The first song that I ever heard from Carter and Carter is still my favourite songs of theirs and one of my favourite country music songs of all time. It was a song that they co-wrote with a mutual friend, Jane E Robertson: “Candlelight and Kisses”. Of course, I then went through their other songs that I had missed. I have bought every album of theirs, bar one, because I had every album of theirs and I didn’t see the point of buying a best of. I have the dvd too.
David and Merelyn Carter’s story has the makings of a traditional country song. To meet them, to go to their shows, to feel the joy of their love for their family and their music and the genuine passion that they have for life, is inspirational, especially considering all that they have been through.
When the big fires went through Victoria a few years ago, country music fans shuddered when they heard the words King Lake. For a while, we did not know the fate of our beloved duo. It was a few days before we heard anything, and that was partly due to the phone calls that many people made to the ABC radio stations and general enquiries. When many lives were lost, homes were destroyed and pets were killed, the Carters survived and in true form, became heavily involved in raising awareness and funds for their neighbours who weren’t so lucky.
David has survived a potentially fatal illness which sidelined him for a while.
Musically, Merelyn and David were totally mismatched when they met. David was a hard rocker and Merelyn was a gospel singer. Legend has it that she needed a guitarist, and reluctantly, David took the job because he needed it.
Their lives are an open book. Merelyn loves to talk and she does a lot of it between songs at their concerts. The on stage banter between the husband and wife duo is often hilarious, but it is honest and genuine. No matter how hard a time they give each other, it is done with humour and affection.
Most of their songs are autobiographical or have a very strong link to their lives. There is a story behind every song, some sad, some funny, all easy to relate to. I have heard some of their stories a few times now, but they are always good to listen to again. Their music is independently produced, which gives them creative freedom, but not always financial freedom. They often have house concerts with Merelyn’s famous hot chocolates, and their homespun personalities. I went to one pre-hot chocolate days at their friends’ place on the Central Coast a while back now, and it was the perfect venue for their type of music.
It is a struggle being indies, but there are benefits to being that way. One of the great things that Carter and Carter do is have an up and comer as their support act in their shows in Tamworth, who often go on tour with them as well. They have good taste. Most of the acts have gone on to bigger things. They also have a lot to do with mentoring lots of young artists and having showcases of their talents at Tamworth each year. They have gospel shows as well, which are uplifting and fun and not at all preachy.
Carter and Carter are best known for the feeling that you are left with when you leave their concerts. I have never left without a smile. They are warm and caring people and it shows when they interact with fans and have a giggle and a natter about just about anything.
They have won many awards for their efforts, taking out the Indie duo of the year almost as many times as Brooks and Dunn have won the American Country Music award. The worst thing that I have ever heard about them from fans or critics is that they are too nice….not a bad thing to be accused of. Their style of music is easy on the ear and on the heart.
One of my favourite stories about Carter and Carter is when I went to see them one year at Writers in the Round at Tamworth. This woman asked if she could sit down at my table and then told me about how proud she was that Carter and Carter wrote their song “Play that Song” about her experience. For those who don’t know, she used to write into a country music dj every week. Her family was pretty poor and it was their bit of fun to listen to the show. The way that she talked about Carter and Carter, how much they meant to her and other stories of a similar nature about their generosity and their eagerness to please and learn from some of the best and then to pay it forward, is proof that they are more than a great musical influence, they are also just fine people. Unpretentious, generous, real people. Thank you, Carter and Carter for the music, your dedication and your passion. Long may you prosper.
