Artist Karlos Farrar: From Detroit Roots to Seattle’s Music Scene

Jun 17

Multifaceted artist Karlos Farrar recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss his career as a singer, songwriter, actor, and scriptwriter. Moving through a journey that spanned from Detroit to China, Farrar shared insights into his artistic foundations and his latest move to the Pacific Northwest.

A Foundation Built on Motown and Mentorship

Growing up in Detroit, Farrar was immersed in music from an early age, influenced by the heavy Motown rotation in his household and icons like Michael Jackson and Prince. He credited a Brandy record for first helping him discover his voice at age seven or eight.

Farrar emphasized the critical role his father played as his first manager, pushing him to master his craft through the "10,000 hours" of early work. Beyond performing, his father highlighted the business side of the industry, telling him: "You can be an entertainer, but you know the money's in the songwriting."

The Road to the Pacific Northwest

Farrar’s career has been marked by a willingness to take risks, including a stint in Los Angeles where he began doing background acting work to survive while pursuing music. His persistence on the "pay to play" circuit in LA eventually caught the attention of his current manager, leading to a tour with R&B artist Ginuwine and a six-month co-headlining tour in China.

Now a Seattle resident, Farrar expressed high praise for the local atmosphere. “There's a lot of potential in Seattle... the energy is crazy here. I feel like the city is booming and the music scene is surprisingly like super dope out here,” he said.

New Projects on the Horizon

While Farrar is currently working on a new album, he has shifted his immediate focus to releasing singles. His upcoming club track, "Hands on Your Knees," is slated for release in July 2026.

Reflecting on the modern industry, Farrar noted the difference between today's digital streaming and the physical dedication of the past. "Streams ain't the same as physical copies... going out to buy something for somebody is a different level of dedication and commitment,” he said.

Fans can follow Farrar's journey and stay updated on his upcoming releases across all social media platforms under the handle @KarlosFarrar.

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