We recently had the chance to connect with carita miller and have shared our conversation below.
Hi carita, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
integrity
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Carita Miller (pronounced Car-Rita), and I’m a multifaceted music industry professional based in Detroit, Michigan. I wear several hats in this business—Independent Music Supervisor, Artist Manager, Talent Agent with Breakpoint Booking, and Music Editor at Beautiful Machine Magazine. I also run two companies: The Lady With the Golden Ear, which focuses on music supervision and sync licensing, and CM2 Entertainment, a management and consulting firm that supports independent artists with career development, booking, and branding.
What makes my journey unique is that I’ve built my career at the intersection of creativity and business. I started out in entertainment as a dancer and creative, but over time I discovered my passion for helping artists navigate the often-overlooked business side of music. Today, I’ve supervised music for more than 15 films, worked with a growing roster of R&B and hip-hop artists, and recently stepped into a talent agent role to expand into touring and live events. I’m also preparing to lead the music department at Mainstreem Media, a platform designed to showcase diverse content from creators and artists.
Beyond the titles, what drives me is a commitment to making sure artists are not only heard but also protected, educated, and empowered. I’m a proud Voting Member of the Recording Academy (Class of 2024) and an active member of the Guild of Music Supervisors, Women in Music, Women in Film, She Is The Music, and the California Copyright Conference. Currently, I’m pursuing my Music Business degree at Berklee College of Music Online, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, which fuels my ability to merge academic insight with real-world practice.
Right now, I’m most excited about expanding my supervision work internationally, developing export strategies for my artists, and exploring new opportunities through Mainstreem Media, where I’ll be leading the music department and helping build a platform that connects diverse creators and audiences in innovative ways.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with God. My faith has been the foundation of my identity, guiding me through challenges and grounding me in purpose. It has taught me resilience, patience, and gratitude, and it continues to shape how I move in both my personal life and professional journey.
Relying on God’s guidance gives me clarity in decision-making, strength during difficult times, and humility during moments of success. More than anything, it reminds me that my gifts are not just for me, but meant to serve others and make an impact.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a moment when I almost gave up. When I became a mom, I was interning at WJLB, a local radio station in Detroit. The internship was unpaid, and around the same time, I was offered a paying customer service job. Out of necessity, I took the paid role, but I’ve always looked back wishing I had stayed on the path I was on. I know I would be much further along in my music career had I continued in that direction.
In that moment, I almost gave up on my dreams of being in the music industry. It felt like I had to choose between stability and passion. But over time, my faith, resilience, and love for music pulled me back. That detour gave me perspective and made me more determined to create opportunities not only for myself but also for the artists I represent today.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
1. “Talent is enough.”
The industry often pushes the idea that if you’re talented, doors will open. In reality, talent is only one piece. Strategy, networking, resources, consistency, and understanding the business are just as critical. Many incredible artists are overlooked simply because they don’t have the infrastructure behind them.
2. “Independence means doing it alone.”
There’s a romanticized notion that independent artists should—or even must—be completely self-sufficient. The truth is, independence doesn’t mean isolation. You still need a team, systems, and community. DIY without guidance often leads to burnout.
3. “Exposure is payment.”
The industry often undervalues creative work by offering “exposure” instead of fair compensation. This perpetuates the cycle of underpaid (or unpaid) labor, especially for emerging artists, managers, and supervisors. It’s one of the biggest barriers to sustainable careers.
4. “Streaming success equals career success.”
Streaming numbers are marketed as the ultimate measure of achievement. But streams don’t necessarily translate into revenue, fan loyalty, or long-term careers. Touring, sync placements, publishing, and branding are often more stable income streams—but the industry rarely highlights those truths.
5. “Diversity and inclusion are solved.”
There’s a lot of talk about equity, representation, and inclusivity in music. While progress has been made, systemic barriers still exist—particularly for women, Black creatives, and other underrepresented groups. Saying the problem is “fixed” is one of the biggest lies still told.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was fully dedicated to my craft and the people around me. I want to be remembered as someone who poured her heart into music and the business behind it, but even more as someone who used her gifts to lift others up.
I hope my children and family can say that I showed them what perseverance, faith, and commitment look like—that no matter the obstacles, I kept pushing forward with purpose. And I hope my peers and artists remember me as integral: a woman who stood in the gap, who fought for fairness, and who worked tirelessly to create opportunities for others.
At the end of the day, my legacy isn’t just about music. It’s about leaving behind a story of impact, resilience, and love—a reminder that I lived with intention and gave everything I had to the craft, the community, and the people I was blessed to serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theladywiththegoldenear.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caritamontezmiller/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carita-miller-7224668a/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carita.miller
