Last month, we reached out to our members and asked what local musician needs to be put in the spotlight for our inaugural Artist of The Month. We kick off 2022 with an interview with Carlin Tripp, our first Artist of the Month. We asked Carlin five questions to get you to know him better. Tune in below and also follow Carlin on Spotify. He performs at Spire Center in February for a sold out engagement with Jay Psaros. Missed out on tickets? Don’t worry, you can catch him soon at the Union Brewhouse in Weymouth, The Burren, or a concert near you in 2022!

Secret Boston: Where's the strangest venue you have ever played?

Carlin Tripp: That’s tough one, I’ve been pretty lucky to have not ended up in too many “strange” venues! But I was playing a concert on a horse farm one year and because of rain we had to move my performance inside. We ended up turning one of the stalls into a stage!

What inspired you to write your latest single Float Upstream?

Float Upstream makes me think of running on the beach with my daughters. The sunshine, the laughter, just how happy we all are as a family in that environment. I grew up on the ocean in Westport, MA, so that beach in particular holds a special place in my memories.

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

I love live music! I love being in a room full of people who are all their for the same reason, to experience an artists self-expression and get lost in the sound. I also love the journey, the connections, meeting new artists and collaborating on shows or recordings. I feel like when I keep my heart and mind open, every day brings something new.

Where is your favorite venue for performing?

Right now the Union Brewhouse in Weymouth is my favorite pub to hang at. I host a songwriter night there every Tuesday and we just have the best time, it’s a fun environment. For a proper venue I’ve always loved The Burren in Somerville, both the front room and the back room.

What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?

Releasing and recording new music. I have a single that is almost complete with my good friend Mickelson, who produced Float Upstream. I also have a recording session booked for April at a studio I’ve wanted to work at for a long time called Dirt Floor in Connecticut. I help book some festivals in Plymouth as well, which is something I look forward to every year!