FEATURE: Fast-Rising Alt-Pop Artist CARR Lets Her Fantasy Run Wild In Horror-Themed Music Video For “Spit”; Talks New Tour Traditions In Latest Q&A

While most artists move to Los Angeles to try to further their music career, New Jersey-raised alt-pop artist Carly McClellan (aka CARR) instead found her way into the music world after working night shifts at a studio to pay the bills. Essentially stumbling into her sound, CARR recently toured with The Wrecks after signing with Pete Wentz & Spencer Smith’s label partnership Music Is Fun and DCD2.

Her most recent release comes in the form of “Spit” and its SAW-themed music video. Letting her free-spirit loose, the catchy new single is a playful and passionate release that puts the raw, unfiltered emotions of lust and obsession to the forefront. With lyrics like, “Swear I’m gonna spit in your mouth till they put you in the ground so I’ll always be around you / Cut off all my fingers and toes give it to you like a rose so I’ll always be around you”, CARR is not shy to be tongue-in-cheek with her music.

“I wrote this song about the quiet dude that’s really mysterious and fucked in the head,” shares CARR, “That’s always the type of person I’m attracted to because I’m equally as messed up, so I wanted to make one big fucked up love song.”

“I pictured the movie Saw or some kind of challenge when listening to ‘Spit’,’‘ shares CARR. “So I wanted the music video to be Saw meets Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I feel like those two movies make up my whole personality.”

Video director Alex Edep elaborates on the music video:

“When Carly first told me that her vision for the video was the lovechild of Scott Pilgrim and SAW, I knew immediately it would be an absolutely wild & energetic video. We wanted a dynamic visual that told a story of a toxic relationship while also matching the addictive nature of the song – and I believe we did exactly that. I hope everyone has as much fun watching it as we did creating it.”  

Eye-grabbing graphics and creepy set design are a perfect hybrid of the two inspirations, as CARR lets her energizing, Avril Lavigne-esque performance take the lead.

Watch the music video, and get to know CARR on another level in the latest Q&A just past:

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Welcome back from your tour. How was it?

Truly one of the best times in my life so far, I loved being on tour!

I was going through your socials, and one new trend from your live shows definitely stood out – mind elaborating about how that all got started?

The Tittycam!! At the first show in Reno, a girl and her friends came up and asked me if I could sign their boobs and I was like Umm, YES! I’d be honored. I posted it on my Instagram and from there at every show there would be girls lined up and ready for it.

Halloween just passed, but I’m getting the sense that horror movies are an inspiration for you (i.e. “Scary Movie” and now “Spit”). Is there a specific film that you’ve always enjoyed?

I love horror movies. I love the classic slashers like:  Halloween and Scream and of course, Saw because it’s extremely fucked. 

As for “Spit”, have you found people have been connecting to the song? 

I think so! I think playing it live resonated with the audience because it’s so fun and crazy and I’m able to kinda have more fun with it on stage.  But overall people seem to like it and appreciate how wild the lyrics are. 

I’ve got to ask – what were your parents’ reaction to the song? I feel like some of the lyrics would make for some awkward talk at dinner. 

Yeah that part is always a bit weird. My parents are getting more and more used to it.  My dad usually just keeps to himself but my mom said something like “you’re crazy girl, but I love the song” they try to be supportive through the chaos, lol.

How do you feel your sound has evolved since I’m Just Bored? 

I think we’re experimenting a bit more with pop, rock sounds and melodies which has been fun. I feel like I’m trying to build and create outside of the indie space. 

How do you feel about your recent signing to Pete Wentz’s label? 

Feel so good! It’s such an amazing group of people. And I feel so lucky to have Pete and Spencer on my side.  It’s nice because they’re also artists, so they relate to me in ways that most label people don’t necessarily understand. 

It’s been a few years now, but how have you found your time in LA? How have you changed as an artist? 

I think I’ve become more open minded and ready to try new things. I used to be very one track minded and stubborn, but I’m trying to be more open to change.

What’s next for CARR?

Mannnn, I have so many demos and I am just so excited to release all my new music. Trying to be patient here, but I can’t wait for what’s coming!