Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with independent artist Solomon Carlson. Together we discussed growing up with music, their first song they learned on guitar, their social media presence, their newest song “Oneshot” and so much more!
1. Mustard is thankful to have you here. How are you doing?
I am doing well mustard. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me. I love talking with people that enjoy what I make.
2. You have been playing guitar and singing music since you were in third grade. What song or artist do you remember connecting to most as a kid?
My favorite band growing up was Shinedown; still one of my favorite bands actually. I remember trying and failing to learn all of their songs on guitar (I wasn’t very good then 😅)
3. What was the first song you learned on guitar? What is your favorite song to play on guitar?
I think the first song I learned was “he’s got the whole world in his hands” it only has like 2 chords so it’s a very popular beginning song. My favorite song to play is good riddance by green day or hallelujah. Good riddance is more fun to play but hallelujah is more fun to sing.
4. It wasn’t until you became an adult that you began making music. How did you overcome the naysayers? What advice would you give to those with obstacles in their path?
Honestly the best advice to over come the naysayers is to just not care. I feel like I had it easier then most my family was worried and always said to be cautious when showing my dream but they never told me not to. I think it would have been a lot harder if I had a harsher family. But just do what you want to do without caring what other people think. Their is always going to be obstacles on your path to success it’s about learning to not create more obstacles for yourself.
5. You’ve built up an incredible following on TikTok and other social media platforms. How have these platforms helped you as an artist?
They have helped drive my creativity while keeping me accountable to continue.
6. In the age of content creation, you have perfected the “loop.” Can you share any editing tips for those looking to create more engaging content?
The loops are fun don’t get me wrong but I mainly do those for me because only like 10% of people will notice. It is way more important to have a strong into that hooks people in. The first 3 seconds are the most important. But if you want to know how the loops are edited I just record one longer video and make the middle the start and put the beginning at the end. So when the whole thing plays there is no skip between.
7. What is your songwriting process?
Every artist I talk to says what I do is weird. While everyone else seems to make the beat first. I start with melody and lyrics and then make a beat that matches the tone. Then I just have to work out the timing from there.
8. In 2019 you released “Always On My Mind.” Could you share more about your debut single? What did it feel like to have a single out?
Having your first single out is exhilarating and frustrating. Getting feedback and seeing how people are reacting to the song is a great feeling but it shatters your perception of being an overnight success.
9. You have been pretty consistent with releasing new music since 2019. How do you plan and prepare for each single? Would you consider yourself organized?
I’ve been trying to do 1 a month for the last couple years I’d say the best way to stay consistent is to try but not force yourself. If you force yourself you will get burnt out
10. You were described as a combination of Justin Bieber and Lil Nas X recently by a stranger. Is this the sound you are going for? How would you define the Solomon Carlson sound?
I honestly wasn’t expecting to be compared to either one of those artists. But I would mainly define my sound as bedroom pop.
11. Oneshot is your most recent single. What was the inspiration behind this single? Are humans allowed to try again after their one shot?
I was inspired to make Oneshot by Nic D and sunroof. Nic D made a song in 24 hours and I wanted to try and do the same. And I wanted to make a fun summer song as summer was ending so I used Sunroof as my inspiration.
12. What’s next for Solomon Carlson?
Making more music and videos.
13. Where can readers listen to your music?
Anywhere you find music Spotify apple even Pandora 😂
Music Shelf With Mustard 