Los Angeles-based artist Carter Vail continues to carve his niche in the indie music scene with the release of his latest single, “Baked Alaska.” The track, characterized by Vail’s signature bratty vocals, ambient synths, and a catchy, singalong-ready chorus, stands as a testament to his evolving sound. With a bold and brash approach, “Baked Alaska” dives into the emotional aftermath of a breakup, delivering a high-energy experience that’s sure to resonate with audiences at his live shows.
Reflecting on the creative process, Carter Vail shared, “I wrote ‘Baked Alaska’ with my friend Reed Gaines about the aftermath of a breakup. I played all the instruments because Reed was very hungover that morning. What we made is maybe my favorite song I’ve made so far.” This personal touch, coupled with Vail’s engaging storytelling, brings a raw, relatable edge to the track.
Currently, Vail is taking his live shows on the road, supporting Yung Gravy on the Grits & Gravy Tour. He’ll also join Quinn XCII for select dates next month before embarking on his first-ever headline tour in November. The headline tour will include stops in major cities like Philadelphia, Nashville, and New York City’s Mercury Lounge, where fans can expect an intimate yet electrifying live experience.
This tour announcement follows the summer release of Vail’s album, 100 Cowboys, via Assemble Sound. The album has garnered praise from prominent outlets such as Rolling Stone, Hypebeast, The Boston Globe, and Under The Radar, and Vail recently discussed the project on The Zach Sang Show. His viral hit “Dirt Man” continues to gain traction, amassing over 30 million views and solidifying Vail’s presence on social media, where he boasts nearly 1 million followers on both Instagram and TikTok. The track has inspired covers, remixes, and even caught the attention of John Mayer.
Tracks from 100 Cowboys are also making waves, with “Arizona” surpassing 1.5 million streams on Spotify and “Nashville” premiering with Zane Lowe. Critics have lauded Vail’s ability to blend upbeat indie rock with introspective lyrics, as highlighted in Under The Radar’s praise of “Harder To Kill” and its juxtaposition of heartbroken lyrics with shimmering synths. Meanwhile, “Ready Aim Fire” secured a spot on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist, further cementing Vail’s growing influence in the indie pop landscape.
Before his latest release, Vail had already made a mark with his earlier projects, including 2020’s Red Eyes and the EPs The Interstellar Tennis Championship Pts I and II. These releases showcased Vail’s adventurous and evolving sound, helping to build the foundation for his current success.
Looking ahead, Vail’s upcoming headline tour promises to bring his energetic and distinctive sound directly to his fans. With a mix of personal storytelling, catchy hooks, and a charismatic stage presence, Carter Vail is proving to be an artist on the rise, crafting memorable tracks and unforgettable live experiences.
Tour Dates:
- September 26 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
- September 27 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
- September 28 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
As Vail prepares to hit the road, fans can look forward to seeing an artist at the peak of his creative prowess, blending his unique sound with the kind of raw authenticity that sets him apart in the indie music scene.
