Today we’d like to introduce you to Curt Kiser.
Hi Curt, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Music was always around during my childhood in Lebanon, Ohio. My dad was always playing the guitar and in 7th grade, I fell in love with the guitar. In middle school my best friends and I started a band called Enlou that really opened up my world. We started playing shows at local venues near Dayton, Ohio and would play regionally all throughout high school. A band called Pomegranates invited us to play together in Cincinnati and we became good friends. Soon after began playing together, we ended up working with the same label as them based out of Palo Alto, CA called Lujo Records. When we graduated high school, music had become extremely important, and I knew I wanted to tour as much as possible. I eventually joined Pomegranates, once that ended, I began playing out as Carriers around 2014. We put out our debut album in 2019 on a Brooklyn label called Good Eye Records – it was really special and I’d say a pretty great success! We won album of the year at CEA’s here in Cincinnati and had some really great press through the record cycle which has opened up a lot of doors for opening slots and tour support as well as helping to create a really strong following and fan base.
In 2020 I put out a single called “Without You” that was received extremely well. That was first time releasing a home recording, I think it helped me find new confidence in my own recording ability which was pretty cool. In November 2021 we flew to Lafayette, CO to begin recording our next album and then wrapped up the year with Bryan Devendorf for a special duo performance at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati. 2022 was mainly a time to get back out and play shows after the pandemic shut everything down. I also was able to work on The National’s new album that’s gonna be coming out this year. That was a super special experience, and I can’t wait for the world to hear these new songs!
This year is already gearing up to be pretty busy. A lot of exciting things are happening – I’ve recently started working with a manager and I’m also about to sign to a new label which is gonna open up a lot of new opportunities and get my music in front of a wider audience. Not sure I can say who yet but there will be an EP coming out and then gonna finally get back in the studio and finish this second album! We will be playing some really exciting shows and festivals in the next few months as well. We’ve toured all over the country at this point and are ready to release some new music and get back on the road!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Choosing to play music for your career presents a lot of obstacles. In some ways, I think by choosing to not go to college and pursue a sustainable career or any kind of American dream has been very difficult. For the last 17 years of playing music live and writing/recording consistently I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices which has led to getting by paycheck to paycheck. At the same time, I’ve met the love of my life, I’ve been able to travel all over this country, I’ve made lifelong friends in the process and been able to see so many amazing cities, beaches and mountains that I would have maybe never had the experience otherwise. I always tell people I’m a lifer and so many people I know tell me I’m one of that hardest working musicians they know, and they can’t wait for something “big” to happen for me. I guess that’s another way of saying that they believe in me and that’s a big reason why I keep doing what I love.
There have been some really hard times in the last year. My van was totaled by a drunk driver, causing a lot of trauma for my partner Kristin and I. Then we were robbed on tour just days later while playing a few shows in Chicago. Kind of took it out of me and I really felt numb and questioned whether I should do this anymore or just try to find a ”real job” and make music on the side. But the support and love we received from folks all over the country and in Cincinnati was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced. This is what I love doing, I’ll always be writing songs and hopefully I’ll always be playing my music in front of people. It’s my therapy, it gives me true joy and I am so thankful for the life that I have.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve worked a lot of jobs in order to pursue a career in music. I’ve been serving for a long time now, definitely one of the most flexible gigs as a touring artist. The last couple of years I worked for a natural wine/farm-to-table to table spot called Pleasantry in OTR. It was a really special place and probably my favorite job I’ve ever worked for. The best wine and food I’ve ever had for sure.
What’s so funny is I didn’t think I’d know many foIks coming into the restaurant, but I ended up knowing people coming in almost every night. It was awesome to see worlds intersect there. I’d say that’s kinda my thing wherever I work – I somehow end up re-connecting with folks, making new friends and meeting fans of my music wherever I go. It’s truly encouraging and probably what has kept me pushing for so long. Dan Souder, the owner of Pleasantry & Iris Read, was especially supportive of me and I think having that kind of relationship with your boss is pretty rare. Thankfully I’ve had a lot of support from most places where I have worked, or at least an understanding that music is my priority.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Man, I’ve got so many, one that comes to mind was being given my first guitar. I was in 7th grade and my music class at school was having a talent show. I told my parents I wanted to play a song. I had picked up the guitar in 5th grade, but it hurt my fingers, so I put it down for a couple years. We went to Buddy Rogers music, and my dad told me to pick out a guitar. For some reason, I chose a Fender Stratacoustic and I still remember the little James Bond sounding riff I played for the talent show. From there, my dad taught me some basic cowboy chords and I kinda just took it from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: carrierstheband.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/carrierstheband
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Carriersband
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/carriersmusic
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-768709140
- Other: tell.ie/carriers
Image Credits
Keith Klenowski
Drew Jacoby
Alexzandra Roy
Mitch LaGrow
Sam Stone
Hailey Bollinger
