Terrence “TC” Carson is a dynamic vocalist, actor, and dancer whose artistry bridges the worlds of music, television, film, and stage. Known to millions as Kyle Barker on FOX’s “Living Single” and as the voice of Kratos in the acclaimed God of War video game series, Carson is also a celebrated jazz vocalist admired for his rich baritone and captivating live performances. Whether on screen or stage, Carson continues to inspire audiences through his authenticity and artistry.

Your career has spanned television, film, stages, and music. What keeps you grounded and inspired to continue evolving as an artist?

I love all those things that I do. I love the music, I love theater, I love film and television. I just directed my first movie and I see that I like that space as well. So, it’s about staying creative. I think that keeps you young, keeps you connected.

Many people know you as Kyle Barker from “Living Single,” but your artistry as a jazz vocalist shows another dimension. How do those creative worlds feed each other?

Well, it’s all performance. Singing is storytelling, storytelling is theater, theater is acting. So singing is acting with music, basically. It’s all about, can you show up? Can you connect to the thing that you were here to do? And so you give the people what you were put on this planet to give them.

I don’t need to be a super star, but what I want to make sure is that the things that I do resonate with people, and they are something that will help them move forward or help them feel better. I think we have enough things that are detrimental to us, that don’t make us feel good in our art or in what we see, what we hear, so I’m working to hopefully make people smile a little bit.

When you think about your influence on culture, what do you hope people take from your legacy as both an artist and as a man?

That I love my people, and what I do, I do to the service of my people. And that’s not to do a disservice for anybody else, no. But my intention in everything that I do is to serve my community, and my whole community.

You use a very powerful word, and that’s intention. Why is it important to move with intention?

If you don’t really intend to do what you’re doing, why are you doing it? I mean, it’s like, if you’re just doing something, you’re keeping busy, you’re doing something, but what is your intention for doing it, especially if you’re an artist? Of course you can do it and get the likes, of course you can do it and get the eyes on it and get people to buy the product, but why do you do it? Just for your own self-gratification or is there another reason you do what you do?

You’ve always used your art to express truth and emotion. Why has cultural storytelling been such a core part of your work?

If we don’t tell our stories, who will? And, our stories get filtered through somebody’s eyes 90% of the time.  90% of the time, those eyes don’t belong to somebody of color, and our stories, and how we see them get filtered through those eyes. So when we get a chance to tell our stories through our eyes, why not do it?

How’s it been navigating this entertainment world as a Black man?

Interesting. I’ve watched it go from people being famous because of the art they do to people being famous because of the things they do. You could get famous for TikTok videos, you get famous for eating crazy things. Back in my day, you got famous because you were good at what you did, you were good at some art, you were good at some sport. So it’s just an interesting time.

You’re being honored with the CNP Narrative Icon Award this year. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

I’m still trying to wrap my head around it, to be honest. Because I don’t really look for awards, I don’t do what I do to get the pat on the back, although I’m glad people appreciate what I do, don’t get me wrong. I really am honored. It’s always a little surreal to me to get awards. 

What I feed on is going and being on stage, doing my music, and watching how the music and the vibrations affect people. Being on stage in a theater and having people really be invested so much so that they can’t help but go “ohhh, ahhh”, when you’re doing what you’re doing. I mean, that’s why I do what I do, those moments, because then I know my art is connecting with the people who came to experience the art.

If you had to choose between theater, the stage, acting, or singing, which one would you choose?

No, that’s all in one. It’s all one. When I’m doing my music, it’s theater, and I am acting to tell the story. Beyoncé has Sasha Fierce, when she gets on stage, that’s who you see. When I get on stage, you see TC, you don’t see Terrence, you see TC. And TC is a major part of who I am. He’s not all of who I am, but he’s a part of who I am. And he’s that part that can connect to that thing, that can connect to you.

You have an upcoming album, called The Chameleon. What can listeners expect from this project?

Hopefully it’ll make you smile. Hopefully it’ll make you bounce a little bit. Looking at the vibrational thing of the music, I think it is in a nice place. It’s in a nice chakra space. And I think we need that right now.

Harold’s or Remus?

Harold’s.

Dream duet, living or gone, who are you singing with?

Sy Smith. Lisa Fischer. Chaka Khan. I’m gonna leave it there.

What’s the first album that changed your life?

Roberta Flack, First Take.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?

Cooking in a restaurant.

Favorite city to perform in?

Chicago.

What’s your go-to comfort food after a show?

Jameson and ginger beer.

The one word that best describes Terrence TC Carson right now?

Grateful.

TC Carson can be found on Instagram at @officialTCCarson and on YouTube and other platforms under TC Carson.