From high-energy festival stages to studio jam sessions, Carter Peak brings passion and precision to every beat. As the drummer for TALK, one of Canada’s fastest-rising artists, he knows what it takes to hold down the groove in a dynamic live show. We recently caught up with Carter to chat about his journey as a musician, musical inspiration, and how the right gear helps him stay locked in night after night. Let’s dive in!
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music has always been a huge part of my life - from a young age I found myself enamoured with live performances, music videos, and collecting CD’s. When I was a child I was very much into the alternative/skateboarding scene but as I got older I found myself more interested in the music that surrounded that world than the skateboarding itself. Soon after I begged my parents to let me get a drum kit because the drums fit my loud, energetic, and intense personality, and since the first moment I held the sticks I knew it was what I wanted to do with my life. Following that I began to dive into production, singing, and many other facets of the music world that I continue to love very deeply.
Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey that has had a significant impact on you?
I’ve been fortunate enough to pursue this passion for most of my life, which has brought on so many significant moments but there are a few that stick out as particularly impactful. Some of which include: Performing at the JUNO’s with TALK in support of him winning an award for breakthrough artist of the year, performing at the NHL All-Star Weekend, touring across North America with amazing groups like Milky Chance, Young The Giant, and zinadelphia, and playing our biggest attended show of 100,000 people opening for Imagine Dragons at FEQ in Quebec.
What influences have shaped your style of music?
Some of my biggest musical influences include classic rock bands such as Journey, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and Def Leppard while other influences veer towards heavier acts such as Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica, Slipknot, Linkin Park and Bring Me The Horizon. Ultimately, performance and songwriting in general have been a huge obsession of mine since I was young, and any artist that can capture raw emotion and make the listener feel something has contributed to my musical influence.
If you could create a soundtrack for any historical event, which one would it be and why?
If I could create a soundtrack for any historical event I think it would have to be the fall of Rome. I’ve always loved the history revolving that time period and all of the lore surrounding it, and I think an event like that could be represented in so many ways due to the emotionally charged nature of that era.
If you could teleport to any concert in history, which one would you attend and why?
If I could travel back to any concert of the past I would love to be able to experience the Monsters Of Rock performance in Moscow 1991. With an audience attendance of 1.6 million I think the energy would be inconceivable, and it was an all-star lineup within the rock/metal world which ultimately catapulted the genre to new heights.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I think collaborating with Steve Perry, Phil Collins, Ozzy Osbourne, Rick Rubin, or Prince would be an absolute dream come true. I think all of these artists had such a huge impact on me as musicians/performers/writers that their footprint has contributed to the musician I am today. I think they represent parts of me musically that are still quite relevant and I can only imagine what we would create.
What's the most memorable feedback or reaction you've received from a fan?
I remember giving out a drumstick to a fan after a TALK show, and the kid told me I was the reason he got into drums and that he tries to recreate my showmanship behind the kit. That was a super special moment for me to be able to positively influence someone through my love for music and performance.
What made you choose Plunge Audio IEMs for your performances?
My collaboration with Plunge began a few years ago when I moved out to Toronto to further pursue my musical career. Upon moving out there to begin touring and playing shows with TALK and other artists, I had countless musicians suggest I work with Plunge and that Simon and Justin were the best in the business. Not only were people telling me on multiple occasions but the Plunge name, and logo, seemed to be popping up everywhere throughout the music industry and within multiple different genres that I was a part of.
I had a few friends and colleagues that had great relationships with Justin and Simon, so I reached out and from day one they were welcoming, supportive, and all around just absolutely in love with music and the product they provide. Since reaching out our relationship has only grown further and I am so thankful that they welcomed me into their Plunge Audio family. I would suggest anyone who’s interested in a top-tier IEM experience to seriously consider Plunge Audio.
What specific features do you look for when choosing IEMs for your performances?
For me the most important aspect of IEM’S is clarity and isolation. To be able to fully submerge myself into the performance and hear every layer of a live set while protecting my ears’ integrity is by far the most important quality for an in-ear monitor and Plunge has been the best in the business on all fronts.
What advice would you give to other musicians who are considering using IEMs for the first time?
My advice for any musicians who are considering jumping into the IEM world is to seriously consider Plunge Audio. Once you delve into the world of in-ear monitoring you will quickly learn just how important (and personal) your IEM’s can be and working with the best will yield the best result. From sound quality, ear protection, and frequency range, Plunge Audio has provided me with the best IEM experience I’ve had in over 10 years, and for that reason they should be at the top of your list of considerations.
Follow Carter Peak's journey online:
Instagram | TikTok
All of my social media profiles can be found @carterpeak for anyone who is looking to collaborate musically or looking for private lessons feel free to reach out and we can cultivate your musical aspirations together!
