Iona’s Aidan Carpenter ’27 Releases Debut Album
A Star of Stage and Sport, Carpenter Pursues Passion for Soccer and Songwriting at Iona
New Rochelle, N.Y. - Aidan Carpenter ’27 is not only a Division I athlete on the Iona women’s soccer team, but a musical artist, too. At a young age, she began her musical journey through choirs in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Carpenter has come a long way since then, and recently celebrated the release of her debut album, "Ignite."
"I had been working on this album for about a year. I write all the lyrics to my songs and work with a music producer in my hometown. It took a lot of time, energy and mental toughness to release this album,” said the singer/songwriter. “I’m very proud of how it turned out.”
Balancing music, coursework and soccer isn’t an easy feat, but Carpenter uses music as an outlet.
“It’s hard to be an artist, athlete and student 24/7. But music to me is something I do when I’m stressed or need a mental break. So, when I find the minutes in the day, I’m always coming up with song ideas in my head or taking mental notes of cool content I could post relating to my music,” said the Louisiana native.
Luckily, Iona has served as a haven for Carpenter to pursue various passions.
“I love the atmosphere at Iona. When I’m at Iona, I feel comfortable and calm. Since I have a performing arts and athletic scholarship, I am offered vocal lessons, which have given me a better opportunity to grow and strengthen my singing technique,” said Carpenter.
Her musical inspirations include artists such as Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Adele.
You can check out her new E.P on Spotify and Apple Music.
We talked recently with Aidan to learn more about her journey. Please enjoy!
Tell me about your musical journey. When did you start to sing, perform and practice music?
I started singing at a very young age. I was in a show choir from 3rd to 5th grade then took a break to get serious about soccer. I started performing again about two years ago after overcoming my stage fright.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Taylor Swift, Adele and Billie Eilish are artists that inspire me and influence many of the songs I write stylistically and lyrically.
Tell us about your new E.P.
My new EP was recently released on January 1, 2024. I had been working on this album for about a year. I write all the lyrics to my songs and work with a music producer in my hometown. It took a lot of time, energy and mental toughness to release this album. I’m very proud of how it turned out.
How do you balance music, soccer and course work?
It’s very difficult but, I think if you have a passion for something it’s less of a chore and more of a gift. There are many days when soccer or school take up a lot of my time and energy. It’s hard to be an artist, athlete and student 24/7. But music to me is something I do when I’m stressed or need a mental break. So, when I find the minutes in the day, I’m always coming up with song ideas in my head or taking mental notes of cool content I could post relating to my music. I subconsciously do it because I love it, so when balancing everything in my life, that aspect makes it easier. Juggling it all is worth it because I have a dream behind it, which propels me to give it my all every day.
What do you love about going to school at Iona? Has Iona helped nurture your musical talents? If so, please share!
I love the atmosphere at Iona. It's not too overwhelming and makes me feel more secure knowing I have all the girls on my team supporting me. It also helps to be a good distance from the city without holding the chaos of it. When I’m at Iona, I feel comfortable and calm. Since I have a performing arts and athletic scholarship, I am offered vocal lessons which have given me a better opportunity to grow and strengthen my singing technique.
Where can people listen to your music? (Are you on any platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
My album is released on Apple Music and Spotify! The album is called Ignite by Aidan Carpenter. I’m also on TikTok @realaidancarpenter and Instagram @aidancarpenterr.