Openly gay singer/songwriter Carl Thornton may be on the first leg of his recording career, but he has paid his dues onstage. Thornton has spent many years as a theatrical performer showcasing his voice in a variety of productions. The New York-raised artist talked with Windy City Times about the new single “Breathless,” and being out in his career.
Windy City Times: You made your stage debut at the age of 7 in the school choir?
Carl Thornton: My mom put me in the glee club, and that is when I had my epiphany and I came to realize what it is that I wanted to do with my life. It was a really powerful moment for me at such a young age. I’m grateful for that because I absolutely love singing—singing to me is just as important as breathing.
WCT: Was your experience in the glee club anything like the TV show Glee?
CT: No. [Laughs] Glee was a completely different concept.
WCT: What was it about being onstage that you loved?
CT: It’s a home away from home for me.
WCT: You spent many years doing theater performing in shows such as Rent and Five Guys Named Moe.
CT: I was doing theatrical stuff for 10 years then I came back to New York. Then I auditioned for a band—that did corporate events and weddings—so I wouldn’t have to wait tables. I put my resumé up on this site called www.starnow.ca and I got a call from an agent in China and they wanted me to go there to sing. I was singing in nightclubs for a month.
WCT: American Idol is ending next year. Would you have auditioned for a show like that?
CT: I did audition for the X Factor about three years ago. I moved onto a couple of levels, but when I didn’t get chosen it was really traumatic for me. I almost gave up the business.
WCT: “Breathless” is the second single from your debut EP, Keep Dancing, which comes out June 19. What was it like filming your first music video for the song?
CT: It was cold, and we had to pretend that we were not cold. The actor I chose was such a joy to work with, and we had such great chemistry. I was a little upset with myself because the director told me to practice what I am going to do in the mirror before I got on set. I never really practiced and I did not know what to do so I just kept moving side to side. [Laughs]
WCT: Did you ever hesitate about being out in your career?
CT: No. I always pride myself on being true to who I am even when I was younger. My dad kicked me out when he found out that I was gay. He told me to get out or change who I was. I said, “This is who I am so I’ll just get out.” I really want to be one of the trailblazers and I want to show other young, gay people that it is okay to walk in your truth and to live your life.
WCT: You are currently an independent artist. Are there plans to sign with a major label?
CT: That is what I will like to do with the project. I have one last song to complete, then I want to do another video along with the next single I am releasing. I will then use that as a representation to show who I am to the labels.
Download “Breathless” on iTunes; follow Thornton on Twitter @CarlTMusic.