 "Photo: Courtesy of Carlitta Durand")
After graduating from N.C. Central University in May ’09, Carlitta Durand has continued to climb the ladder of success.
Durand, driven by her passion for music, has fully devoted herself to pursuing a singing career. She has headlined shows and been featured on several projects, including emcee Buckshot and N.C. natives 9th Wonder and Little Brother.
Her latest project, “The Doug and Patty” EP, has received more than 5,000 downloads.
Now Durand is gearing up for her long-awaited album release party, which goes down this Thursday at The Pour House in Raleigh.
Campus Echo:
How has life been treating you since graduating from N.C. Central University?
Durand:
Interesting and busy. I miss being in school sometimes, but I’m able to put 100 percent into my music.
Campus Echo:
What are the top three highlights of your music career so far?
Durand:
Being noticed on a national and international level, touring and signing with The Foreign Exchange, and putting out my own music.
Campus Echo:
What’s the inspiration behind the title of your latest EP?
Durand:
Vaughn [Garcia, from M1 Platoon] and I were just brainstorming and going through different titles. I was trying come up with a title that involved two people, for example Bonnie and Clyde. I said Doug and Patty and he agreed.
Campus Echo:
What fellow up-and-coming artists are you currently listening to?
Durand:
I don’t know about up-and-coming, but P.U.T.S [People Under the Stairs] is a rap group from California and they are way underrated. I love them and Alice Smith. She's from D.C. and she's dope!
Campus Echo:
How was your experience with The Foreign Exchange? Were you proud of their recent Grammy Award nomination?
Durand:
It was a great experience. I learned a lot about the industry, touring and myself as well. And yes, I’m very proud.
Campus Echo:
So tell us about some of the featured artist on “The Doug and Patty” EP.
Durand:
The EP features Big Chopps and Vaughn Garcia of the M1 Platoon, who are very talented young men from the D.C. area. The EP also features Jabee, who is another up-and-coming rapper from Oklahoma. I support them all.
Campus Echo:
What’s next for Carlitta Durand?
Durand:
I’ll be releasing a full album, possibly a movie. I would also like to get on the road.
Campus Echo:
Now it’s time for complete randomness. Facebook or Twitter, and why?
Durand:
Twitter, because I’m addicted now (laughs) just kidding. But really, it’s a quick and effective way to network and spread news. Facebook is always freezing up.
Campus Echo:
What advice would you give up and coming artists at NCCU?
Durand:
Don’t ever get discouraged. Keep grinding and never burn a bridge. Kiss babies. and shake hands.
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