Adia Clark Lay, 20, is an indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist, whose music draws from country, pop, and everything in between. Striving to connect with listeners experiencing hardships, she moved to town as an eighth grader in 2017 and has made a name for herself in Routt County as an up-and-coming solo artist with a voice as sweeping as our views. A two-time “Best Solo Musician” winner in the Steamboat Pilot’s “Best of the Boat” awards, she’s now attending Boston’s Berklee College of Music. We caught up with her between studies about her music and where she hopes to go from here. Info: adiaclarklay.com
Swillin’: What’s your musical background?
I listened to a ton of Taylor Swift growing up, so she is my biggest influence. However, I was surrounded by many different types of music from a young age; anything from Metallica to Sarah McLachlan. Now I listen to mostly country music and smaller artists like Avery Anna, Erin Kinsey, and Matt Schuster.
Swillin’: How would you define your style?
It’s a mix of everything I grew up listening to, the covers I play, and what I listen to now. I love it so much because my style doesn’t really fit into one specific genre; I’d call it singer-songwriter country.
Swillin’: Where do you hope to take your career?
After I graduate from Berklee, where I’m studying songwriting and music business, I want to move to Nashville where I hope to continue playing live, recording, and writing music.
Swillin’: Do you ever play with other people?
I mostly play solo when I’m home in Steamboat, but will occasionally play shows with other local musicians. I also have a Boston-based band and a Valencia, Spain-based band, as I am studying abroad this fall.
Swillin’: What’s your take on Steamboat’s music scene?
I love how open it is. I started in the community at such a young age, so having everyone being so willing to share their knowledge felt super welcoming.
Swillin’: What do you like about Steamboat?
The obvious answer is the mountains. But I also love the community. Everyone is so kind; I call it the “Steamboat Attitude.”
