will never forget such an amazing experience!
YA: Do your songs come from the heart? Have you had any significant love interests? Anybody broken your heart yet? (yes, we’re nosy)
CL: Well I don’t have a girlfriend. I’ve had some crushes but never really have been heartbroken yet. My song lyrics reflect what I think and feel 🙂
YA: What has been your most intense fan experience to date?
CL: I’ve had a few fans drive quite a long distance to come see me perform at a concert. I remember when I was younger someone had me sign their wallet and belt and thought that was kind of strange.
YA: What does an average day for you look like? How do you juggle being a music star with your schooling and trying to be a normal kid?
CL: Average day is school, homework, practice music and then have some free time. I go to a school that works with kids in industry so the teachers are understanding of your demanding schedule and allow you to make up assignments. Some weeks are more music and others are more school. It’s sometimes tough to balance both. It’s probably no different than kids pursuing sports or other things.
YA: What do your friends and family think about your massive ascent to stardom? Does everybody still treat you the same?
CL: My friends and family have been very supportive through this journey and they admire what I’m doing. It’s awesome having so much support!
YA: Where and when can our Young Adult Magazine readers catch you live?
CL: I don’t have any plans for a summer tour yet but will most likely be performing in some shows in LA and my hometown Spokane. Follow me on twitter @CarsonLueders for updates!
YA: What 5 songs do you have playing on your iPod right now?
CL: Problem – Ariana Grande
All of Me – John Legend
Show Me Remix – Chris Brown
Surfboard – Cody Simpson
Collide Remix– Jake Miller