We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carissa Fagan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carissa below.
Carissa, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
That’s a great and important question. My resilience as a singer, performer, and person comes from a blend of life experiences, values, and my inner passion. From a young age, I was surrounded by influences that taught me how to endure and adapt. Growing up with a close connection to my family, for instance, built a strong emotional foundation and gave me a place to rest rest to emotionally when things got tough.
I believe my resilience is also rooted in my creative journey. Transforming my voice during the pandemic took focus, dedication, and a willingness to embrace change, even when it wasn’t easy. Learning to adapt from a musical theater singer to a more versatile vocalist pushed me to explore new vocal dynamics.
Every role I’ve taken on—from performing in musicals to hosting karaoke and working with various bands—has taught me to go beyond my comfort zone. For example, karaoke hosting taught me not only to sing all kinds of music but also to connect deeply with people, a skill that requires patience and resilience in its own way. Whether performing as Frida in the ABBA tribute band, singing Big Band jazz, singing high energy pop/rock or working on my own original music, I think I’ve finally become comfortable with adapting to each setting and challenge.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a singer and performer, I have the incredible privilege of making music my life and sharing it with audiences across various stages. From leading high-energy performances with The Platinum Vibe Band to embodying Frida in *Xceptional Tribute to ABBA*, and even stepping back in time with some classics with The Don L Big Band for some classic Big Band Jazz, every show gives me the chance to create unforgettable memories and connect with people through song.
What’s most exciting about my work is the diversity and passion that come with each experience. I also find a lot of joy in getting to collaborate with so many talented musicians, and there’s never a dull moment when every performance takes me somewhere new, from the stunning Catalina coast to the quaint Temecula Wine Country.
Right now, I’m also pouring my heart into writing my own music. It’s a deeply personal project, and I can’t wait to share my own stories and emotions with the world through my original songs. So, stay tuned—big things are on the horizon! I’m so grateful to live my passion every day, and I’m excited to keep growing and sharing this journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a performer are adaptability, confidence, and vocal versatility.
1. Adaptability: Working in a range of music genres—from Big Band Jazz to high-energy pop and rock tributes—has taught me how to adjust my style and connect with different audiences. To develop adaptability, I’d advise performers to say “yes” to diverse opportunities and to challenge themselves outside of their comfort zones. Whether it’s singing at a local dive bar or performing with a new band in front of thousands of people, every experience builds your resilience and versatility as an artist.
2. Confidence: Gaining confidence in my abilities has been a game-changer, especially as I’ve had to command various stages and take on new roles, like my work as Frida in the ABBA tribute. My advice is to surround yourself with people who lift you up and to practice performing regularly, even in small, supportive settings. Working as a karaoke host for example, really helped me break out of my shell and learn to embrace performing under pressure while also remembering to have fun and connect!
3. Vocal Versatility: Training my voice to master different styles has opened so many doors. If you’re starting out, take time to experiment with various vocal techniques, study different genres, and invest in solid vocal training. Remember, the more you stretch your abilities, the more prepared you’ll be for anything that comes your way!
Above all, stay true to your unique sound and never stop exploring the many ways your voice can shine!
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I think finding a balance between leaning into your strengths and improving weaker areas is the most effective approach. Focusing on what you excel at helps you stand out and maximize your potential, but working on areas of improvement ensures you’re well-rounded and prepared for whatever challenges come your way.
For instance, I’ve always loved performing jazz and musical theater, those genres came naturally to me and felt like my strongest suit. However, working as a KJ at a local dive bar a few years ago during the pandemic pushed me to sing and perfect loads of genres songs I never would have considered. This experience not only boosted my adaptability but also made me a more dynamic vocalist overall. It allowed me to develop the confidence to handle any song thrown my way, and that growth opened up new opportunities, like performing with multiple bands.
At the same time, I’ve continued to sharpen my strengths. When I play with any band I sing with, I pour everything into those performances, highlighting the styles I’m passionate about. Ultimately, investing in both your strengths and weaker areas gives you a wider range of possibilities and makes you a more compelling artist. So, don’t be afraid to excel where you naturally shine, but also be open to the unexpected lessons that come from stepping out of your comfort zone. Thank you so much to the SD Voyager for having me back and giving me the chance to be able to share my knowledge, thoughts, and passions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carissa.fagannn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carissa.fagan.7?mibextid=JRoKGi
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