Finding Harmony and Healing

Carly Pearce, a luminary in contemporary country music, weaves tales of heartache, resilience, and self-discovery through her soul-stirring melodies. Drawing from her own experiences, Pearce’s music is brimming with authenticity, reeling listeners into the depths of her emotions. Pearce offers Inked readers a glimpse into her musical journey, from humble beginnings to the creation of her latest masterpiece, “Hummingbird.”

Pearce’s earliest influences stem from the golden age of country music, a period she fondly recalls as the late 90s and early 2000s. “So many artists from that time inspired me,” she shares, listing icons like Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, and her idol, the indomitable Dolly Parton, among her muses. It’s a testament to Pearce’s deep-rooted appreciation for the classics, a reverence that permeates her own artistry.

At just 16, Pearce embarked on a remarkable chapter of her life, gracing the stages of Dollywood with her radiant talent. Recounting those formative years, Pearce shares anecdotes of youthful exuberance and unwavering determination. “I convinced my parents to let me drop out of school and take online classes so I could perform there,” she recalls with a hint of nostalgia. Her time at Dollywood, marked by six shows a day, five days a week, instilled in her invaluable lessons of work ethic and perseverance. It was here, amidst the throngs of adoring fans, that Pearce forged a bond with Parton, a relationship that continues to inspire her today.

The evolution from her critically acclaimed album “29: Written in Stone” to the transcendent “Hummingbird” reflects Pearce’s profound journey of growth and healing. “I purposefully took my time when writing and producing this album because I wanted to fully experience the life that I was writing,” she says. With each note and lyric, Pearce delves deeper into her own emotional landscape, crafting a body of work that serves as both a testament to her resilience and a beacon of hope for her listeners.

“Hummingbird” represents a milestone for Pearce, marking her first foray into co-production — an endeavor she approaches with both trepidation and exhilaration. Collaborating with industry stalwarts Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, Pearce finds herself on familiar terrain, surrounded by kindred spirits who share her unwavering commitment to the purity of country music. “I am making the music that I have always dreamed of making,” she declares with palpable pride.

In addition to her musical journey, Pearce’s body bears the indelible marks of her personal story. Adorned with tattoos that serve as symbols of remembrance and beacons of hope, Pearce shares the significance behind each intricate design. “I got a hummingbird tattoo on my arm before we announced the title of the album,” she says. “I thought it was a great way to enter this era of new music, but also have as a reminder of this chapter of my life: healing and hope.”

But it’s not just the hummingbird that holds significance for Pearce. A red feather tattoo on her arm is a tribute to her late grandparents, who played an instrumental role in shaping her love for country music. “They never got to see this dream come to life for me, but every night when I am playing my guitar on stage, I see it and I think of them,” she shares, her voice tinged with emotion.

The journey of self-discovery and healing that Carly Pearce embarks upon with “Hummingbird” resonates deeply with audiences. Through her music, Pearce invites listeners to find solace in their lived experiences through the power of melody and lyric. “My hope for this record is that it continues to inspire fans to heal, grow, and embrace their stories,” she says.

Pearce finds herself humbled by the magnitude of her journey. With a heart full of gratitude and a spirit undaunted by the challenges ahead, she looks to the future with unwavering optimism. “Keep going,” she implores her younger self, a sentiment that echoes through the corridors of time. For Pearce, the journey is far from over — it is just beginning.

As Pearce reflects on the path that brought her to this moment, she finds comfort in the power of her music to touch lives and stir souls. With “Hummingbird,” she invites audiences to embark on a voyage of self-discovery, where healing and growth intertwine in melodies that resonate with the human experience. Through her music, Pearce imparts a timeless message of resilience and hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is beauty to be found.