Carmen Brandy's Career Reaching New Heights

To say Carmen Brandy has been busy lately would be a major understatement.

The Safety Harbor Middle School student recently won the 2013 Largo Teen Idol contest, besting eight other competitors from all over the Tampa Bay area, then travelled right to Nashville to record her second EP.

The effervescent 14-year-old has also played more than sixty gigs in the last year, including the Florida Strawberry Festival, Third Friday and the Irish 31 St. Patrick's Day festival.

But rather than rest on her laurels - or rest, period - Brandy is forging ahead; she and her family plan to relocate to Nashville this summer to help further Carmen's music career.

"I want to have an album of hits to record so if and when I get signed, I will be ready for that opportunity," she told Patch.

"I want to expand my horizons."

Carmen's mom Kari, who is also her manager, said their schedule has been hectic, but also very rewarding.

By working with top producers like Andy Sheridan and musicians from Big & Rich's and Lyle Lovett's band, Carmen has gained invaluable experience when it comes to writing, performing and even producing her own music.

"This was Carmen's third time in a studio and every time they've been impressed with how well she does for being just fourteen years old," Kari said. 

"She's very mature and she takes direction well. They even let her co-produce this time because she has such a good grasp of how she wants her music to sound."

Carmen added the experience she has gained by performing at events like Largo Teen Idol have helped her become more and more comfortable on stage and in the studio.

Although she'll be moving to Nashville as soon as school's out, Carmen plans on continuing to play gigs in the Tampa Bay area, like this weekend's Hernando County Fair and the grand opening of P.F. Changs at Countryside Mall next week. 

But she's ready to leave the cozy confines of Safety Harbor for a while and see what the future has in store for this rising country star.

"I'll always love Safety Harbor...but Nashville is starting to feel like my home away from home," she said. "I feel comfortable there."

"Carmen was born here, but she's really a hillbilly at heart!" Kari added.

To hear some of Carmen Brandy's music or find out where she will be performing next, visit her website at www.carmenbrandy.com.

Related:

• Local Singer Hopes to Become the Next Nashville Star

• Carmen Brandy To Compete In Largo Teen Idol Event

• Reader Spotlight: Carmen Brandy Blogs For Patch

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