We recently connected with Carson Hay and have shared our conversation below.

Carson, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

The biggest thing my parents did right was to instill a true love for music. Music was a big part of my everyday life as child. Starting at a young age learning to play piano, my mom would drive home the concept of discipline. She would stress the importance of dedicated time each and everyday to perfect my craft. Once I became older and wanted to stop with professional training in piano, she wanted me to fill that time with learning another instrument. I was always pushed to expand my horizons with music. There were many days as a child where I frankly did not want give up my time playing to practice but my mom was always there to redirect my energy back to my music. Today I look back and realize that while in the moment I didn’t like it, her pushing me as a child was the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. Without her I would not be where I am today.

Carson, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began my journey in music many years ago. I was very young when I started learning to play piano. After multiple years, i decided it was time to shift my focus to guitar. Guitar became my passion. There was nothing more fulfilling than sitting around with a bunch of friends playing their requests. During my high school years you would more often than not see me carrying my guitar. I took it with me every where. When high school was over it was time for me to start getting even more serious. I played in a number of bands over the next 7-8 years. It was a progression of pouring myself into each band. Each band became more serious and dedicated than the one before it. Finally after a few years of touring and barely making ends meet, I felt like I just couldn’t do it anymore. I decided it was time to shift my focus in life. I took around a 10 year break from playing in front of people. I would still play from time to time with friends but nothing serious. After a few big life changing moves, I had a family friend give me a shot as a solo artist. I began playing at Sunny Slope Winery once every couple months. I began to gain some fans and other places started reaching out. Next thing I knew, I had a pretty full calendar. I have been doing solo gigs for about 4 years now.

A couple years back I stumbled across a Facebook post of someone looking for a male country singer for a project. I responded because I always enjoyed recording in a studio, and heck this time I was getting paid for it. The day after the session, I was contacted by a member of the studio and they wanted to work more with me. This began a great partner ship with Mannequin Odd Studios and Odd Block Entertainment. We began writing and recording. This lead to my first solo EP titled “Highway Songs” being released in June of 2023.

I feel like I bring a unique perspective to country music. I have strong roots in rock, heavy metal, and southern gospel. I know that sounds like a weird combination, but lets be honest it is. My love for various genres of music really allows me to bring different aspects into country. Vocally I would describe myself as West Virginia raw. I love to over drive my voice to really express my passion.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe that the best thing we can do is to come together. The world is currently in a crazy state of division. Everyone wants to look for the differences instead of trying to view what commonalities we share. Too often people get caught up in little details which prevents them from seeing the bigger picture. The bigger picture is that no one can do this on their own. I would not be where I am today with out the love and support of some fantastic people. If we would all focus a little more on how we can help out someone rather than how we can help ourselves we will make it a lot further in life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I would say the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having an outlet to truly express myself. There is no better feeling than walking out on a stage and becoming a person who commands the room. To set aside all the stress of daily life and create an environment where others can do the same. For a small amount of time nothing matters outside of that room. It is just you and the crowd, and you are connecting thru music. Especially when I take the stage with my band. We walk on stage as brothers and we transport everyone in the room outside of their normal life to place of enjoyment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carsonhay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carsonhaymusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carsonhaymusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_a3f-7Xme_NsMqT-mjhrEw
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonhaymusic

Image Credits
Stephanie Hay Photography Bright Photography