Birdman pulls up in Downtown Mesa at Diamond Don's, right next to The Saltmine Studio Oasis, to sit down with rising Arizona vocalist and recording artist Carley Cavender.

Carley's story is the real behind-the-scenes grind: singing at weddings at nine years old, getting bullied after a school talent show, then reclaiming the mic at 18 through open mics and never looking back. She breaks down why open mics matter for artists, why small rooms can be scarier than big stages, and how sobriety changed her relationship with performance — nerves, confidence, and all.

Now she's stepping into her next chapter: leaving her day job and going full-time music, pushing her original work, and building beyond Arizona. Carley talks influence and identity (blues and soul at the core, modern edge in the delivery), the business reality of early gigs, and the mindset shift from "cover sets for hours" to "artist sets that move people."

You'll hear:

• Why open mics are the best training ground for stage confidence

• The truth about early gig pay and how artists level up

• Performing sober vs. "liquid courage"

• Staying grounded while chasing big visibility

• What's next: originals, out-of-state shows, and a bigger stage

Arizona Backroads — get out and explore.

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

Facebook (Soulful Sounds by Carley Cavender): https://www.facebook.com/Soulfulsoundsbycarleycavender/

Spotify (Artist): https://open.spotify.com/artist/2JM4y2vCZF8NH1yboGqa5X

YouTube (Dripping In Divinity playlist): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m7LPtN7gROUWfor8MYAZbAcXSgxTuAcH8

YouTube (Carley Cavender Music channel): https://www.youtube.com/@CarleyCavenderMusic/videos