We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carly Stock. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carly below.

Carly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I am a freelance musician, through and through. I’ve been paid not only to perform, tour, and record as a creative artist, but also as an educator and administrator within music. Whether I like it or not, making it as a full-time musician in Los Angeles requires treating yourself as your own business; everything is an investment, every connection is a networking opportunity, and creating and maintaining relationships will get you far.

I earned a BM in Jazz Studies the University of North Texas. In college, I developed the relationships and skills necessary to feel prepared going into the real world. I played in the Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band, was President of the Jazz and Gender Equity Initiative, and even led my own ensemble, the Carly Stock Big Band. All of these opportunities taught me not only how to master my instrument and perform, but how to be a savvy in the music industry.

After graduating in 2023, I moved back to Los Angeles. I immediately put myself back into the scene by reconnecting with old colleagues, going to shows and jam sessions, and taking any auditions and gigs I could get. My life changed in June 2023 when I auditioned for the alto saxophone spot in Phat Cat Swinger, “Hollywood’s hottest little-big band.” I got the part and was immediately thrust into a 40 day, 25-show tour. The connections I made in Phat Cat snowballed into more gigs, tours, and opportunities. My network in LA has grown so much that I am able to support myself as a freelance musician.

When I’m not performing, I take on other contracts within music, like teaching or administrative work. I currently teach saxophone, flute, and clarinet at Music Box in Redondo Beach and step in as a long-term substitute band director in school districts around Los Angeles. I also pick up administrative jobs like booking, tour managing, and bookkeeping for Phat Cat and beyond. Wearing many hats is not for the faint of heart, but all of these jobs round out my income during slow performing months.

Carly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Los Angeles native Carly Stock is a jazz saxophonist known for her soulful improvisation and big lead alto sound. Carly earned her BM in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas (‘23) where she played in the seven-time Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band for nearly two years.

After graduating from UNT and returning to Los Angeles, Carly was immediately recruited to tour with Phat Cat Swinger, “Hollywood’s Hottest Little Big Band” and has since been making a name for herself as a prominent young lead alto player in the scene. Carly frequently performs at Disneyland’s California Adventure Park and Dollywood Park (Pigeon Forge, TN) and has collaborated/toured with artists like Jens Lindemann, Matt Cattingub, Allison Miller, Adrian Younge, Olivia Cooper Harris, and Blake Lewis at venues across the country.

Carly has been highlighted by many media outlets, including NPR’s World Cafe (Philadelphia), NBC News (Chicago and Dallas), and was a featured artist on the Everything Saxophone Podcast. You might also recognize Carly from her Instagram video collaborations with Conn-Selmer USA or her work with BetterSax.

In addition to performance, Carly is passionate about music education and currently teaches at Music Box in Redondo Beach and at middle and high schools around Los Angeles. Carly is an advocate for women’s equity in jazz music, and her presence continues to break boundaries in the field.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I think many professional musicians forget the fundamental reason we all started playing–that music is supposed to be joyous and fun. As cheesy as it sounds, I make a point to take gigs that I know I will enjoy. If I’m not having fun when I’m playing, the audience will feel that energy, and vice versa. My goal as a performer is to always bring my “vibe” and have that be a consistent part of my brand.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The adrenaline rush of performing and being in front of an audience is the main fuel for my fire, but a more tangible perk is getting to travel and experience new things. Since graduating college and being in the “real world” of music performance, I have played in 14 different states across the US and traveled internationally; many of these places I may not have had the opportunity to travel to otherwise. Seeing the world and collecting memories of new places, friends, food, drinks, sights, etc. is a huge reason why I do what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: carlystock.com
• Instagram: @carlystocksax
• Facebook: Carly Stock
• Youtube: @carlystock
• Other: Spotify: Carly Stock Linktree: /carlystock

Image Credits
@Scott Itter Photography Emily Entz