an artist first ally
About Me
I know what it’s like to feel like you’re doing everything — and still not sure if it’s working. Trying to build something meaningful as an artist today can feel like a full-time job (because, well… it is). And if you’re feeling stuck or stretched thin, you’re not alone.
I’m Hayley Carson — and I help independent artists find clarity, build strategy, and grow careers that actually align with who they are. Not by giving you a bunch of generic “advice,” but by becoming a real teammate in your process - someone who helps you see the big picture, make the right moves, and build momentum from wherever you are right now.
Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of hats from co-founding a studio that evolved into a label to managing artists, building national tours, leading release strategies, and more. I’ve supported artists whose work has landed with companies like Sony, Warner, Empire, HBO, and the NFL. But at the core of everything I do is one simple mission: to help artists grow, without burning out or selling out.
I work one-on-one with independent artists who are ready to stop spinning their wheels and start moving with direction. Whether you’re trying to grow your audience, build your brand, release music with intention, or just make sense of it all — I’m here to help.
If you’re ready for a fresh perspective and someone who’s truly in your corner, let’s talk.
Click below to set up a free 20-minute discovery call! I’d love to learn more about your vision and see if we’re a good fit.
Creative
GROWTH
STARTS
HERE
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Creative GROWTH STARTS HERE •
A little more about me
I’m based in Nashville, TN, and I’ve spent nearly a decade helping independent artists turn creative potential into real, forward-moving careers. I served as Chief Operating Officer of The SMG Label (formerly Safe House Music Studios) from 2018-2025, where I built systems, campaigns, and brand strategies that led to sync placements, major label deals, and industry partnerships with companies like Sony, Warner, HBO, and the NFL.
My experience goes beyond titles — I’ve managed artists, booked national tours, negotiated licensing deals, and led full-scale release and content strategies. I understand what it takes to grow in this industry because I’ve been in the rooms where the real decisions are made and I know how to translate that knowledge into tangible, customized support for the artists I work with.
I’m also the founder of Songbird, a Nashville-based platform that spotlights and supports emerging songwriters, and I humbly serve on the board of The Beat of Life, a nonprofit that uses songwriting and music therapy to reach incarcerated and underserved communities.
At the core of everything I do is a belief that artists should be supported, not owned. I don’t take a percentage of your income or tie you up in contracts. My role is to be your partner, not your gatekeeper. I’m here to help you build a career on your terms, with clarity, confidence, and real strategy.
“I do this work because artists are the lifeblood of the entire industry. Without you, the creatives, the ones willing to use your gifts to create art that connects with the masses — the rest of it is simply pointless. The industry we’ve built often forgets this fundamental truth. But, I know that if we stop supporting and advocating for the creative, creativity dies.”