With NowUnited member Noah Urrea having left the band, the group had one spot open for a new American representative, Zane Carter from Kentucky. Like Noah, Carter is on his way to becoming a triple threat as a member of the international music group. We chatted with the 19 year old emerging artist about his journey with NowUnited and more!
Talk about being the new member of Now United, how does that feel knowing your exposure grew instantly after that announcement?
Before I was officially in the group I was blessed with the opportunity to work and get to know all of the members while spending time with them on a few projects. By the time everyone had heard I was going to be the new United States member I already felt like I was a part of the family. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive, it absolutely blew me away how nice and genuine everyone was! It’s a weird feeling walking in to such an amazing position, exposure wise, but it’s definitely not something I’m going to take for granted!
How did you first get started in music, what was the first song you sang? Does that song have a deep meaning in your own life?
I have always had a love for music and dancing, my Mama was probably the biggest influence in my life to that regard. I had never seen someone so joyful in my life it was as if she always had a song on her heart for the world to hear. I actually figured out I could sing by accident though. I had never sang in front of anybody my whole life and eventually started social media just wanting to make funny videos, but a couple people had heard me sing along to a song and convinced me to post a cover. I put up a song of “Let Her Go” by Passenger. The song has held such a special place in my heart I had to sing it. Then when I did I got such a positive response I started falling more and more in love with the art itself which led me to where I’m at today.
What are you looking forward to most experiencing being in Now United?
I’m definitely the most excited to perform with everyone on stage. It’s such a surreal experience to begin with I can’t imagine how amazing it will be with such close friends!
How did you meet and get in touch with the group?
The groups team actually reached out to me through instagram! I’ve known them for a couple years but wasn’t presented with the opportunity to join the group until after the Bootcamp in Abu Dhabi I was invited to!
I know they’re with XIX entertainment, what artist on the XIX roster, former or current, would you love to see live or work with?
As far as wishing I could’ve worked with someone who used to be under XIX would be Cathy Dennis, she’s a songwriter who wrote some amazing songs for some incredible artists!
What country are you most excited to learn more about its culture when visiting on tour?
I’ve always been fascinated with Portugal’s culture and country. It seems like such a beautiful place with such an amazing background it’s always been somewhere I’ve wanted to visit, now not only will I get to visit but I’ll get to perform for the wonderful people there as well!
How do you think your own talent will bring a new twist to Now United?
I feel as if I bring a different tone and style of voice that resonates with me and a lot of my home town upbringing, I’ve always been surrounded by country music and I’m excited to see how I can bring some of that story telling in to the pop world!
How would you describe your own genre of music that you want to get into as a solo artist, and how do you think the Now United experience will help you get there?
I would say I balance on a sort of pop genre with a more crooner feel. However, I love to explore music wise and when it comes to genre it changes a lot with the state of mind you’re in when creating. I think the Now United experience is the best possible situation to be in when going in to the industry honestly. Having people like Simon and the Team/Now United members I’ve been surrounded with all being so knowledgeable and supportive makes things unimaginably better and more comfortable for me. Going into a performance surrounded by friends takes such a weight off your shoulders that you’d normally have as a solo artist.
If you could set up a fan in any setting for them to listen to your favorite NowUnited song, what setting would that be?
I’d have them listening to “Somebody” while in the car on a Sunday morning drive. Honestly any song is better in a setting like that.
What’s one quote you’ve heard in life that you’d want to ECHO out to fans?
“Everybody makes sacrifices, you just have to choose now or later”
