Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Carter.
Hi Josh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in the heart of the Southern Appalachians, I’ve always been intrigued by local history and culture. As a kid, I remember going to square dances and listening to mountain music jams regularly, and the foot tapping gently wore a soft spot in my heart and soul. A love for the music of the mountains was born. I am 11 years into my dream band as a musician and songwriter, along with my wife, Mallory Carter, and our good friend Owen Grooms. We have a rotating cast of incredibly talented and tasteful local musicians who play with us, including Jackson Dulaney, Jonathan Gray, Madeline Dierauf, and Brian VanAntwerp. The core has always been the three of us.
Pretty Little Goat evolved from local tradition in many ways. The name itself even has its own story. An old Irish tune called “Pretty Little Cat” made it to America through immigrant musicians, changing how aural traditions do over time. The evolution of this tune became known as “Pretty Little Dog” in this region. One of our first projects was recording Pretty Little Dog with some elders in the local Old-Time music community. My wife and I kept goats then; few things in life are cuter than a baby goat. So it seemed natural to call our newly formed band Pretty Little Goat.
We play traditional music but in our way. We write music concerning local traditions. Sometimes, we even step off the porch and get a little psychedelic, but mostly, the music is simple and speaks from the soul. Mallory and I live on a small homestead with our 3 kids and tend a garden, dairy cows, ducks, and chickens (taking a break from goats for now). It feels important to us to live this kind of lifestyle, not only for economic reasons or knowing how to survive just in case but simply because we enjoy it and it feels grounding. Digging my hands into the soil and spending my days off mending fences feels ancestral in ways I can’t explain, but I hope it comes through in the music in a way that also speaks deeply to you. We have lots of new music in the works that we can’t wait to share with the world, so stay in touch.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The homesteading lifestyle may sound romantic, but it is often messy and less glorious than it seems on social media. It’s not for everyone, but I hope that as the world moves forward, people living close to the land can act as a grounding wire for humanity in all of us. Regarding the music, the main challenge is getting it to the people who need to hear it. So much music is being produced daily, so it is hard to stand out or find your niche as an artist. We don’t have a record label, so if you enjoy the music, share it with friends and family!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Pretty Little Goat has recorded 3 studio albums:
- Pretty Little Goat (self-titled)
- Let the Sunshine In
- Big Storm
We are almost finished with our 4th, “Southland.” Lots of catchy, new, original music on this one. Follow us on the socials or sign up for our email list so you can catch it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prettylittlegoat.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thegoatband
- Facebook: facebook.com/prettylittlegoat
- Youtube: youtube.com/prettylittlegoat
Image Credits
Trio Photo: Mike Moore, Lifestyle & Living Photography, Concert Photo: Ken Voltz 5, Piece Photo: Sandlin Gaither
