Carly Pearce, the GRAMMY® Award-winning country singer-songwriter, is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and authenticity. After recently releasing her highly anticipated fourth studio album, hummingbird, Pearce reflects on her journey from a small-town girl with big dreams to a celebrated artist at the pinnacle of her career.

Leaving her Kentucky home at 16 to work at Dollywood, Pearce was driven by a passion that few her age possess. “I think that taught me drive, determination, and work ethic,” Pearce shares. “It is insane for me to look back and think that I had that kind of ‘no plan B’ fire in my eyes for this dream, but I think it’s what continues to fuel my love of country music and wanting to strive for more. It also taught me from a young age just what ‘hard work’ meant.”

Growing up, Pearce was heavily influenced by 90s female country artists such as Patty Loveless, The Judds, and Faith Hill, as well as bluegrass legends like Allison Krauss and Union Station. “I think you can hear the way I write melodies being heavily influenced on that 90s sound because that’s what I loved so much growing up,” she explains. Pearce’s music intertwines traditional elements with her musical style, blending them with her storytelling style inspired by Loretta Lynn’s candid songwriting.

Pearce’s debut album, Every Little Thing, catapulted her to fame, with the title track becoming a commercial success. “I didn’t realize at the time what a blessing it was to have my debut single be something that was 100% ‘me’ and also be commercially successful,” she says. This breakthrough allowed her to establish herself as an artist who writes from a place of depth.

Her collaboration with Lee Brice on “I Hope You’re Happy Now” further cemented her place in the country music scene, earning multiple awards. More recently, her duet with Chris Stapleton, “we don’t fight anymore,” has garnered another GRAMMY nomination. Pearce recalls how this collaboration came about: “I wrote WDFA not ever thinking that it would be a collaboration, but after I got the demo back I just had this feeling ‘Chris Stapleton would sound insane on this.’ I have always been someone who just goes for it, so I messaged his wife Morgane on Instagram and asked her if she would play him the song. The rest is really history.”

Following the deeply personal and critically acclaimed 29: Written in Stone, Pearce’s new album, hummingbird, represents the next stage in her healing journey. “I think that hummingbird is the only album that could follow up 29 and feel authentic,” Pearce says. The album maintains the same honesty and vulnerability but introduces a sense of confidence and humor. “It’s a beautiful place to be in when you can almost laugh at the things that have happened to you that you once couldn’t talk about without crying.”

The album’s title track, inspired by the symbolic hummingbird, embodies themes of healing and resilience. “I wrote hummingbird before I even realized the meaning of them being tied to healing,” Pearce explains. “It almost felt like that meaning found me in such a poetic way.”

For the first time, Pearce took on the role of co-producer, bringing her stories to life musically. “I think it was inevitable! I am such a music lover. These songs are my stories, so it feels like the natural next step to help bring them to life musically,” she says. This deeper involvement in the production process has allowed Pearce to create a record that is truly reflective of her current life and artistic vision.

Tracks like “my place” and “fault line” showcase Pearce’s ability to write about the complexities of life with a sense of self-awareness and emotional depth. “I am a feeler! I love hard and I also really grieve when love is lost,” Pearce admits. These songs illustrate her journey through love, loss, and self-discovery.

As she embarks on Tim McGraw’s Standing Room Only tour and plans her own hummingbird 2025 UK/EU Tour, Pearce is excited to connect with her fans through live performances. “I think fans can expect a very intentional ‘Carly’ show. Where it’s about the music, the songwriting, the life that was lived to create these songs,” she says. The upcoming tour promises to be her most special yet, with designs that evoke strong emotions even in the planning stages.

Pearce’s philanthropic efforts are also close to her heart. At this year’s CMA Fest, she will host a special hummingbird edition of Carly’s Closet charity event. “I have so many items that I might wear once or twice that sit in my closet after they’re worn. It got me thinking— wow, wouldn’t it be special to have fans be able to literally take a piece home of me with them?” she explains.

Reflecting on her journey, Pearce is proud of her perseverance and dedication. “I think I’m most proud that I never quit. That I set my sights on this insanely difficult dream and I chased after it, worked my ass off and did it,” she says. As she continues to evolve, Pearce remains open to new projects and collaborations, trusting that the right opportunities will come at the perfect time.

Carly Pearce’s hummingbird is more than just an album; it’s a reflection of to her resilience and growth. With her authentic country sound and heartfelt storytelling, Pearce continues to inspire and connect with fans, proving that through determination and passion, one can truly chase down their wildest dreams.

Credits:

Carly Pearce for the cover of The House Magazine

Photography by Jana Schuessler | @janaschuessler

Photography Assistant Izzy Coelho | @izzygcoelho

Styling by Lindsey Dupuis Bledsoe | @lindseydupuis

Styling Assistants Mesa Wallman and Claudia Stamatoiu |  @styledbymesa + @claudiastamatoiu

Hair and Make-up by Lindsay Doyle | @lindsay.doyle

This cover shoot of was shot at Laissez Faire in NYC | @laissezfaire.nyc

Written by Kacey Perez | @studioblume_