Artist Profile: carrtoons
From bedroom beatmaker to the vanguard of a new-school soul renaissance, CARRTOONS is the rare artist whose music feels both instantly familiar and thrillingly original—melding groove-driven bass, jazz flourishes, and hip-hop sensibilities into a sound that’s as unmistakable as it is magnetic[1][4].
Background and Early Influences
CARRTOONS is the creative alias of Ben Carr, a multi-instrumentalist and sought-after producer hailing from New York[1]. Carr’s musical foundation was laid at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory, where he earned his degree in Jazz Performance and refined a sensibility shaped by icons like Thundercat and MF DOOM[1]. Early on, Carr immersed himself in the city’s live scene, touring with his eight-piece band Mad Satta and drawing inspiration from the East Coast’s vibrant creative energy[1][4]. This grounding in both jazz tradition and contemporary beat culture is evident in his thick, melodic basslines and lush, retro-inflected arrangements[1].
Musical Evolution and Key Works
CARRTOONS began releasing music under his moniker in 2017, steadily building a following through viral social media videos and collaborative live performances[1][3]. The breakthrough came with 2022’s “Homegrown,” a 14-track album that spotlights Carr’s electric bass in the foreground of soulful, sample-rich soundscapes. “Homegrown” has since amassed over 70 million Spotify streams, anchoring his reputation as a singular tastemaker and performer[1][4]. Its collaborative spirit—featuring talents like Rae Khalil and DJ Harrison—demonstrates Carr’s knack for curating immersive musical environments where every detail feels intentional[4].
The momentum continued with his latest and seventh album, “Saturday Night,” released ahead of his 2024-2025 tour[1]. This record further expands CARRTOONS’ stylistic palette, blending jazz, R&B, funk, and hip-hop with a contemporary edge while preserving his signature warmth and groove. Notable collaborations span an impressive range: Usher, Freddie Gibbs, Roy Ayers, Nate Smith, Kiefer, George Clinton, and Jadakiss, among others[1][2]. Four appearances on NPR’s Tiny Desk series and opening slots for artists like Thundercat have cemented his reputation as a dynamic live presence[1][3][4].
Cultural Impact and Significance
CARRTOONS stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, embodying the retro-futurist spirit of today’s soul revival. His music has been featured in major commercial campaigns for Nike, PlayStation, Hulu, and Peacock, reflecting both his broad appeal and the adaptability of his sound[1]. Co-signs from legends like Pete Rock and DJ Jazzy Jeff signal his credibility across generations and genres[1][2]. CARRTOONS’ commitment to centering the electric bass—a typically underappreciated lead instrument—has inspired a new wave of musicians and producers, as seen in his influence on social media and the creative community[3][4].
Current Projects and Future Outlook
As of 2025, CARRTOONS is in the midst of a major touring run, with sold-out shows in New York, Los Angeles, London, and beyond. Notable upcoming dates include a three-night stand at Isola Brooklyn in September 2025[2]. The “CARRTOONS + Friends 2024 Tour” continues to draw diverse crowds, with festival appearances at the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and Rose On The River Festival[5]. Carr remains prolific in the studio, continuing to collaborate across genres and push the boundaries of modern groove music. With each project, he further cements his role as a bridge between the analog warmth of classic soul and the experimental edge of 21st-century beatmaking.
Sources: [1] CARRTOONS Music - Bio, [2] Red Light Management - CARRTOONS, [3] YouTube - The Bass Nerds Podcast Ep 017, [4] Rough Trade Blog - On The Rise: Carrtoons, [5] CARRTOONS Music