Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A) Growing up there was always music in the house. I grew up singing with my Dad and he opened my eyes to so many different genres, many of which I still love to bring into a live show. Between finding my love of singing with my Dad and my parents’ continuous support of following my dreams, it created a house where everything felt possible, which is really what led me into this career path.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Taylor-Rae”?
A) I think consistently putting out music and engaging people on a personal level is huge for me. I’m learning that everything doesn’t necessarily need to look “perfect” so when it comes to social media, being myself and posting true moments is important for me and what I want my brand to be. I also love the live show aspect. That’s where I feel like things really come alive and being able to create a show that brings people in is a really cool feeling.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A) My list of people that inspire me is extremely long, but currently I would have to say Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Stapleton are right at the top of that list. They are both unapologetically themselves and found success in that. When I am making music I find a lot of inspiration from things I’m going through. I’m always trying to figure out how to articulate a feeling and there’s something really special in that when you find it. I just feel lighter when I get it out.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the EP, Honest?
A) This EP was born out of finding my way in the industry and settling in on my “sound.” Every song shows a different side of who I am and I’m really proud of that.
The title track, ‘Honest’ is probably the most truthful and raw song I’ve ever released. It was written out of a moment where I found myself so overcome with emotion that I couldn’t help but write it down. Throughout the release of this EP I spent a lot of time overthinking and second guessing myself, so wrapping it all up with ‘Honest’ felt fitting.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A) countrysoulpop … does that work? haha!
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording Honest?
A) Of course. There are always growing pains and luckily I was working with some incredible producers and writers that I was able to call on. Whether it was me being overly critical of a vocal take or learning to be more vulnerable in a writers room, every person who worked on this EP was thoughtful and patient. As my Mom always says, patience is a virtue haha!
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A) According to my Canva dreamboard, my goals are extensive. Of course my top goal currently is to get to the Grand Ole Opry. That is the pinnacle of what I can fathom right now, but in the near future I would love to find some success at radio and build on my platform as an artist!
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A) Chris. Stapleton. I am obsessed with his music and his ability to make a brand new song feel like an immediate classic. Let’s just put that collab out in the world.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A) First, keep a level head. I think it’s so important to have a support system of people you can call on and trust. Whether in the industry or friends and family. This is a crazy career path with so many ups and downs, having the right people in your corner is imperative. Second, ask for advice. This industry is ever changing and there are a million and one ways to approach something so getting different points of views is super helpful. Third, trust your gut. It is usually right.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A) Oh wow, so many things I would say. I think I would tell my younger self to enjoy the journey of everything more and to take the pressure off of the “timeline”
LISTEN TO THE ARTIST:
Follow Taylor-Rae:
Spotify – YouTube – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – TikTok – Website