Christina Carmel

As a young girl, Carmel was introduced to music playing classics on the piano by the masters: Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  Born in California into a military family, she has lived in several states across America, including New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C. Carmel’s travels have allowed her to absorb the diverse musical influences of the United States, leading to a uniquely versatile style with universal commercial appeal.

Carmel’s lifelong dedication to music is now being fulfilled.  “I was inspired by artists I watched on television who always had a twinkle in their eye of emotion and heartfelt passion for the song: Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, and Johnny Mathis.  I learned soulful sexuality and the power of it from Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, The Rolling Stones, Steven Tyler, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Heart, Dwight Yoakam, Madonna, and Leon Russell.  I also cherish the beautiful ballads of Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, and Neil Diamond.”

Developing her special gift as a poignant lyricist, Carmel has drawn upon the legacy of the greatest composers of all-time: legends Duke Ellington, John Williams, Johnny Mercer, Leonard Bernstein, David Foster, John Lennon & Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice, Don Henley & Glenn Frey, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson & Mike Love, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb, and Diane Warren.

As a young woman seeking to make her mark on the music industry, Carmel’s indomitable spirit was galvanized by two female country icons who blazed a trail which provided her with the confidence to succeed.  “I would watch Barbara Mandrell being able to play any instrument that was handed to her onstage,” she remembers.  “She could sing any song, dazzle the audience as an entertainer with ‘big moments,’ yet remained humble and kind during interviews.  I also admired Dolly Parton’s radiant persona, unique authenticity and sincerity.”  Carmel was also inspired by stars who overcame physical handicaps, including Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Dianne Schuur, Andrea Bocelli, Jose Feliciano, and Ronnie Milsap.

After focusing early in life on her talents as a musician, dancer, and Fine Artist, Carmel has now found her most profound calling.  “Songwriting was the last division of art I had not professionally explored,” she says, “and the first I was introduced to.  I grew up studying the piano, studying dance, and painting. Now I am fulfilling my destiny.”

A graduate of The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia majoring in Theatre and Fine Arts with a Minor in Dance, Carmel began her entertainment career as a dancer and actress.  She reprised Elizabeth Taylor’s starring role in a North Carolina summer stock version of Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize winning Cat on a Hot Tin Roof featuring Pat Hingle from the original Broadway cast.  The multi-talented Carmel studied tap in New York City under the legendary Tony Award winning choreographer Henry LeTang, whose students included Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Harry Belafonte, Gregory Hines, Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen, Bette Midler, Debbie Allen, and Savion Glover.  She also appeared in the 2003 Emmy nominated NBC television drama Mr. Sterling starring Josh Brolin.  Prior to launching her songwriting career, Carmel was a professional portrait artist, and an award-winning golfer.  She resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

Carmel is devoted to several charities, including the ASPCA, and she utilizes her music for humanitarian causes. “I want to impact people who are oppressed,” she stresses. “I want to be an influence to help them rise above, to see a way out.  People to know there is someone out there that understands what they are going through, so they don’t feel so isolated,” she continues.  “Music is the last salvation for many people to understand we are a community of kindred spirits.”

Carmel is a Patron Member of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, a member of the NSAI Pro-Songwriter (Nashville Songwriters Association International), AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publisher), CMA (Country Music Association), ACM (Association of County Music), NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts &Sciences).  She also supports the T.J. Martell Foundation, the music industry’s largest foundation that funds research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS, as well as the MusicCares Foundation.

“If I can be that voice to give people whatever they need at the time, that would be the highest compliment,” she says of her songs.  “It is a very powerful responsibility that offers great fulfillment; touching hearts and inspiring people to overcome adversity.  Every day I am devoted to my passion, to be a voice of those pursuing love, experiencing the ecstasy of love, and heartbreak.  I also want to capture the essence of those who don’t have a voice, especially children and animals.”

Now like her idols, Carmel dedicates her life to uplifting people with her music.  “With my songs, my goal is that there might be something in my life to share that touches people,” she comments.  “My songs may help someone in some way, provide comfort, new insight, perspective and understanding.  That is why I started writing, and it has become the food for my soul.”

MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS:

BMI Songwriter
BMI Butterscotch Boots Music Publishing
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum (Patron Member)
NSAI Pro-Songwriter (Nashville Songwriters Association International)
AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publisher)
CMA (Country Music Association)
ACM (Association of County Music)
NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences)