One of the most ambitious artists around, Shy Carter has enjoyed tremendous success turning out songs for a variety of acts, like Sugarland’s smash hit “Stuck Like Glue” and Rob Thomas’ single “Someday.” Carter was featured with Ray J on Mr. Midwest’s song, “Shorty Is a Weirdo,” which he co-wrote and produced. He also worked with Faith Hill and penned tracks for Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor and R&B-pop star Charlie Puth. Indeed, Shy Carter accomplished all that before he ever scored a record deal. Impressive to say the least, especially considering how quickly it happened.
Carter sang as a child, joined an R&B group and, by age 16, was writing songs and experimenting with production. After graduating from Grand Valley State University in Michigan, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue music. Almost immediately, he met a former manager of Nelly’s, who introduced the two of them. Nelly needed a producer and Carter obliged, producing tracks for Ashanti and Chingy.
“I was fine waiting until the right deal came along.”
That led to a publishing deal with Primary Wave that expanded his songwriting chops. And although he was living the dream he still sought what he calls his “end game”––a record deal. “I received offers from labels,” he relates. “But, none felt right and I was doing pretty well, so I wasn’t desperate. I was fine waiting until the right deal came along.”
He didn’t have to wait long. An industry friend told him about Latium Entertainment and said it might be a good fit. Carter explains, “I didn’t want a label that made creative demands. I wanted to do things my way.” As such, a meeting with Latium’s Charles Chavez convinced Carter. “I felt that I could depend on them to support my vision,” he says.
Now the multi-hyphenate’s first single, “Bring It Back,” has been released and is already receiving airplay. The song, a catchy blend of hip- hop, soul and pop, showcases Carter’s ability to create a genre-defying, freewheeling sound. He’s also working on a full-length album with one thought in mind. “I don’t try to just write hits. I think of my music as a gift, something that could make people feel good. When I focus on that, everything falls into place.”
