Entertainment

Exclusive Q&A with Multi-Talented Star Joseph Carrillo

Published

1 year ago

August 30, 2024

Photo by Joseph Carrillo

Joseph Carrillo is not a typical celebrity—he is a one-man show changing the rulebook on stardom. Born in San Jose, California, the American singer-songwriter, actor, and self-proclaimed “World Famous A-List Celebrity” has made strides in the entertainment industry with his multifaceted talents.

Known for his exceptional self-promotion skills, Carrillo has built a brand that stands out in a crowded field. His work often addresses themes of free speech and media censorship. In this exclusive interview, the inventor of the “Pop A Cappella” genre sheds light on his journey to stardom.

Q: Hi, Joseph. How did your journey in the entertainment industry begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter and actor?

JC: My journey began at a very young age. I have always loved singing and performing in front of large audiences. As a toddler, I started by singing in my grandmother’s kazoo band and participated in talent shows during my school years. My passion for the public eye and performing has driven me to pursue a full-time career in entertainment.

Q: Can you tell us more about your debut album, “Ultimate Celebrity Blackout,” and the inspiration behind its unique “Pop A Cappella” genre?

JC: Of course. “Ultimate Celebrity Blackout” is a 10-track studio album that blends pop with a cappella, a genre I call “Pop A Cappella.” I was inspired to create something unique that promotes themes of celebrity, free speech, and free press. The album was recorded at Tool Shed Studios and released in 2018, and it quickly went viral on social media.

Q: Your self-promotion skills are exceptional. What strategies have you used to brand yourself as a “World Famous A-List Celebrity”?

JC: I mainly use search engine optimization (SEO) and social media to build my brand. My website and YouTube channels are central hubs for my branding efforts. Consistent self-promotion and engaging with my audience online have been key strategies.

Q: Your work often tackles themes of free speech and media censorship. Why are these issues important to you?

JC: These are critical issues because they affect how artists and public figures express themselves. My work aims to highlight the importance of these freedoms and challenge any attempts to silence voices in the media.

Q: You enjoy performing in front of large audiences. What has been your most memorable performance to date?

JC: My most memorable performance was at the Reed Elementary School talent show. It was one of my first public performances, and the positive reception I received solidified my want to continue performing.

Q: How do you use social media and your website to connect with your fans and promote your work?

JC: Social media and my website are essential for connecting with fans. I regularly update my YouTube channel, post on social media, and use my website to share news, music releases, and upcoming events. After all, engaging with fans online helps build a loyal following.

Q: Can you tell us more about your new sci-fi talk show, “Joseph Carrillo Live,” and what inspired you to create it?

JC: “Joseph Carrillo Live” is a sci-fi talk show that engages with various topics. I was inspired by my love for sci-fi and desire to create content that entertains and informs.

Q: How do you see the future of the entertainment industry, especially with the rise of independent artists and digital platforms?

JC: The entertainment industry’s future is bright, with more opportunities for independent artists to succeed. I think digital platforms have recently leveled the playing field, helping artists reach global audiences without traditional gatekeepers.

Q: What are your short-term and long-term goals for your career, and what can your fans expect from you next?

JC: I plan to release more music and continue promoting my brand in the short term. Soon, I also aim to expand my presence in acting and modeling while continuing to release more music. Fans can expect more exciting performances from me as well.

Q: What advice would you give aspiring artists who want to follow in your footsteps and build their brand?

JC: My advice is simple: create a brand that stands out, and never be afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo.

Celebrities are notorious for following the same script, but Joseph Carrillo’s is a refreshing rewrite. From his invention of the “Pop A Cappella” genre to his fearless self-promotion, the A-list celebrity proves that fame is about creating his stage. Truly, Carrillo is a master of his destiny. As he gains more followers, one thing is clear—for him, the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.

Entertainment

Take the Gig, Meet the People, Build the Life: Sarah Angel’s Real Talk for Musicians

Published

4 weeks ago

January 16, 2026

Jonathan Grilli

Too many talented musicians spend the early years of their careers standing still, waiting. Waiting for the “right” gig. Waiting to be discovered. Waiting until they feel completely ready. But while they hesitate, others with less experience but more urgency are out there taking the jobs, building connections, and gaining ground.

Sarah Angel has seen this happen again and again. A successful live entertainer and founder of Posh Piano, she didn’t wait for a perfect opportunity to appear; she built her career by saying yes to what was already in front of her.

Sarah’s journey didn’t begin with a business plan. It began on stage, performing at corporate gigs and high-end events. For a while, she did what many musicians do: she showed up, played the set, and collected the paycheck. But the turning point came when she realized how much more others were earning off her talent. While she was being paid a small cut, the booker was making thousands. That gap shifted everything. She didn’t get angry, she got to work.

Sarah learned to run sound, bought her own equipment, built piano shells to give her setup a polished look, and began booking directly. Before each event, she would spend hours hauling gear and setting up the space herself. She didn’t wait for anyone to hand her a better gig; she created it. That same mindset carries into how she mentors and advises young musicians today.

For Sarah, one of the biggest traps new performers fall into is comparison. Instead of focusing on their own style and voice, they mimic what’s already out there. But copying someone else won’t lead to a sustainable career. What matters most is figuring out what makes you different and building on that. Your individuality is not a risk; it’s the foundation of your career.

Equally important, she says, is learning to say yes more often. Not every opportunity will be glamorous or well-paid. But every job is a chance to meet someone new, gain experience, or get your name in front of people who can open doors down the road.

This is where so many early careers stall, not because of a lack of talent, but because of hesitation. When performers constantly hold out for something better, they miss what’s right in front of them. Taking one job often leads to five more. And even if a gig doesn’t seem ideal at first, it often brings value in ways that are not obvious right away.

Sarah compares it to building momentum. Each job adds to your experience, your network, and your visibility. It’s not just about stacking performances, it’s about putting yourself in motion. The more active you are, the more people think of you when opportunities come up. That kind of consistency can’t be faked, and it can’t be replaced with a few viral moments online.

Another common challenge she sees is indecision. Musicians who spend too much time analyzing every offer often lose out on real growth. Taking action, even imperfectly, leads to more progress than standing still. Not every gig will be a perfect fit, but most will teach you something valuable.

Over the years, Sarah has also learned to be intentional about who she surrounds herself with. She chooses to work with musicians who are not just talented, but reliable, respectful, and open to learning. Attitude often matters more than technical skill. It’s easier to grow as a musician than to fix a lack of work ethic.

Sarah Angel’s career didn’t come from waiting or wishing. It came from working. She showed up, learning as she went, and made smart choices when it counted. The music industry doesn’t reward perfection, it rewards presence, action, and growth over time.

If you are serious about building a career in music, start with what’s in front of you. Take the gig. Meet the people. Build a life. One step at a time.