DCFunemployment: Tell the people – Who are you?

My name is Alison Carney, my artist name “ace ono.” The way I describe it, essentially, is my vibe is similar to Yoko Ono, but not. I’m my own individual, but one that embraces peace, love, and art in my daily practice. I am a recording artist/songwriter by day, artist liaison/stylist/creative director/producer/magical creature by night and I live by the mantra “art and love only.”

DCF: What does being funemployed mean to you & what was your path to funemployment?

AC: To me, being funemployed is finally being in a place where I am doing what I love for a living, and I am actually LIVING. I am coming to a place where I can really begin to enjoy my life and my art because everything I do encourages, sustains and almost forces both.

DCF: Who was your first cheerleader?

AC: My mom and grandmother hold the tie for that one. But my grandmother loves to sing so she always encourages my artistic side.

DCF: What experiences in your life prepared you for where you are now?

AC: So many. I don’t know. I think every single experience you have more or less preps you for your “moment.” Like, I wouldn’t be where I am without what happened yesterday…or five years ago. I believe it’s all in preparation.

DCF: Where do you get your inspiration and/or motivation?

AC: These days, myself. I am one of the beautiful brings in this world that struggles with depression, so the highs and lows that I feel push me. The light at the end of a low recharges me. The knowledge that my story can help others pushes me to keep going, literally. I feel really blessed to be able to heal myself and others with the gifts I’ve been given.

DCF: What does balance mean to you and how do find balance?

AC: Balance is kind of an unfamiliar thing to me, but not in a bad way. I just don’t look for it…or maybe try super hard to find it. Sometimes I am fully drowning in my art and I love it. Sometimes I am utterly drowning in my life. I love that too, but one couldn’t call that “balance” really. I’m just surviving and doing it in a way that feels so beautiful rather then forced. I feel really lucky.

DCF: What sacrifices did you have to make to get here?

AC: Finances, for real. There isn’t as much security in this thing as most would wish. So it gets scary at times…but that’s been my sacrifice. I don’t live an extravagant life, but it’s become a really special journey learning that life can still be amazingly beautiful even with unexpected sacrifices.

DCF: What struggles have you faced as a women in your industry?

AC: Exactly that. Being a woman. In MY industry. at times there is a lack of respect, so you have to face it head on or get eaten alive. This industry isn’t for the soft. I am pretty soft, but I’m definitely not sneaking away from the industry simply because often men and even women can be disrespectful and dismissive of your quiet power.

DCF: What is the early advice you didn’t listen to that you wish you had?

AC: “Don’t ever listen to or succumb to others opinions of you.” I didn’t listen. I should have. (DCF: AMEN SISTER AMEN!!)

DCF: What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?

AC: I stopped believing in myself at one point. That was a failure on my part, and I learned that I was ridiculous for ever thinking I didn’t deserve success and happiness doing what I love. Not only do I deserve it, I’ll have it because I won’t ever count myself out or doubt my gifts again.

DCF: What is your proudest moment?

AC: Proudest moment right now would have to be that I set a goal for a certain number of months of celibacy (for the purpose of refocusing myself and my energy), and I met my goal. During those months I learned how to channel sexual energy in other ways, sharing loving energy from the stage that people can actually feel inside of them. I want people around me to feel loved…wanted…amazing. I’m good at creating those feelings. I’m better now that I value the preciousness of that gift.

DCF: What’s next?

AC: I have a new project coming out soon called “”i bet you think this song is about you”” and I’m pretty excited about it. I also recently started an artist liaison entity called “”artand❤️only”” because I want to spend some real time and attention making the experience that artists have when they perform stellar.

Lastly, I am getting back into styling and creative directing as it pertains to photography, film, & tv. Just wanting to jump back into some of my other passions.

Find Alison @iamalisoncarney on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.