We have been intently following the evolution of rising artist Carson Ferris, and have covered a slew of his releases including Drive Alone, Speed Limit, 1999, and Crazy, so when we learned that the talented pop star was back with Ghosts, we were curious and couldn’t wait to share our experience.
“Do you believe in Ghosts?” asks Carson with the opening line of the song, expanding with situational prose and a dimensional, intricate soundscape. We learn that the philosophical message of the song draws from “personal experiences and observations”, and how Carson felt inspired to write “a song that spoke to people that were in toxic or unhealthy relationships or situations.” He confesses that the main theme of the song is that “even if you forgive someone for what they’ve done to you, it doesn’t mean that you have to have that person in your life.”
Ghosts delves into the profound notion that forgiveness and reconciliation are not inherently linked. The song suggests that while forgiveness is an essential step towards personal healing, it does not oblige one to maintain a relationship with the person who has caused harm. This perspective highlights the importance of self-care and setting healthy boundaries, emphasizing that one can let go of resentment without re-inviting toxicity into their life. We appreciate this tangible wisdom from Carson, particularly at his age, and considering what happened to Justin Bieber.
The song delivers a powerful message about personal autonomy. It underscores that the act of forgiving is about freeing oneself from the burden of past wrongs, but it does not entail a continuation of harmful relationships. This philosophical depth resonates with us, and can provide solace and empowerment to those navigating parallel experiences.
Carson elaborates, “Ghosts is about letting go and moving on from situations and people that aren’t good for you. In the bridge, the lyrics say that moving on is the only way things can be ok. That’s definitely true. All that holding on to things like that will do is cause more resentment. Sometimes that can be really hard to do, but it’s a necessary part of life that we can all relate to. And I think forgiveness is an important part of moving on, so I put a lot of emphasis on that in Ghosts. You can’t let go until you forgive, even if it seems easier to hold a grudge.”
We are fully captivated by Matthew Parker‘s magnetic production skill and the high emotional quotient of the middle eight before an anthemic finale reprise. There is no doubt that the song is perfect for Hollywood synch deals and only further cements Carson’s rise to stardom.
At just 14, Carson Ferris has already made significant strides in his music career. Starting with the electric guitar at age six, he honed his skills performing in rock bands and with the One Voice Children’s Choir.
The pandemic propelled him to pursue a solo career, and his accomplishments include an Honorable Mention in the Teen category for his song Crazy with Unsigned Only in 2023, and being a finalist for best male artist in the International Acoustic Music Awards for the acoustic version of his song Drive Alone. Carson cites Journey and artists such as OneRepublic, Ed Sheeran, and the Jonas Brothers as sonic influences, although there is no doubt that the star is manifesting a universe of his own.
We have added Ghosts to our New Music Spotlight playlist as well as our brand new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the emerging talent’s wider discography, including the entirety of his EP, Talkin’ to You.