Crescent City Sounds Spotlight: Carol C

Carol C was born and raised in New York City, studying classical opera at the famous performing arts academy LaGuardia High School before attending SUNY Purchase for drama. In the early 2000s, Carol co-founded Si*Se, a popular Latin-soul band known for their downtempo, experimental sound. The band caught the attention of the Talking Heads’ David Byrne, who signed them to his Luaka Bop label and brought them on as openers for his Look Into The Eyeball world tour.

In 2020, Carol moved to New Orleans, the city she’s called home ever since. While her work with Si*Se continues, Carol has turned her focus to performing as a solo artist. Her 2019 album “Seven” is featured on Crescent City Sounds, a Library-built streaming service exclusively made up of New Orleans-based artists.

We recently connected with Carol to learn more about her music, her album, and what being featured on Crescent City Sounds means to her.

Check out our Q&A below.

Q: How/when did you get involved with music?

Music has been the soundtrack of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve been singing since I was about four years old, mostly because my mom, who is a wonderful singer, used to sing to me all the time when I was a baby.

As soon as I could talk, she started teaching me her favorite songs. She was really my very first vocal coach, always encouraging me to sing for family and friends.

When I was seven, I got my hands on an old portable record player. I would spend hours in my room, completely fascinated, playing my parents’ old records and singing along.

Q: How long have you been performing?

After those early living room performances for family, I joined my junior high school and local church choirs, and got my first experience performing for an audience. My first major solo performance was at Carnegie Hall with my junior high school choir. As incredibly nervous as I was, I absolutely loved it and couldn’t wait to do it again.

After junior high school, I was accepted into LaGuardia High School, where I studied classical opera and continued performing with the school choir.

Carol C

Carol C shows off her 2019 album "Seven," on Crescent City Sounds, the Library's locally-focused music streaming platform.

Q: How would you describe your sound?

I sometimes describe my music as “electronic soul.” I’ve been heavily influenced by new wave, trip-hop, Motown and a lot of soul artists, so those sounds naturally find their way into my music. More recently, I’ve been exploring music from around the world and incorporating elements of cumbia, Afro-soul, and other global grooves. I love blending genres or influences and creating something that feels familiar but also exciting and new.

Q: Are you primarily a solo artist or do you perform with a band?

I co-founded a band called Si*Se and toured with them for ten years. We were signed to David Byrne’s (Talking Heads) label, Luaka Bop, and had the incredible opportunity to tour with him. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. I’m now primarily a solo artist, but also a member of local funk band, Pimps of Joytime and a “guest member” of Gitkin. I love the different creative energy that comes from each project.

Q: When/where did you record Seven?

I recorded Seven with my longtime collaborator and friend, producer, Justin Filmer, in his home studio in Brooklyn. We began the recording process in 2017, and it was my first solo endeavor after SiSe. It was an important transition for me creatively and personally, and the album really became a space for me to explore my own voice as a solo artist.

Q: What do you hope people feel when they listen to it?

Seven is a very personal album for me. I think of the songs almost like journal entries, each one captures a particular feeling, experience, or moment in my life. There’s a lot of vulnerability in the album, but hope is a common thread running through the songs. More than anything, I hope listeners connect with that sense of hope and find something in the music that speaks to their own experiences.

Q: Any favorite tracks you want to highlight?

One of my favorite tracks on the album is “All My Love.” We actually thought we had completed the album before I wrote it. Something about the process of making the record inspired this song, and when it came together, it felt like it captured the heart of the album and was the perfect way to bring everything full circle.

Q: How did you hear about Crescent City Sounds and what made you want to submit your album?

I saw Crescent City Sounds mentioned on Instagram and decided to look into it. I immediately thought it was such a great platform for discovering and supporting local artists. New Orleans has such an incredible and diverse music community, so I loved the idea of having a space that celebrates the artists who are creating music here.

Q: How does it feel to be on Crescent City Sounds?

It feels really special to have my music included in a platform that celebrates New Orleans’ local music community. There’s such a rich musical history here, but there’s also so much exciting music being created right now. Being part of a collection that documents and highlights the current culture of the city is an honor. 

Q: Can you highlight any specific impact the platform has had for you?

One of the things I appreciate most is the opportunity to reach people who may not have discovered my music otherwise. As an independent artist, platforms that help connect local musicians with new audiences are incredibly valuable. I also love that Crescent City Sounds creates a kind of musical archive of what’s happening in New Orleans right now.

Q: What do you think it says about the Library that we created this service, and why do you think a product like Crescent City Sounds is important in New Orleans?

I think it says a lot about the Library’s understanding of what a community really is. A library isn’t only a place to preserve books and information, it can also preserve the culture, creativity, and voices of the people who live there.

That feels especially important in New Orleans, where music is such a fundamental part of the city’s identity.

I think by creating a product like this, the Library is bridging the gap between preserving our musical heritage and making contemporary local music accessible to everyone.

Q: Do you use the Library often in your personal life, or have public libraries in general had an impact on any of you in the past?

I’m very fond of public libraries and have a long personal history with them. In 2012, I became involved with the New York Public Library through an educational program called Biophilia, created by the artist Björk in conjunction with the release of her album of the same name.

Björk was looking for a music teacher with experience in sampling and music production, so I applied and was fortunate enough to be personally selected by her. Along with a science teacher, I taught kids music and science using a multimedia app connected to the project.

That experience led me to teach the program, as well as DJ and music production programs, for eight years at New York Public Library branches throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Spending so much time in the libraries gave me an even deeper appreciation for the role they play, particularly in underserved communities. Libraries can really provide access, education, creativity, and a sense of possibility for people of all ages. I find that incredibly powerful.

Q: Is there anything else you want to add/promote?

I’d love to invite everyone to a new weekly community event. A group of fellow local musicians and I recently started a Monday night jam session at Café Istanbul (2372 St. Claude Ave) hosted by the incredible Gio Blackmon. It runs from 8:00-11:00pm, and is completely open to anyone who wants to come by, hang out, or sit in and play. This past Monday, we had the absolute honor of having Germaine Bazzle come by and sing a few songs with us. Whether you want to play or just listen, we’d love to see you there!

You can also keep up with my upcoming solo shows and collaborations by following me on Instagram at @carolcnyc or visiting my website at carolc.com.

Crescent City Sounds is accepting submissions for new music through October 4, 2026 with new music dropping in December. All artists must primarily live or perform in New Orleans to be eligible for the platform. The Library will add 65 new albums during this submission round, and all selected artists will receive a $300 honorarium for their work.

Visit crescentcitysounds.org for details and to submit your music.