Erva Carter

FOR A WHILE NOW, THE STREETS OF THIRD WARD HAVE BEEN BUZZIN’ ABOUT “CIARA THE SINGER,” BUT NOW THE STAGE HAS FORMALLY INTRODUCED HER AS “ERVA CARTER.”
Erva Carter has just released her first solo mixtape, VII, as of March 1, 2015. VII contains seven angelically remixed tracks, with “The Heart” being my favorite. Erva has been juggling her time by dedicating countless hours in the studio and still maintaining her regular work schedule and tending to family. Now that her first project has been accomplished, this is just a brief come up for air and a deep breath before she dives back into the studio, only to come harder. Fortunately, I was able to get an exclusive interview with the young beauty from Beaumont.

WHO IS ERVA?
Erva originates from the greek goddess Minerva, whose attributes were Wisdom, Crafts, & Medicine…all of which I sustain as well. So without keeping the entire name, I just took the ending of it.

Explain the album cover….

As the process of working on my mixtape was coming to a close, my producer and I started coming up with ideas for cover art. At the time we knew that we were going to name the mixtape “Seven.” My producer did a little more research on the number seven and came up with cover ideas. Finally, we both agreed upon the cover that you’ve seen. I love things that are unique and not cliché, so the cover we chose fits me perfectly!ciara

How long did it take you to work on VII?

I have been working on this mixtape since September of 2014. However, my studio time was split between working on my mixtape and working on some original tracks as well.

At what point in time did you take your work serious and actually become dedicated?

First of all, college has always been a backup plan for me. Music has always been more of a priority and it was the reason I moved to Houston four years ago. A few months ago, I realized that college just wasn’t working out for me. My heart just wasn’t into it. I had a couple obstacles when it came to my enrollment and I just took those as signs that maybe I should focus on my true passion rather than putting my energy into something that I was doing to impress other people.

Assuming the album title is based on the number of tracks, why stop at VII?
My producer and I decided to limit the project to seven tracks just to keep it short and sweet, especially since I was covering other artists’ songs. Also, once I drop another mixtape, it will be named “VII: Volume 2.”

ciara1Have you been able to perform for an iconic artists?

Not as of yet, but I’m hoping it will happen soon!

What big events have you performed at?

I sang background for an artist named Nick Greer at his album release party. I have also performed a showcase for Debonair Lounge. Since I’m still a developing artist, I am still working my way up to more major events.

Have you began your next project?

Absolutely! As I worked on my mixtape, I was simultaneously working on my next project. I am trying to remain focused and stay busy.



What is your ultimate career goal and how do you expect to deliver?

My ultimate goal is to live a life surrounded by and doing what makes me happy. I just want to be the best that I can be without fear. Most of my life, I’ve done things that others wanted me to do. I’ve decided the time is now! I’m working on my stage presence and performance. I have tunnel vision and my mindset pushes me to stay busy with my music. I plan on continuing to work on things related to music, so I’m sure my drive will help me accomplish my goals. - Hive Society(Krystin Edwards)

Originally the concept of this song reminded me of a modern-day “The Boy Is Mine” because we rarely hear two women collaborating in music together anymore. However, “Deceiver” is totally different from that Brandy & Monica tune we all love, but it’s still dope af. This joint by Erva Carter & Courtney Shilo is about having your girl’s back when her dude does her wrong. It toys with the thought of vandalizing the scrub’s whip and everything else that runs through our heads when we get taken advantage of. Jam this new song by these two Texas beauties and then let me know whether you think it’s hot or not. - 97.9 The Box(Amir Diamond)