Today we’d like to introduce you to Carson Aday.
Hi Carson, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was 15, my dad randomly bought home a little piano that he had found online. Nobody in my family was musical, so it was totally out of the blue! I immediately felt drawn to it. While my family was sleeping, I spent hours playing music I had heard off the radio, like Come Sail Away by Styx and Beethoven’s Fur Elise. The next day, when I showed my mom what I had learned, she was shocked how quickly I had learned these songs after having touched a piano for the first time less than 24 hours ago. I quickly was attending master classes at UNT’s prestigious music program, and 6 months later I was competing internationally for classical piano. After discovering my talent in piano, I began exploring other instruments and styles. I taught myself guitar, bass, drums, and started taking vocal lessons as well, finding passion in songwriting and performing. Fast forward to 2025, I have played shows in LA, New York, Dallas, Portland, Nashville, and more, opening for notable bands like Hall Johnson, Hardcastle, and The Brazen Youth. My song “Time Will Heal” was featured in Earmilk, Galore, and other large publications, and even had interest shown by Rolling Stone. I have been dropping one new song each month of 2025, ranging from Jazz to Indie Rock. My March release, Sunshine, is a happy little singer/songwriter tune.
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?
Being thrown headfirst into the world of music was not easy. Being 16 years old and suddenly dedicating 8-10 hours per day to music was overwhelming and eventually led to me really burning out after a competition in Carmel, Indiana. I was sick and tired of being under the pressure of my potential, and was definitely not happy about sacrificing my social life to practice piano all day! Even still, after I walked away and thought I was done, I felt really convicted. I knew that God had given me a gift of talent, and to ignore it would be disrespectful to the thousands of people that had dedicated their lives to reach the level I could instinctively understand. I didn’t need to be the greatest of all time, but I did need to appreciate and enjoy my gift. I reenrolled in lessons, and this time had a college student as my teacher. Wes completely changed the way I look at music, and showed me that music is a mode of expression instead of just notes that I’m supposed to play correctly. Late nights talking about music theory, hearing about the personalities and lives of famous composers, and learning repertoire threw gasoline on my dying passion, igniting a burning love for music.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was raised listening to Elton John, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and other iconic artists. I can’t help but show their influence in my music! I’ve gained a reputation for creating pop music that has a nostalgic aspect to it, bringing vintage elements to a modern sound that really stands out.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The COVID-19 crisis gave me plenty of time to sit in my room and write music, practice my new instruments, and overall develop as a musician without the normal stresses of school and work. While it took away opportunities to perform and tour, it gave me the time to hone my craft and grow my skills.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carsonaday.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carsonadayofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carson.aday
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carsonaday
