We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carrie Jennings a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Carrie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I am very passionate about this topic, and with every new phase of my life, I question what it means to be a full-time artist. I believe that art comes from experiencing life, and that in some way or another, everything we create is art. We may assign it little or no value, we may create it with varying degrees of intention, and, in some cases, we may even spend a lifetime trying to share it with the world. I say this because no matter where my money is coming from, I am a full-time artist. I try my best every day to live in such a way that invites the beauty of life into my consciousness, and I create music that reflects those experiences. I do not create music to make money, I create music because it is one of my deepest desires, an urge to express my humanity and connect with others, and I make money so that I can continue to make art. That being said, money reflects value in our society, and what we choose to do for a living matters. We are also currently drowning in consumerism, workaholism, and greed, so what we choose to do for a living usually takes up most of our precious time. So, when I decided to “become a professional artist” and go to music school, I knew it was a big decision. I saw it as a commitment to a joyful life and a somewhat comical vow of poverty in a broken world. I knew already that our society didn’t value art the way I did, and that if I chose to be an artist, it would most likely be a tough road financially, but I believed (and still do) that life is hard regardless, so you might as well be doing what you love.

Since college, I have earned my living working in the arts as a performer, teacher, and administrator, and I attribute my career so far to the support of my community and the fostering of awareness, passion, generosity, and a high risk tolerance. There have been a few pivotal moments in my career thus far that I hope might provide some insight and resonate with our readers.

As I mentioned before, choosing to go to music school was a huge moment for me. Not that everyone needs to go to school to become an artist by any means, but some commitment to a dedicated and immersive learning environment that is full of mentors, colleagues, resources, performance opportunities, and community building is key. After college,

I sought out people in my life who would support my journey. I found mentors and employers who were experts in their fields, eager to share industry skills, and understanding of my needs; I found bandleaders and fellow artists who valued my creativity and made art I vibed with; and I found a loving partner who is also pursuing a life as an artist.

I have also developed a very deep relationship with change. I accept that my career will continue to shift, mirroring the many phases of my life, and that the only part in my control is how I choose to respond to all of the changes around me. This has helped me pivot when needed in order to stay true to my creative values, respond to the people around me, and continue to engage in the act of art making even in times of uncertainty.

Our creative compass can shift dramatically throughout our entire lives, and what is important is that we listen to all of the cues around us, we act from a place of love, and we trust that where there is a will, there is a way.

Carrie, 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?

I am a vocalist & flugelhorn player based in Seattle, WA. My music is powerful and sultry, combining soulful horn lines, potent lyrics, and indie singer-songwriter aesthetics. My live shows are both tender and bold, inviting people together to explore the depths of our human experience through song.

I released my debut EP “Good Tension” in 2023, and am now bringing my original music to life while putting down roots in the Pacific Northwest. I have performed regionally at venues including Nectar Lounge, High Dive Seattle, Tractor Tavern, Spanish Ballroom, and The Get Down, and at festivals including Oregon Country Fair and Bumbershoot. I also tour with soul/R&B artist Wes Watkins, alt-indie artist Tara Chugh, indie-soul band Mama Magnolia, latin funk afro-soul band Reposado, and 90’s all-fem cover band Sideboob.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Frequently experience art so that its value is fresh in our hearts and minds!

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the amount of time I spend on a daily basis being immersed in beauty. I feel so lucky to have found a way of life that encourages exploration and expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carriejennings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriejenningsmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carriejennings
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCANMi2S7kXVz0cZGhD8Ppsw
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/carrie-jennings-592341908
• Other: https://carriejennings.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits

Samantha Witt, Tiffany Tomkinson, Jo Renee