1. Hello Taylor, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician? Hey Danielle, thank you so much for the feature on Dixiedee blog and for allowing me to share my story and music. I’ve always wanted to be a country artist but let me give you a little insight on who and what made me the person I am today. Born and raised in Lexingotn, KY with one older brother and two amazingly supportive parents. Growing up, I was very involved with sports. I played volleyball from the 6^th grade till my junior year of high school, school teams and travel. It basically consumed my life, but I really did love it. My junior year I blew my knee out and was unable to play which led me to dive deeper into my passion for music. I was involved with choir, sang in church, and was always singing for friends, or really anyone who would listen. We always had great music like Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, even some southern rock like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Feat, etc playing in the house… guess you could say I was raised right haha.  I was a senior in high school when I told my dad I wanted to take guitar lessons and this is where it all really began. My guitar teacher, Paulie Felice, told my dad he wanted to take me to Nashville after having only a few lessons. My parents couldn’t believe that I was already able to play but Paulie said, “no, Taylor can sing and I want to take her there to perform on Nashville Spotlight (a TV comcast.)” Still confused, because they had never really heard me before, agreed and the were so surprised. My parents actually thought I was lip syncing! From that moment on, is when I really started pursing my dreams. I fell in love with performing, interacting with the fans, and being able to use the gift God gave me in a way that people could connect with. After working hard on my craft and passion for music, I got married in September of 2017 and we moved to Nashville in December of 2017 in order for me to really move forward in my career. I haven’t looked back since and feel so blessed for the opportunities and people God and music have brought into my life. 

• What was the first country concert you ever attended?

The first country concert I ever went to was a Tim McGraw concert at Rupp arena and Lady Antebellum was the opener! 

• What is the background story behind your brand new single “Good Taste,” coming out on April 10, 2020? I had this hook, “Blame my good taste in music, for my bad taste in men” in my head and just knew there was a song to be made from it. I held onto the idea for a little bit, wanting to take it to the right cowriter. I had written with my friend, Stefanie Joyce, quite a few times and always loved what we would create. Our mutual love for the same artists and style of country music makes writing together effortless so I decided she was the best songwriter to bring the idea to. “Good Taste” is a tribute to the classic, outlaws of country music. Artists like Cash, Waylon, and Haggard are definitely the definition of “bad boys” so loving them and their music makes you want to date a “bad boy” even when you know it’s not a good idea. I mean, I think all of us ladies have fallen for a bad boy at least once in our life and this song is just a fun way of admitting that. It’s a fun, rocking song with a modern, classic country sound with southern rock vibes.

• What is your recording process like when creating new music?

Honestly, it’s different for every song. For a fun song like “Good Taste”, I go in just trying to imagine that I am performing LIVE for a crowd; they’re singing the words back to me, and it’s just a big party. It’s so important to have fun with it and not get in your own head. I’m a big overthinker and sometimes I have to remind myself that yes, this is my JOB, BUT I do this because I love it and I enjoy it… relax and have a good time! If I’m doing something more serious, I have to put myself in the story, even if that means taking my mind back to a place that isn’t comfortable. Music for me is all about being honest and real. If I don’t believe what I’m singing/writing then how can I expect my audience to do the same?  

• What are some of your favorite venues or events to play at?

I’ve played a lot of different venues and hundreds of shows! Each one has either helped me grow as an artist, meet new cowriters/ friends, and allowed me to connect with new and old fans. I love living in Nashville of course; so many opportunities and venues to play but there is something special about playing in your hometown or state. One of my favorite venues to play in Lexingotn, KY is Cocktails Too. The venue is always packed, the crowd brings the energy, and the owners/ employees are the best to work with! It always feels like a party when I play there. One of my favorite events/shows to play has been Chasin’ Melodies on Thursday nights at Dawghouse Saloon right here in Nashville. My good friend Bryant is the host of the show and if it wasn’t for him taking a chance on me, I may have never met the friends and cowriters that I have. This show allows artists to share not only their craft but the passion they have for music. It’s helped me to create the music that I have since moving here. 

• How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?

REAL, HONEST, UNIQUE, ROCKING COUNTRY MUSIC

• If you could sing a duet with any singer or group who would it be and why?

If I could sing a duet with any singer, it would absolutely be Miranda Lambert. I am a HUGE fan of her music. Her artistry is like no other artist out there. Her lyrics are raw, honest, vulnerable and she doesn’t care if it rubs people the wrong way. This is me, take it or leave it kind of attitude. This is something I and I think her fans truly appreciate. When she performs, she gives it her all. She lays it all on the stage for her fans and she really is the best entertainer I’ve ever seen. She has a song I can connect to for every situation, every emotion. She also has a beautiful voice and her style is fire!

• What is one of your favorite quotes?

There are so many that I like but one that really sticks with me is “ I don’t like to gamble, but if there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.”

• Is there anything else you would like to share?

“Good Taste” is my debut single that will be available everywhere you can stream music on April 10, 2020. A lot of hard work and passion goes into the music I create for my fans. I hope that “Good Taste” can help people take their minds off the trying times we are all experience now and to just have fun! I know when you hear “Good Taste” (and the other songs I plan to release this year) you will have no question on who I am as an artist. I hope everyone loves it as much as I did writing it.