Thanks to all for getting involved in our fab #Carterbeards campaign showing your support for our own FdA Performing Arts student Carter.

The 29-year-old will return to our television screens this weekend battling to keep his place on The Voice UK.

We caught up with the rocker from Billingham to ask about the experience so far…

 

Why did you choose to audition for The Voice UK?

It wasn’t something I had ever really considered before but The Voice UK research team came to the college and I thought, why not?



 

What was it like performing in the blind auditions?

It was a bit surreal, the audience was bigger than I thought it was going to be. The chairs are that big you can’t see anything, you have no idea what the judges are doing. I didn’t know what to expect but I thought I would take everything from the experience that I could



How did you feel when Gavin Rossdale, Jennifer Hudson and Tom Jones turned their chairs?

It was like a wave of relief but also excitement. To be honest I can’t remember much of that performance.

Why did you choose #TeamGavin?

I thought he would be the best choice for me because of his rock background. I said to him, even though I am a rock singer, I would like to be diverse and he agreed with that.

When did you start singing?

I’ve been singing as far back as I remember. I was in a band at school and another when I was 16/17.

What were the names of your bands?

I was the drummer in the band at school, I don’t think we really had a name. It was made up of two students and two teachers and that was pretty much what we were called. I must have been okay because after leaving school I got a phone call from a lad that played the guitar who was putting a band together. We were called Reminiscence and later Erimus. We still jam now and again.

Who inspires you musically?

Music itself inspires me, if I hear something that I like it will make me want to play, sing and make music.

Which are your favourite artists?

Freddie Mercury, Paul Rogers, Meat Loaf, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, James Brown, Areosmith, Def Leppard Led Zeppelin… all the greats.

What is your music guilty pleasure?

I like Cher, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, I don’t think that’s a guilty pleasure is it? Well maybe for a rocker.

What did you do before studying Performing Arts?

Various different jobs labouring and painting. I did a painting and decorating apprenticeship after leaving school.



Did you sing at work?

I was a singing painter, yes. I know I used to get told to shut up a lot by my boss when we were in people’s houses.

What is your dream job?

To do something that I love and earn enough money to get by doing it.

Why did you choose to study Performing Arts at Stockton Riverside College (in partnership with Teesside University)?

I felt it was time to give it a shot. I never really tried when I was younger so I thought let’s see if I have anything to offer the performing arts world.

Has the training you’ve been given on the higher education course helped prepare you for this experience?

Yes, it has built my confidence. I still get nervous before any performance but it’s good to get feedback and to be told that I can sing. It has given me the push to keep going.

What has been the most positive part of this whole experience so far?

The training, the help and the support I have received. It has built my confidence singing in front of a crowd of that size. I am learning each step of the way and taking it all in. The messages of support I have received have been incredible. Whatever happens I can take that with me and continue to grow and develop my voice.

Carter can be seen on The Voice UK’s battle rounds this Sunday on ITV1 at 7pm. Don't forget to show your support by downloading your Carter beards and sharing your pictures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter including #Carterbeards. www.stockton.ac.uk/2017/02/21/get-your-beard-and-show-your-support-for-carter/