Music of the Heart with Larry Carter II

How did you get into the entertainment business?
I have been working at this for a while, my first project I released was self-funded. I had a producer move into my house and set up his equipment and we recorded right there (laughing). I was determined to create the music I felt in my heart. We worked on the project for a year and then I hit the clubs. I performed anywhere with a sound system. It was a hustle. 

What is your favorite song to sing and why?
My favorite song to sing would be Mary J. Blige's "Love No Limit". That song is so mellow and jazzy at the same time. I am a hopeless romantic so it's my favorite. I sang it at The Gentlemen's Ball in 2014. 

Tell us about your preparation before a performance.
I practice a lot, I go through all the different scenarios that could possibly happen and try to prepare for them. The moments right before a performance I say a group prayer and then I pray privately. I am usually so nervous leading up to it. After the prayer, a calm comes over me and that nervous energy drives me. 

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Tell us about your internal experience while performing stage.
You know, when I am on stage that is the freest I am. I think the energy I talked about before take over. It is like an out-of-body experience. I take risks and do things that I would never do normally. Internally I surrender, all the practice and preparation take over.

How do you manage your image in such a judgemental society?
I do not really worry much about my image. I focus on being authentic. I believe people connect at the human level. If it is fake your supporters see through it. When you are authentic I believe people connect to you so no matter what you do or where you go they will follow you and support you there.

If you sang a duet, what song would you sing and who would sing with you?
Wow, there are so many amazingly talented people to choose from. Ariana Grande, Rihana, or Lil Nas X are a few I would pick for different reasons. However, I think working with any one of them would be a good time. I value their authenticity it is refreshing.  We could do Ashford & Simpson "Solid", "Is It Still Good to Ya''  or "Saturday Love" Cherrelle & Alexander O' Neal. I love old-school music. 

What inspires you to write your own songs?
Life inspires me to write songs. When I was 11 my aunt who was a gospel singer sat me down and taught me how to format songs. Since then I write about things I have experienced or things I have witnessed friends go through. I like to write about the things that happen in everyday life, that people can see themselves in. 

About Larry Carter II
LARRY “PHYLLE” CARTER II is speaking to a generation. His platform is R&B and the message is simple: love and equality for all people.  Hailing from Norfolk, VA by way of Philadelphia, PA (his namesake), Phylle has traveled a path that has taken him from screen to stage and back again, catapulting him to the top of his game as a songwriter, singer, actor, activist and ultimately, a believer. His attitude and work ethic reflect a mantra that says anything is possible if you just put your mind to it.
As a Grammy nomination considered artist, he has a style of his own which can be described as “diversified.” Some songs are laid back while others are raw with rough beats and lyrics to back him up. Phylle brings to the music industry the image of an accomplished songwriter, with a unique style and sex appeal. By blending the new with the old Phylle has created a sound for all ages to enjoy.
So watch out, Phylle has arrived and is taking the R&B world by storm with smooth vocals and style. Although this 6’3” crooner loves to laugh and have fun, his laid-back demeanor is ever-present in the delivery of his silky-smooth vocal styling.  Drawing inspiration from legends such as Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, and the sultry Aaliyah, Phylle (pronounced Philly) began honing his signature, diversified sound at the ripe age of 11.
He states, “Music was my escape as a child.  I was very shy and I didn’t fit in.  Music is the only thing that gave me comfort.” Having shared the stage with some of the industry greats, this Urban Gentleman is poised to take the industry by storm with his new EP “WORTHY” available December 2020.  “My music is evolving into a movement of LOVE.  I am only singing about things that I love and am passionate about.”
Phylle can be seen with a positive image all over the internet.  His stage presence is amazing and his resume of performances range from amphitheaters to intimate settings.  Phylle’s acting debut was In B’ Boy Blues in Atlanta. You might have caught up with him on the web series “The Boys Next Door”, Love Sex and Marriage; both the web series and stage play, and he also toured in the stage play Before Black Lives Matter.