Diamond Carter

Diamond Carter is a music project based in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Carter was born in 1990 in Laguna Beach and raised in nearby Mission Viejo, where he was drawn to the local psychedelic and urban skate scenes. He began playing the guitar when he was thirteen, and music soon became the most important thing in Mr. Carter's life.

Seeking more than Orange County had to offer, Mr. Carter (at the age of 18) formed a band, decided to sell everything he had, and follow his heart. In true musician fashion, he toured the U.S. in a vintage Volkswagen Van with only gear and a dog. The band played in any venue that they were permitted, and were paid only in food, gas money, and the occasional bag of mushrooms. Mr. Carter was the band's lyricist and lead singer, composing all of the music that was performed in the style of psychedelic surf and Motown soul. After one year on the road the band had outgrown its potential, and each member went their separate ways.

Mr. Carter temporarily planted himself in Santa Cruz, until he decided to move back to the OC to collaborate on a new project. A new band was born, and he acted as songwriter and composer for the project, and they began to grow in popularity from playing in seedy bars, house parties and music festivals. Unfortunately this arrangement went sour and the members parted on bad terms...

Mr. Carter decided to change his scene once again, and moved to Los Angeles where he played solo at house parties and lounges until he captured the eye of a music manager, who decided to represent the project. This gave birth to the identity of Diamond Carter. The origin of the name can be found in the lyric of Mark Levine's 1968 album 'Pilgrim's Progress'. The name was taken from the lyric "Diamond Carter was a writer, and a singer too. A far-out author of some far-out tunes." Mr. Carter felt this line spoke about him in true 'Charles Manson/Helter Skelter form.'

Diamond Carter's music is rooted in and inspired by different genres and artists. He attributes his major musical influences to artists like Sam Cooke, to the Louvin Brothers, Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Patsy Cline. In the spirit of these inspirational artists, Mr. Carter writes about things that he knows, mainly booze, mind-altering substances, and women. Diamond Carter is a revolving collective of artists and musicians, while enlisting the influence of anyone who shares the vision. The band will continue to be rooted in its classic foundations while constantly pushing forward and absorbing the strange world that surrounds.