About A Girl: Meet LA Musician, Paris Carney!

This Friday, March 27, LA-based musician Paris Carney will be kicking off our FP <3’s Music events at the Free People store at The Americana in Glendale, CA.

The event, running from 7-9 pm, will be the first in a series of live music held at various FP stores throughout LA over the next two weeks (check out the event page for all the details). I had the chance to meet up with Paris and stroll around her Los Feliz neighborhood, we talked about growing up, music, and our shared love of Doc Martens.

Paris is one of those people that shines immediately upon meeting them. Right away, she was all smiles and I quickly took to her infectious positive attitude. Her rapid-speed wit was brilliant and kept me laughing as we walked around the neighborhood. She grew up in the entertainment industry and has been singing ever since she can remember. She describes her sound as “if Ella Fitzgerald and Joni Mitchell had a baby raised by Andre 3000 + a laptop” on her Facebook page, showing her easy-going sense of humor. Read on to learn more about this naturally lighthearted and endearingly inquisitive cool girl:

Where are you from originally?

I’m orginally from NYC but moved to LA when I was 10, so I claim both depending on who I’m talking to :)

You’ve been in LA for awhile now — what do you love most about the city?

I love the open-ness as far as space goes. I feel like it’s brighter and lighter in some way.

I absolutely love how you first got started in music! 

I started singing at the age of two, or so I’m told! My dad was a jingle writer and he would have my brothers and me sing for things, so I was raised learning how to harmonize to everything. I really just feel like singing and music is an extension of me because I haven’t known life without it.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

My favorite record as a kid was “Nine Lives” by Aerosmith, which looking back kind of cracks me up due to its content! But I of course also loved Hanson and The Spice Girls and will forever!

What do you love most about being a musician?

I love making music because I feel like it’s such a beautiful way to connect with people and to express my own emotions. I don’t like confrontation but I love being able to write songs about specific situations/people and then be able to process them through song. It’s honestly like therapy to me.

Your favorite place to chill out is…

On the couch watching HuluPlus for sure!

What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“What somebody else thinks of you is none of your business.” My brother, Zane, told me this once and I think it is so profound and I  have to repeat it to myself on the reg. I love it because it goes for positive or negative things. The idea of just being and not thinking about people’s perception of you is so freeing.

Finish the sentence: You would never know this by just looking at me, but I…

Deal with a lot of anxiety/mild panic attacks. That might be on the heavier side but I couldn’t think of anything more real.. haha! A couple of songs on my EP go into detail about those things which I’m really excited about.

Do you have a morning routine?

I am always super excited when my morning involves a good latte.

What does an ideal evening look like?

Eating a great meal with wine or whiskey with my husband and then calling it an early night.

What is playing on your Spotify right now?

I currently have been playing “Fix You” by Coldplay a ton, which I know isn’t new at all, but I just feel like it is almost the most perfect song — lyrically, melodically, chord structure… Every part of it is so moving and heart-wrenching.

Ok, so who is your all-time favorite artist or band?

I really love jazz music. Ella Fitzgerlad, Doris Day, Chet Baker… but I’m also really inspired by Fiona Apple and Rufus Wainwright.

So are you planning on going to any music festivals this year?

I’m just finishing up my debut EP, so I wont be going to any this year. But I’m really hoping to play some next year!

What is your go-to outfit?

T-shirt, Ripped jeans and Doc Martens all day.

What advice would you give aspiring musicians?

Keep going and own who you are!

Being free means…

Not caring what other people think of you, having positive self talk, and being grateful for what you have.

Paris, you are a gem! Thank you so much!

+ Don’t forget to catch Paris playing songs at The Americana on Friday, March 27 at 7pm. The event will also be hosted by fashion blogger, Grasie Mercedes! See you there!

Follow Paris on Instagram and check out her music on Soundcloud!

Follow fp joanna on Instagram!