Carmen Rodgers
Bittersweet Love
By: Bear Frazer
Last updated June 21st , 2010

When Carmen Rodgers was growing up, the only way an artist could have achieved great success was by signing with a major label. But nowadays, many others like the Mississippi-born, Texas-raised starlet, who is slated to release her projects Intermission and The Bitter Suite through 101 Distribution, can achieve fame in the digital age without having the major label muscle.

"The Internet and technology, as a whole, has made the world much smaller and people more accessible than ever. As an independent artist, that is a huge benefit for me," she explains. "I can touch fans and potential new listeners more quickly, and have advocates out there fighting for my music and other artists working hard to make good music. This has made entrepreneurship in music more of a possibility. We know longer have to wait on a 'major deal' with a big record label. We can create our own success."

That's something Rodgers has been trying to create since she was a little girl. The singer began writing songs at an early age, competed in talent shows and in high school, was part of an all girl group. Later, she would sing backup for R&B artist N'Dambi.

In 2004, however, Rodgers left the background and stepped into the spotlight with her debut album Free, a smooth and captivating contemporary R&B collection with a jazz vibe. Although she has kept a low profile since that release, the songstress remained busy behind the scenes by launching her own imprint.

"I wanted to have more creative control and a larger say in the future of my music, so I officially started my own label Candigirl Music," she says. "With the help of my business partner Michael Reimonenq, we are really starting to see the fruit of our labor. We are still in the early stages so we know there is much more growth to come."

Now, six years later, Rodgers is back and fiercer than ever.  The starlet is on the verge of releasing two major projects – Intermission, which features heartfelt single "What Hurts You," and her sophomore album The Bitter Suite, which is sweet sounding, but lyrically focusing on rebuilding life after a sour relationship. Both collections focus on love, but in different areas, and feature a variety of sounds.

"Listeners can expect new sounds, new vocal colors and textures, and a new experience when listening," she explains. "The Bitter Suite is definitely a themed, mood record which deals with demise of relationships and a self-exploration of how to put life together again after losing love. It is quite melancholy, but a beautiful EP. Intermission is a bit more diverse in subject matter and sound, and will take the listener in and out of love and back again."

Though she isn't on a major, and clearly doesn't have any intentions of signing with one in the future, Rodgers is solidifying her career one indie step at a time and staying true to her vision.

"My goal has been to work hard to re-connect with my fans and tap into an entire new audience," she says. "I want my fans to love the music enough to share it with friends, family and even strangers. I plan on continuing to build connections through social media and hit the road hard touring. With my style of music, I know that is the best way to grow as an artist but also to grow my audience."

To purchase or check out The Bitter Suite, click here.

[Tags] Adult Contemporary, Jazz, R&B

Recent Related Articles