We’re looking forward to introducing you to Carissa Fagan. Check out our conversation below.
Carissa, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is a really nice balance of grounding and creativity. I usually start my morning by making breakfast and taking my dog Scooby out for a walk or out to play and get some exercise, which helps me reset and get centered. Then I’ll run a few errands and take care of the everyday stuff.
Most of my afternoons are focused on music, I teach my vocal students, which I absolutely love, and then I spend time practicing myself. With all the bands I’m part of, there’s always a lot of material to stay on top of, and because I perform so often, there’s usually a gig worked in there either in the early afternoon or toward the end of the day.
At the end of the day, I like to wind down with my boyfriend, recharge, and get ready to do it all again the next day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Carissa Fagan, a singer, performer, songwriter, and vocal teacher based in Southern California. I grew up loving to perform and sing, and spent much of my teen years and young adulthood deeply involved in musical theater, where I truly fell in love with the art and honed my voice, stage presence, and storytelling.
As I grew as an artist, I expanded beyond theater and built a career performing with multiple bands across a wide range of styles from big band jazz and pop to tribute projects and original music. What makes my work special is versatility and genuine connection. I’ve learned how to adapt my voice across genres while staying authentic, and live performance is where I feel most alive.
I’m passionate about all of my work, but especially performing. My goal is always for the audience to truly connect, feel something, and walk away moved or inspired. Alongside performing, I also teach vocal lessons to students ranging from age six through adults, which allows me to share what I’ve learned while continuing to grow as an artist myself.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me most about work. He showed me the value of consistency, kindness, and showing up even when it’s hard. Watching him work quietly, care deeply, and put his heart into what he does taught me that work isn’t just about results, it’s about integrity and how you treat people along the way.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her, “You’re doing great. You’re so kind, and you have so much ahead of you. Life is so much bigger and more beautiful than you can see right now.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in my industry is that success has to look one specific way or follow a strict timeline. There’s also a belief that you have to fit into a box, chase trends, or burn yourself out to be taken seriously. In reality, longevity comes from authenticity, consistency, and genuine connection. The artists who last are the ones who stay true to themselves, keep growing, and remember why they fell in love with music in the first place.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am relaxing with my boyfriend Dylan or spending time with my dog Scooby, just enjoying the moment and each other’s company. I also feel peaceful when I am singing or performing, fully immersed in music, connecting with the moment and the audience, it is like everything else fades away.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @carissa.fagannn
