Should I stay or should I go? It’s a question many artists from Columbia wrestle with while trying to find their place in the music industry. That tension sits at the center of “Asshole Kids,” a song by Paisley Marie of Sweetheart City.

Paisley has been part of Columbia’s music scene since her teenage years, shaped by a community built on connection. That influence traces back to musicians like Aaron Graves and his band Those Lavender Whales, whose legacy of support and creative collaboration continues to ripple through the local scene. While the pull of larger cities and bigger opportunities is always present, Paisley has carved her own path here — not only through her songwriting and performances, but by sharing her skills through lessons and mentoring the next generation of artists as they discover their voice.

At its core, the song wrestles with the uncertainty of staying versus leaving. For Paisley, the answer remains grounded in community. As she puts it, “Why would I want to leave? All the people I love are here.”