Meet Carolyn Shulman | Folk Singer-Songwriter & Recording Artist

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

Hi Carolyn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I felt called to share the songs I was writing, and to do that in the way I envisioned, I needed to focus my energy and resources on songwriting, recording, and marketing my album in a way that I could not do as a hobbyist. So, I embarked on this journey of transitioning my music from a lifelong hobby to a full time career. It has been challenging, but also fulfilling, and I’ve felt every step of the way that this was the right move for me. Although life as a professional musician is a far cry from my first career as a lawyer, a lot of what I learned in my prior work as an attorney has come in quite handy and helped guide me along the way.

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 feel so fortunate and happy to be where I am right now, fulfilling a lifelong dream by working as a folk singer-songwriter. I have been passionate about music and songwriting my entire life. I began playing guitar at nine years old, and from that time, I had big visions of being a musician when I grew up.

However, I took a detour from that path after college and became an attorney instead.

I practiced law in Houston, Texas for seven years, and then my husband got recruited for a job in Denver. Our family moved, and I took that time as an opportunity to take a break from law practice and help our family get settled. I also enjoyed spending more time at home with our young daughter. I was not feeling a strong pull to return to law practice.

A few years later, one of my best friends and a fellow musician and songwriter, Jen Hitt, moved to Denver, and we began playing music together like we had done during college. My excitement about music came flooding back, and my creativity exploded! I began writing more songs than ever, and before I knew it, I had an album’s worth of material, so I decided to record them as a solo project.

I called producer and engineer John McVey at Cinder Sound Studio about working together on an album. John and I began recording in October 2019, and then when we were about 2/3 of the way through the project, the pandemic hit. We put the brakes on everything until summer 2020, when I was able to return to the studio with good safety precautions and finish recording. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with John – he is an amazing producer with the best instincts and a collaborative approach.

My debut album, Grenadine & Kerosene, was released on May 21, 2021, and it felt truly amazing and fulfilling to see that dream of recording an album of my own songs come to fruition. However, it was quite challenging to launch a successful release during a pandemic. I knew I wouldn’t be able to play live shows to promote the album due to covid restrictions and our own family’s precautions, so I hired a publicist (Ariel Hyatt of Cyber PR) and a radio promoter (Adam Dawson with Broken Jukebox) to help me spread the word. I was fortunate to receive some lovely reviews, and my album spent three months on the national folk radio charts, eventually rising to number 22!

I also began a monthly livestream on Facebook and YouTube, called Sunday Night Spotlight, in which I host a different guest songwriter each episode for a song swap and fun conversation. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other artists and with a nationwide audience so much that I’m continuing these livestreams and look forward to them each month.

Overall, I feel extremely grateful to be able to pursue music and share my songs with the world. I’m thankful for everyone who has helped me along the way and to all the folks who have listened, connected, and continue to show their support. It’s that connection that brings meaning to what I do.

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.
If I had a friend visiting me in Denver, I would probably take them first to one of our favorite neighborhood spots, the Lowry Beer Garden, to relax and catch up over a beer and some tasty eats in a fun, outdoor environment. If they enjoy hiking and being outside, I would take them on a hike or two during their stay. Some of our family’s favorites that are easy and “visitor friendly” include the Castle Trail at Mt. Falcon, Roxborough State Park, the Little Brother hike at Alderfer/Three Sisters in Evergreen, and the Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks, which is great because so many out of town visitors love seeing the Red Rocks Amphitheater.

We also enjoy taking guests to restaurants like North County, Sushi Den or Izakaya Den, Rosenberg’s Bagels, Cholon, Next Door American Eatery, and Cattivella.

Other things we love to do with out of town friends include walking through the Denver Botanic Gardens, visiting the Clyfford Still Museum, shopping, eating, and exploring at the Stanley Marketplace, and checking out the beautiful murals in the RiNo Arts District.

Last but not least, I’d take my friend to a concert at Swallow Hill Music, which is an amazing non-profit organization that does so much to nourish and showcase folk, roots, and Americana music in Denver.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have encouraged and mentored me. I have to start with my father, who is the reason I play guitar in the first place. He has played as a hobby his whole life, and when I expressed an interest at nine years old, he bought a guitar and set me up with lessons. He remains my number one supporter and fan! My mom and my brother have likewise been super supportive.

I’d like to send a huge shout out to my husband, Gerald Falchook, who despite the demands of his career as an oncologist, has made space in our lives for my music career by taking on more household and parental tasks. He also made literal space in our house by setting up a music room for me. He encourages me in every way and helps me move forward when I am feeling unsure of myself. Our daughter is a great cheerleader as well, and she loves singing along!

I am so deeply grateful to John McVey of Cinder Sound Studio, who did a fantastic job producing, engineering, and bringing in a stellar band of musicians for my debut album, Grenadine & Kerosene. Working with him was the best decision I could have made. I learned so much from him and can’t wait to work together again.

I never would have met John had it not been for my friend Julie Geller. Julie is a fellow songwriter who helped me realize I wanted to transition my music from a hobby to a career. She offers some wonderful creativity courses and one on one guidance sessions, both of which I recommend.

Last but not least, a shout out to every single person who has listened to my music or come out to a show! Your support inspires and motivates me.

Website: https://carolynshulman.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carolynshulmanmusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolynshulman_

Facebook: https://facebook.com/carolynshulmanmusic

Youtube: https://youtube.com/carolynshulman

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gsVEG0liEOMJBvMdgw4Ts?si=iXxC5-UzQKGBym1RZhWOXA

Image Credits
Jessie Matteson, John McVey, Travis Broxton, Chelsea Dee Thom