Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caryn Dixon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Caryn, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I honestly can’t picture myself doing anything else at this point in my life. I have had “regular jobs” and while it was nice to have a steady paycheck and normal things like health benefits and retirement, I have never felt fulfilled in those roles. I am a a creative through and through and I am happy with my choice to pursue this as a career. Someone has to make the music that people listen to so, I am happy to be one of those “someones”.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an Americana/Country singer and songwriter from Central, PA but currently based in Nashville, TN. I’ve been involved in the music industry since I was seven years old, when I started taking piano and voice lessons. Throughout the years I have been involved in various types of music; from blues to gospel, folk, pop, and most recently, country music, where I feel the most grounded. I grew up listening to artists like Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Jewel, and Sarah McLachlan so, I feel like that combination of country and folksy storytelling, with moving melodies, helped shape my current sound.
I am the oldest of seven children in a homeschooled family where individuality was always encouraged. Music and writing have always been a passion of mine, so my studies were usually focused on the arts. Growing up, my parents were always driving me to band rehearsals, choir concerts, piano lessons, voice lessons, and shows. When I was 16, my dad used to drive me into Pittsburgh several nights a week so I could sing on the riverboats that circled the city. He would sit in the parking lot for four hours, waiting for me while my mom stayed back with my siblings, running them to their activities. There was no shortage of commitment on their end to make sure I had the opportunities I needed to grow my musical talents. Naturally, they were very supportive of my decision to pursue music as a career.
I think one of my biggest challenges has been balancing motherhood with my career. A lot of women face this challenge so I am certainly not alone in this. I chose to take several years off of music so I could raise my boys, but I returned to my career once they were old enough. I think it is very important for children to see their parents pursuing their dreams. This gives them the encouragement to follow their own path and shows them that life is full of potential. I want them to know that if you work hard enough, anything is possible. I just returned from a mini tour where I did seven shows in four states and my kids were able to come with me on the road. We had so much fun and I can’t wait to do it again with them! They were able to meet new people, try new foods, hear new music, and see things that they’d never seen before. They also got to see me perform at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX which has been a dream of mine for a long time.
I am very grateful to have such a support system in my corner. I have family, friends, and music followers that have been amazing throughout my journey. I really can’t express how thankful I am to everyone who has been there for me.
I am currently writing up a storm, co-writing as much as possible, booking shows, and performing live every chance I get. I have dates scheduled this summer in the states, throughout the East Coast, Midwest, and South where you can see me solo, or with my band. I have to say…I am so thankful and proud of my band. They work very hard and are so committed to this project. My current full band arrangement that supports me is; Nick Gates on upright Bass (which he sometimes bows like a cello), Ryan Gattini on lead acoustic guitar, and Chris Carrion on percussion. They give my songs life and a sound that really translates.
I have two songs out right now on all streaming platforms: “Here I Am,”which was released on 3.22.24, is an inspirational song about chasing your dreams and not letting other people hold you back, and “Print Your Name and Sign,” released on 11.17.23, which is a more personal song and a placeholder for me to remind myself of how far I’ve come in realizing my self-worth.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The best thing that society can do to support artists, is to share their work on social media. Liking or sharing a post costs nothing to the viewer, but has a huge impact on the artist’s career. Additionally, go see live shows. Keeping an interest in live performance is so important.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The mission that drives my journey is to inspire people to go live their lives to the fullest. We get one life and we should live it! I want to be 100 years old, look back at my life, and know that I gave it my all. I also want my children to be inspired and have something to hold onto as they grow. I want them to feel fulfilled, supported, and loved in the choices that they make.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.caryndixonmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caryndixonmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLh7ogWnYqg4ZDHbR5xyjg
- Other: https://caryndixon.komi.io
Image Credits
Callie Dixon, Christin Veach-Dixon