Carissa Carter & Southern Light

Three things characterize Carissa Carter: powerful vocals, a bold presence, and soulful storytelling. Her sound reflects her upbringing of singing southern gospel songs on Sunday mornings to rocking out with Miranda Lambert, Linda Ronstadt, the Allman Brothers, and Faith Hill as a teenager. In 2023, she released an Acoustic EP called “The Scratches, Part 1,” that garnered over 10,000 streams across platforms in its first month. In 2024, Carissa formed her band, Carissa Carter and Southern Light (CCSL), which led to them opening for artists like Howard County, Ben McPeak, Jeremy Peyton, Dakota Murillo, Dani & The Rejects, Caleb Michael and The Arrested, and Dakota Murillo. Carissa has also performed at the Rustic Rhythms Festival, Whistletop Festival, and the Kaufman Fall Festival. Carissa Carter and Southern Light have headlined Hoots Hall in Burleson, Red Barn Saloon in Durant, and Margaritaville Crystal Beach. The Truth, Tall Tales, and Whiskey Podcast, the Gotta Love Texas Music Podcast, and Country vs. Metal have all featured her, with her Country vs. Metal episode releasing in October 2025. Her Debut EP, “Untamed,” will be coming in 2026, with her debut single “Between These Two Barstools,” coming out in September 2025.