Meet Curtis Carswell | Musician & Music Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Curtis Carswell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Curtis, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve been infatuated with music. I grew up in church playing the drums, and as I got older, I discovered a deeper love for the piano. What started as a hobby soon revealed itself as something more—it was a gift. That realization pushed me to pursue a career in music. I was inspired by musicians from all over the world who helped me discover my own sound and identity. I can’t take all the credit, though—my parents were the ones who first introduced me to music. But ultimately, it was my Heavenly Father, God, who planted this gift in me and gave it purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From the beginning, I’ve always known I was different. I grew up in a Christian household where I wasn’t allowed to do or be involved in certain things, but that foundation shaped who I am today. In 8th grade, I attended a music camp just outside of Macon, GA—my hometown. That week changed my life. My music teacher challenged me to play multiple percussion instruments, something I thought was impossible… until I did it. That moment unlocked something in me: the realization that I had real potential as a musician.

In high school, during my freshman year, I tried out for the snare drum line. I worked relentlessly to earn a spot—not only did I make it, but I became first chair and the section leader as a sophomore, something usually reserved for upperclassmen. My band director believed in me, and I led the team all the way through my senior year.

Fast forward to November 2024—I graduated from Full Sail University with a degree in Audio Production. That achievement didn’t come easy. I wanted to go back to school as far back as 2017, but between financial challenges and caring for my mom after her strokes, the timing just wasn’t right. I kept working, praying, and hoping for an opportunity. Eventually, I took a leap of faith—and it worked out. Going to school for something I genuinely love gave me the validation and confidence I needed.

After high school, I started gigging around Macon. I didn’t know many people, but I kept showing up and letting others know who I was. Slowly but surely, the opportunities came. In 2015, I started working at Guitar Center. What began as a seasonal position turned into a 10-year journey where I worked my way up from part-time to assistant sales manager, lessons manager, and eventually customer service manager. At one point, I was even offered the chance to run my own store—but deep down, I knew I was called to more.

So in 2022, I stepped out in faith to become a full-time musician. It was scary. I didn’t know what that would look like or how I’d make it work. That first year was rough—I was barely booked for gigs. But by the end of the year, I was on my first arena tour with Sons The Band, opening for Maverick City and Kirk Franklin. I was blown away. That opportunity came from relationships I had built in Rockford, IL a year prior. It reminded me that God’s timing is always perfect.

That same year, I rededicated my life to Christ. It wasn’t easy. Saying “yes” to God meant surrendering some things I wasn’t ready to give up. But He required more of me than just music—He was preparing me for something greater.

Since then, I’ve been traveling more, playing at youth camps, churches, and with various Christian artists. I’ve also shifted more toward piano, even though drums were my first love. For a long time, I struggled with piano—chords just didn’t click. But one day, everything fell into place. During the pandemic, I dove into programming and arranging, learning tools like Ableton Live. It was a game changer. I felt behind at first, but again—God reminded me that His timing is perfect.

The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been myself. I didn’t always feel “good enough” to be in certain rooms with other talented musicians. I didn’t speak the same musical language, and I didn’t think I had the same skill level. But I learned something valuable: it’s not just about talent—it’s about how much you’re willing to sacrifice to become your best. So I changed my mindset and my work ethic.

I’ve learned to be confident in who I am. I don’t have to be a copy of anyone else when God made me the prototype. I’m just a regular guy trying to spread joy, light, and love. I treat everyone with kindness because it costs nothing to be a blessing. I’ll always stay humble, but I’ll also stand firm in my beliefs.

I believe in unifying people and building relationships through music and love. That’s who I am. That’s my story. And I’m just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want to give them the best experience—full of good vibes, great food, and meaningful moments. Here’s how the week would go down:

Day 1 – Arrival + Chill Vibes at Topgolf
We’d kick things off with some friendly competition at Topgolf. It’s always a vibe—great energy, music, food, and of course, hitting golf balls with the crew. We’d grab some wings and drinks, laugh a lot, and ease into the week.

Day 2 – Downtown Stroll + Culture Eats
We’d take a relaxed stroll through the city, maybe check out some local art spots or record stores. For lunch or dinner, we’d hit up ENZO Steakhouse. It’s upscale, but totally worth it. The atmosphere is unmatched, and the service is top-tier. It’s one of those places where the food feels like an experience, not just a meal.

Day 3 – Outdoor Adventure in Blue Ridge
Time to decompress. We’d head up to Blue Ridge, GA for a couple of days in the mountains. There’s something special about being off the grid—no distractions, just peace. We’d rent a cozy cabin, take some hikes, sit by the fire, and let the silence reset us. It’s my go-to when I need to realign with my purpose.

Day 4 – Mountain Views + Real Talk
We’d stay in the mountains one more day to soak it all in. This would be the deep convo day—talking life, calling, goals, and faith. Maybe we’d bring instruments and jam out on the porch. Nothing fancy—just fresh air and authenticity.

Day 5 – Back in the City + Music Spot Hop
Back in town, I’d take them to a few music spots—maybe a local live show or open mic night. Somewhere raw and real where talent shines. We’d link up with a few friends in the scene, swap stories, and enjoy the local creative energy.

Day 6 – Local Eats + Game Night
We’d hit up a cultural food spot—maybe something Caribbean, soul food, or Latin. I love places where the food’s fire and the people treat you like family. After that, it’s game night with close friends—cards, dominoes, a little competition, and a lot of laughs.

Day 7 – Worship + Wind Down
We’d wrap the week with a Sunday service at my home church—because God stays at the center of it all. Afterward, brunch somewhere low-key, then chill at the house, reflect on the week, and probably throw on a movie or jam to some gospel or jazz to bring it home.

Whether it’s food, faith, or just fun, I believe the best experiences are the ones that bring people together, let you be yourself, and help you leave better than you came.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to Ricko Clark! This guy has been more than just a friend—he’s been a brother, mentor, teacher, counselor, musician, audio engineer, and even a father figure in my life. He’s always been there, especially when no one else was. Ricko pushed me musically by putting me in challenging situations that helped me grow—not in height (I’m still the same there!)—but in character, skill, and maturity as a man and a musician.

He gave me a chance when no one else would. He saw me for who I truly was and believed in me. He’s given me his last when I didn’t have it, and that’s something I’ll never forget. Ricko is a true friend in every sense of the word.

He’s also a gifted professional. He owns a successful business, Jazzi Musiq Productions, where he records, mixes, and masters a wide range of musical projects. He’s a man of many talents, and honestly, there aren’t enough words to fully describe who he is—because he exceeds them all.

If you don’t know Ricko Clark, you should. Love you, man!

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