Meet Caroline Stump | Songwriter, Artist, & Music Industry Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caroline Stump and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caroline, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think my outlook on this is an interesting one, because even though I pursue an artistic and creative career through my podcast The Songwriter Diaries with my co-host Megan Ellsworth and also through my songwriting and personal artist project, my full-time job that pays the bills is not necessarily artistic or creative. However, I work in publishing and licensing for a record label, so I’m still within the music industry. The main reason I’ve pursued everything I have, personally and professionally, is because I love the music industry and each aspect of it. I get the creative and artistic fulfillment from my personal projects, but having a career that is still within the industry I value so much is increasingly important to me as I advance in my career. For me, it’s important that I have a creative outlet, but I also don’t want anyone to feel they are failing their artistic or creative selves if not everything they do falls under that umbrella.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I released my first full-length album ‘Navy’ in 2021, and it is still what I am most proud of in my artist career. It encapsulates everything I want to represent as a human and a songwriter, providing a voice for those unable to speak out as I navigate topics of mental health and love/heartbreak in what I think is from a new and unique perspective. I also released a single “Scream No” that was a very raw look into my experience with sexual assault. Releasing it into the world and showing such an unfiltered version of a traumatic event was therapeutic but also the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I hope to be transparent with my audience through my songs and show listeners that they aren’t alone in what they are going through. Being authentic is something I value as an artist, and I hope that shines through in my music, social media, and performances.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I currently live in Nashville, but whenever I go back to visit Denver my favorite places to go are Red Rocks, Estes Park, and South Broadway. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with where you visit if you’re with the right people, and some of the best people are in Denver.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of the main mentors I’ve had in my life is my publishing professor from the University of Colorado Denver, Benom Plumb. He helped me land a job in the music industry in Nashville, and without him I never would have had the experience of living in Music City and all of the opportunities and joys that brings. Another professor that helped shape who I am today was Owen Kortz, who was my songwriting instructor for four years. The amount I have grown as a songwriter from when I first started college in 2016 to three years post-graduation in 2023 is wild to think about, and none of that growth would’ve happened without him. For anyone looking to pursue a college degree in music business or songwriting, I can’t recommend The University of Colorado Denver enough.

Website: https://www.carolinestump.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestump/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-stump-b342a6172/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinestumpmusic

Other: My podcast with co-host Megan Ellsworth, The Songwriter Diaries, has an Instagram and a Patreon (linked below)! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesongwriterdiaries/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/thesongwriterdiaries

Image Credits
All photos by Rachael Mason