In the world of Carter Faith, inspiration strikes everywhere—from a late-night drive through Tennessee to a chance encounter with a chihuahua at a truck stop. Her debut album, ‘Cherry Valley,’ is a testament to this eclectic vision, a cinematic universe built from unexpected moments and bold influences. In a recent chat with Apple Music, the rising star peeled back the curtain on her creative process, revealing how she’s navigating not just the music scene but a surprise detour into acting.
Building a ‘Dreamland’
For Faith, ‘Cherry Valley’ isn’t just an album; it’s a destination. The name came from a real place she drove through, but it quickly became a mental “happy place” that she embellished in her mind.
“It’s just like a dreamland,” Faith explains. “I feel like it’s an embellishment on reality, and I feel like that’s how my music is.”
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She approached the album’s structure like a film director, meticulously crafting a narrative experience. “I was thinking of it as a movie,” she says. “What is the opening credits and then what’s the first scene? ‘Sex, Drugs, & Country Music’ introduces a lot of the characters.” This cinematic approach makes it clear that Faith isn’t just writing songs; she’s building worlds.
An Unlikely Cast of Muses
The characters and stories in Faith’s world are inspired by a diverse cast of influences. She credits Kacey Musgraves as a foundational figure in her career. “She is a huge reason why I came to Nashville,” Faith shares. “She has done what I try to do every day, which is be bold and… empower listeners to be bold too.”
That boldness extends to her songwriting, which can be sparked by the most random encounters. The story behind her track “Betty” is a perfect example. “Honestly, I met a chihuahua at a truck stop named Betty, and she had her nails painted,” she laughs. “I was like, if that dog was a woman she would steal my man for sure. I just couldn’t stop thinking about this damn chihuahua.”
The Hollywood Connection
Perhaps the most surprising collaboration is Faith’s friendship with the legendary Billy Bob Thornton. Connected via text by producer Dave Cobb, a simple introduction led to an unexpected phone call. “It said, no caller ID. I honestly thought it was my ex-boyfriend,” she recalls. Instead, it was Thornton, inviting her to Texas to write. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll be there.'”
Their partnership blossomed, leading to Thornton co-starring in her “Bar Star” music video. When Faith later landed her first acting role in the upcoming Netflix film “Heartland,” he was the first person she called for advice. His wisdom was simple and profound: “No, your life is your acting class.”
Embracing this new challenge, Faith is preparing for her role as “Charlie” with the same creative depth she applies to her music. “I’ve made playlists for the character. I’ve made vision boards… I took the Enneagram as her,” she says. “It’s been a weird mental shift” to move from the authenticity of being a musician to embodying a new persona.
With ‘Cherry Valley’ as a stunning debut and a promising acting career just beginning, Carter Faith is proving she’s more than just a songwriter—she’s a storyteller, ready for any stage.
