Music

At 29, singer/songwriter Ricky Carden is no stranger to the music scene. Since his first performance at 22, Carden has kept the wheels turning as his first professional album, Lust Luck, Love, debuted in July. Centered on love and heartache, Carden's album is full of past experiences, as well songs of his newfound love. Carden plays regularly around Anniston and can be found every other Thursday night at Chestnut Station in Gadsden. His album is available via iTunes and Sound Shop in Quintard Mall.

Are you originally from Anniston?

I'm from Gadsden originally, but have lived in Anniston/Calhoun County for the last 10 years.

How did your career in music begin?

I had some friends that played, and I saw how the girls were attracted to musicians, so I learned how to play.

You perform around the area, but where is your favorite location?

My favorite place to play is in Georgia. People seem to appreciate music more over there.

What type of music are you currently listening to?

Matt Nathanson is the last CD I've purchased and have really listened to. I met his tour manager about two years ago and have kept in touch through e-mail ever since.

What type of music did you listen to growing up?

I was a big Allman Brothers fan. My drummer (Bill Stewart) played with Greg Allman for over ten years.

A lot of artists have outside influences. Who or what would you say inspires your music?

Women have inspired my music more than anything. It's all been about love and heartache. Mike Farris was a big influence on my singing.

Have you ever performed with other acts or do you perform solo?

I mainly play solo, but I've played with a band over the last year and a half. I've shared the stage with many regional and national acts, though.

What do you consider to be the greatest album ever sold ?

Wow that's a tough one and don't think I could narrow it down to one. If my arm was twisted, I would have to say Big Wheel by the Screaming Cheetah Wheelies.

What movie could you watch over and over again?

My favorite is Braveheart. I'm amazed at the passion he had and how he wouldn't bend and stood for what he believed in.

What are your hidden talents?

I'm a very good judge of character. I can meet someone and know within a few minutes what kind of person they are.

Are you working on something right now?

I'm trying to get things together for the next album and making the move to Nashville.

Do you find yourself wrapped up in your work, or do you take time to vacation?

I don't really vacation much at all. I'm not as wrapped up in my work as I would like to be.

What artist(s) would you really like to work with?

There are a few. I would love to write with John Prine, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Angie Aparo and Mike Farris.

What type of advice would you give to those who aspire a career in music?

Pick another profession. It's more work than most people think, and you have to be really dedicated to make it in this business.

What do you do to relax yourself before performing?

I like to be alone, and I usually drink a few beers.

Is it just natural to be up on stage in front of a crowd?

I'm usually not one to really stand out in a crowd. Music is just natural to me, and I love doing it. The best feeling in the world is playing a song I wrote and seeing and hearing people in the crowd singing the words as I'm playing.

What type of music do you create?

I think it spans over many genres. From folk, pop rock, rock, country — I write what I feel and it comes out however it comes out.

What type of message do you want your music to convey?

I write as a form of therapy for myself. I want people to listen and take what they need from it.

It's going to affect people differently, but I hope that maybe it will help people in ways that they can't express their self.