Carter’s Chord Bio
The music of Carter’s Chord is steeped in tradition. Raised by musical parents – their father was a pianist, producer, and string arranger and their mother a singer, who both toured and recorded with Waylon Jennings during the height of the Outlaw movement - music and creativity is a part of their lineage. The three sisters, Becky, Emily and Joanna, were signed to Show Dog – Universal Music by country music superstar Toby Keith who upon first listen said, “As soon as I saw these girls perform, I knew they had to be on Show Dog.” Keith adds, “I could see and hear that they not only have the talent but also the combination of musical roots and contemporary artistry to take them all the way.”
The sisters bring their modern musical flair to a tradition that includes Outlaw country and the blues as well as roots rock to create a distinctive new rocking country that’s all their own. They cite a myriad of influences like Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Black Crowes and a host of others. Not only have they perfected their three part harmonies, but they also have honed in on their craft as songwriters and musicians. Joanna’s piano at the center of the sound, Emily’s acoustic guitar keeping the rhythm, and the organic vocal blend of all three sisters, adds to their considerable charm.
"We’ve been spending the better part of this year in creative mode, living in the studio and immersing ourselves in writing,” comments Becky. “We could not be more proud of the music we are turning out. It has been exciting to work in the studio with heavy hitters like Toby Keith and Mark Wright. This is the real Carter's Chord; it’s the music we've always wanted to make."
Their mother’s inspiration is reflected in the name of their act. “We’ve always liked the idea of a musical chord, a triad. One day we were all sitting around thinking of what we could call ourselves, and one of us — we don’t even remember who — just out of the blue said ‘Carter’s Chord (their mother’s first name is Carter).’” explains Joanna.
As soon as the sisters could carry a tune, they chimed in. They made their major-label recording debut as youngsters singing on Waylon’s album of country music for kids, Cowboys, Sisters, Rascals & Dirt, their father Barny Robertson produced. Upon its release, the sisters also performed with Jennings on a number of TV shows.
When the Robertsons relocated to Nashville from Los Angeles in 1994, they became immersed in another extended family: Waylon, Jessi and Shooter Jennings, members of The Waylors and The Crickets. The close friendships as well as creative collaborations shared by Waylon’s musical community provided further musical grounding and education for the sisters. “Waylon was a big part of our lives,” Becky explains. “We were inspired being surrounded by so much music. Waylon and everyone around him were a huge influence on us.” The girls also got to enjoy a revival of their parents’ past when The Waylors reunited as The Waymore Blues Band to tour with Jennings during the last three years of his life.
So it was only natural that the sisters gravitated to making and writing music as their favorite pastime. In time, it became their creative calling. “We’ve always just kind of known that this is what we are going to do,” Emily concludes. "It hasn't ever been a matter of 'if,' it's always been a matter of 'when'." It seems almost fated from the start that these true daughters of the Outlaw movement are destined to now make their indelible mark on popular music.
Keith, along with Mark Wright are co-producers on the new album.
