Today we’d like to introduce you to Caryn Dixon.
Caryn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am one of seven children, originally from a small town in Pennsylvania. My mother homeschooled all of us making writing, music, and poetry the center of our education. I began writing music and performing when I was seven years old. My dream to be on stage, sharing my stories and feelings through my songs, grew into an unwavering mission to make my dream a reality. My parents have always been supportive of my music career and dreams, continuing to encourage and believe in me.
Growing up, I performed in children’s ensembles, gospel choirs, blues bands, festivals, and competitions. I thrive the most being on stage for live performances where I can truly engage my audience and express myself. At one point as a pop artist, I was performing 25 solo shows a month. Then, I went on tour performing in a high-energy pop-rock band, traveling up and down the East Coast. I later made a shift in my career and began focusing on my artistry as a country artist, in Nashville. People say that I have a unique country sound that is a cross between Dolly Parton, Natalie Merchant, and Adele.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My music journey has not been an easy road. One of my biggest challenges has been being a woman and mother in the music industry. The expectations of others can put a lot of pressure on women to feel the need to choose between being a mother and a career…especially in the field of entertainment. Sometimes there’s an unrealistic expectation that a mother should give up her own identity, and the things she loves, to parent. I think it was Pink who said that most women musicians quit touring and performing once they had children. Most don’t go back either because of the pressure to choose. I see changes, however, and it seems that the ideas on juggling motherhood and a creative career are shifting. There’s more of a community in support of women being able to have both. I’m fortunate to have so many friends and family who support me in my music career.
I know not all people are as lucky as I am to have a literal village on their side and I don’t take it for granted. I know the pressure all too well and I know that I am blessed to have what I have. With that said, when I had children, I was told by some that I should quit music or get a “ real job.” Unfortunately, for a small amount of time, I listened. I gave up something that I knew was part of me because of the pressure. Nowadays, my children are immersed in what I do (and musicians themselves) and they love it. Music is what I was born to do, and I want my children to see that dreams can become a reality, despite obstacles like negativity. You have to focus on the positive and gravitate toward people that believe in you.
The lyrics from the chorus in my new single, “Here I Am”, speak for themselves, “ they told me that I couldn’t fly, gave a million reasons why, I shouldn’t try, but I didn’t listen.” I’m doing this until I die…my mind is made up. I don’t mind the challenges that come along with the journey. For example, it takes planning and flexibility to travel and perform like I do. I can go from a large venue in front of a thousand people in one state to driving through the night to make a parent-teacher conference the next day in another. But again, I don’t mind. It’s what it takes to be a good mother and serious professional and I’m ok with that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer/songwriter country artist, known for my unique country voice and storytelling lyrics. I play the guitar and piano.
2. I’m most proud of the newest songs that I have written and I can’t wait to release them!
3. I think my vocals, influenced by artists like Natalie Merchant and Patty Griffin, paired with my interest in pop music and my upbringing listening to classic country music, gives me a unique sound in the country/folk pop scene.
4. I have a strong dedication to go above and beyond what it takes to make my music career a success. I love networking so If I’m not performing, you can probably find me out and about meeting new artists and making new connections all over Nashville.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have a lot of fun childhood memories but one of my favorites (about my music career) was when I was very young, sitting in the car and singing along to Madonna.
My dad turned around and said, “You have a good voice, maybe we should put you in voice lessons.” The next thing I knew, my parents signed me up for a children’s ensemble and vocals lesson, and that’s where it all started.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.caryndixonmusic.com
- Instagram: @caryndixonmusic
- Facebook: @caryndixonmusic
- Youtube: @caryndixonmusic
- TikTok: @caryndixonmusic
Image Credits
Callie Dixon, Andy Varney, WWA Creative, Johnny Fuller, and Angel Marriotti
