Meet Carter Fox

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carter Fox. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Carter, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Playing to empty rooms as a musician has been one of the most humbling and formative experiences of my career. Early on, when I’d be on stage with only a handful of people in the audience, I realized that success isn’t just about the size of the crowd. It’s about how you show up, how you connect with your music, and how you deliver, regardless of who’s watching. I learned to find joy in the process, to play with the same energy and passion whether I was performing for ten people or a thousand. Those moments taught me resilience, the ability to adapt, and the importance of always giving my best, no matter what the circumstances look like.

Being the only one in the room that looks like you can feel like playing to an empty room sometimes—like you have to prove yourself or work twice as hard to be seen or understood. But those early musical experiences taught me that you don’t perform for approval; you perform because it’s who you are. It’s about staying true to your craft, bringing your energy, and delivering a show every time. Over time, I’ve learned that my uniqueness is my strength, and while the room may not always look like me, my music, presence, and message still resonate in powerful ways.

It’s about pushing through, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Just like I’ve stood on stage, giving it my all to a nearly empty room, I’ve walked into situations where I was the only one who looked like me and still showed up fully. Music has been my guide, reminding me to stay grounded, find fun in the challenge, and trust that as long as I bring authenticity and passion, the right people will connect with my work. At the end of the day, success comes from overcoming those moments, staying committed, and knowing that every performance, every opportunity, is another step in the journey.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Carter Fox, a bassist, composer, and producer, and what I do is create music that blends jazz, rock, electronic, and jam music with a cosmic twist. My journey has taken me from playing live shows around the world to composing for films and producing for other artists. What’s most exciting about my work is the way I combine my passion for science and space with my love of music. I’m always looking to create something that not only sounds good but also tells a story—whether it’s about the cosmos, human emotions, or the mysteries of life.

Right now, I’m especially excited about my upcoming album Physics of the Impossible, where I explore new sonic territories and weave in the themes of space and time that inspire me so deeply. It’s been a journey creating this album, and I can’t wait to share it. I’m also gearing up for a unique concert series where I’ll be performing immersive, silent disco-style shows in libraries and planetariums. It’s a way to take the music experience to another level, surrounding people with sound and letting them connect with the music in a deeper, more intimate way.

Through my brand, Soulful Traveler, I aim to inspire people to explore, dream, and connect with the universe around them. Whether it’s through music, apparel, or live experiences, the goal is always to take people on a journey—both musically and mentally. It’s an exciting time for my brand, as I’m not only releasing new music but also expanding into new creative projects that merge my love for science and art. Keep an eye out for more performances and new releases, as well as collaborations I have in the works that push the boundaries of what music can be!

In addition to my work as a musician and producer, I also run a consulting business where I help independent musicians and creatives navigate the complexities of the music industry. I specialize in marketing strategies, digital advertising, and brand development—using my experience from years in the industry to help artists build sustainable careers. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with others in the field, whether it’s developing an artist’s brand or creating targeted ad campaigns that help them reach their audience. Helping musicians level up their careers and turn their passion into a business is just as exciting as creating music myself.

I’ve also written a couple of books, with one of my latest being Music Business Bassics, which is all about empowering independent musicians to take control of their careers. My other recent book, The Facebook Ads Rockstar Guide for Musicians, dives into using digital tools to grow an audience, something that’s so crucial in today’s music landscape. I’m constantly working on new projects, and my next big release is a comprehensive guide to the music publishing business, which I hope will be a go-to resource for artists, managers, and music students. It’s all about making the music industry more accessible and helping others succeed on their creative journeys.

With everything I do—whether it’s consulting, writing, or making music—I’m focused on supporting the next generation of artists and making sure they have the tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the music business. Resilience is key in the music industry because you’re going to face challenges, whether it’s playing to empty rooms, dealing with rejection, or figuring out how to make things work when nothing seems to be going your way. Staying committed and finding joy in the process—even when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for—has been vital for me.

Adaptability is another crucial skill. The music industry is constantly evolving, from how people consume music to the technology we use to create it. Being willing to pivot and learn new tools, strategies, and approaches has kept me moving forward. For instance, when digital marketing and social media became essential for musicians, I dove into that world and turned it into a strength not just for myself, but for other artists through my consulting work.

Lastly, understanding the business side of music has been a game changer. Knowing how to manage your rights, market your music, and make smart financial decisions is just as important as being a good musician. My experience and education in music business, and later my MBA, gave me the knowledge to navigate this world with confidence and share that with other artists through my books and consulting.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious and never stop learning. Develop resilience by embracing the tough times as opportunities for growth. Be adaptable—don’t be afraid to experiment with new technology, platforms, or sounds. And make sure to educate yourself on the business side of things. Learn about copyright, royalties, and digital marketing because understanding those aspects will set you apart and give you more control over your career. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and most importantly, have fun with it. This is a journey, and the more you enjoy it, the further you’ll go.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I try to step back and take a deep breath. For me, it’s important to remember why I started this journey in the first place—my love for music, creativity, and exploring new ideas. When things get stressful, I often turn to playing bass or listening to music that inspires me, which helps me reconnect with that passion. It reminds me that I’m doing what I love, even if the path can get chaotic sometimes.

One of the strategies that works for me is breaking things down into smaller steps. When I have a lot going on—whether it’s a big project, touring, or juggling my consulting work—I find it helpful to focus on one task at a time. By tackling one piece, it makes the whole thing feel more manageable, and I can build momentum from there.

I’ve also learned to lean on my support system. Whether it’s talking things out with friends, my bandmates, or collaborators, sometimes just getting a fresh perspective or advice can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or take a break when you need it.

My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to prioritize self-care. Take time for yourself, even if it’s just stepping outside for a walk or meditating for a few minutes. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but burnout is real. Find what calms you and brings you peace—whether it’s playing music, exercising, or doing something creative just for fun. And remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time. You’ll get through it, and you’ll come out stronger for it.

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Image Credits

Stan Golden, Samoeun Cheng, Aaron Cichowski

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