The charismatic performer and soulful songwriter honed his reputation for his sweat-drenched live shows in Maritime indie clubs. Carleton’s 2009 independent album garnered an East Coast Music Award nomination (Rock Recording of the Year) and two Music Nova Scotia nominations (New artist/group Recording and Pop/rock artist/group recording). Now he’s focused on his self-titled album produced by Hawksley Workman. “I’m a huge fan of Hawksley,” says Carleton. “When I was growing up, he was everything I wanted to be— captivating front man, excellent story-teller, down to earth. I’d never seen anyone as magnetic. He really maximizes what he has as a performer when he is on stage.” Hawksley Workman is one of the most sought-after talents in Canadian music today, and has garnered a reputation for handpicking young artists whom he feels have the potential for long and successful international careers in the music industry, like Tegan and Sara, Hey Rosetta!, Serena Ryder, and Sarah Slean. The album includes Sheets, a guitar-driven song with a pop-rock sensibility, displaying a playful and even naughty attitude. Co-written with Hawksley Workman, Million Dollar Heart reveals a country inspiration, making an unrequited love sound triumphant through Nashville String guitar and choir refrain. Never Felt a Thing is a gospel-influenced R&B tune, with group vocals and a swelling pedal steel. Looks offers an irresistible blast of happy retro-pop, and the edgy rocker Strong Medicine acknowledges Carleton’s love for classic Brit-pop. The 11 tracks sparkle with contemporary smart-pop energy, clever hooks and the infectious exuberance of a songwriter with his eye firmly on the prize.