Small Towns House Big Dreams

A local college student is following his dreams, and now two of his songs are on all major streaming platforms. There may even be more dropping sometime this summer.

Carson Oliver, a freshman at Louisiana Christian University, is a worship arts and production major. Upon his arrival on campus, it was very clear to everyone that he was a musician. Many of the student body’s first impression of Oliver was his spontaneous rendition of “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen. Now most of the students at LCU know Oliver to be an incredible pianist and singer after hearing him perform with Elevate, the Chapel band, and Chorale, LCU’s choir.

It was an LCU music group that led Oliver to consider becoming an LCU Wildcat. The Voices of LCU made an appearance at his home church in Shreveport, Louisiana. After meeting with former LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer, Oliver discovered the school offered a degree in worship arts and production.

“Worship is what I want to do with my life, so this was perfect,” Oliver said. “It all just worked out, and God had a plan.”

Oliver’s love for music started much earlier than high school or middle school. When asked how long he’s been involved with music, Oliver said, “For as long as I can remember.”

Although he didn’t take it too seriously growing up, it was when he started taking voice lessons in eighth grade that his passion truly began to show. It was at that same age that Oliver discovered his love for songwriting.

“The moment I could play piano and sing at the same time, I was like, ‘Ok, I want to write music,’” He said. “Really from then was when I realized I wanted to release songs.”

He took the time to hone his skills and look deeper into the daunting process of releasing music, and that childhood dream of his was soon fulfilled. After recording several songs in the summer of 2024, Oliver released his first song “Cabin Fever” on all major streaming platforms this past fall.

When it comes to songwriting, Oliver takes inspiration from some of the greats such as Billy Joel and Freddie Mercury. His music has also been heavily influenced by Tyler Joseph, lead singer of the band Twenty One Pilots. Similar to Joseph, Oliver derives many of his lyrics from personal experiences and his faith.

Carson Oliver leading worship at Freedom Community Church (Photographer/Melanie Dugas).

“A lot of my songs are just talking to God,” he said. “Not always explicitly. You might not always be able to tell that this song is about God, but they mostly are.”

Oliver revealed that music was a great outlet for him, growing up and presently. He described his lyrics as an attempt to navigate his current emotions, and it often helped him get through moments that were hard.

Coming to LCU has allowed Oliver to deepen his love for music and develop new skills. In an arts field, creativity is very important, but different techniques and knowledge of one’s craft are crucial. Oliver’s biggest area of growth has been his ability to read music.

Besides learning new music skills, Oliver has experienced a plethora of new opportunities since attending LCU. He is now a worship leader at Freedom Community Church, where he serves alongside his girlfriend and fellow student at LCU, Melanie Dugas. Oliver is also about to make his theater debut in LCU’s production of “Little Women: The Musical.”

Carson Oliver as "Rodrigo" in "Little Women: The Musical" (Photographer/Victoria Tinsley).

When it comes to Oliver’s friends on campus, he speaks of them with immense love and humility. Many students who attend LCU often find themselves in a tight-knit community that feels even closer than family, and Oliver is no exception. He acknowledges how his personal growth is a direct result of the friendships he has made on campus.

“At the beginning of the year, my roommate Joseph Woods, would just go around and I’d follow him because he’s an extrovert and can be friends with anybody,” he said. “I’ve learned from him how to go up to people and make friends, and not worry what they’re thinking about you.”

With every new opportunity brought before him, Oliver learned a valuable lesson. He wanted to share the advice with others who love and wish to pursue music, no matter whether they are a freshman or well past their college years.

“Don’t care too much what people think about you. Just be yourself, and you’ll go far,” He said.

The advice may be simple or obvious to some, but it is a truth we must remind ourselves of nonetheless. Oliver’s willingness to be himself and pursue his dreams one day at a time is truly inspiring. He is just one of many people in the small town of Pineville to have a big dream, and he will continue to enter every new door that opens.