Interview: ALEXIS TAYLOR
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
For as long as I can remember, I can recall singing along to all of the songs on the radio and wanting to be a musician, just like my parents. Growing up, I was very creative and loved to sing. There was never a moment of my childhood that was not surrounded by music of some sort. Both of my parents were songwriters and were very active in church, and both played a big role in my desire to be a musician. If I was not a musician today, I would likely be teaching music or would have gone into the teaching profession since I truly believe there is a lot to be said about those who are pouring into the next generation. Plus, that is what I originally went to college for and would have 100% been okay with a career in the education field!
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
When I am not busy with music, I tend to spend a lot of my time hanging out with my family and my friends. There is nothing more important to me than quality time with the people I love most, and that will never change. I believe that the only reason I am where I am today is because of my family and friends who have believed in me. So I truly owe them everything. Being with them influences me creatively because I feel as though when I am with my friends and family I am able to be myself. I am not afraid to be who I really am, and am able to let my guard down completely. It is comforting, and goes without saying that I am so grateful to have such amazing people in my life that I can totally be myself around. I couldn’t ask for better friends and family!
How long have you been around?
Although I have been writing songs since the age of 12, I have only been releasing music since 2018. So I have been around for a little over 4 years now.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
Though I grew up north of Toronto in the small town of Huntsville Ontario, I currently go back and fourth between there and Nashville, Tennessee. Going back and fourth between the two towns has influenced me because of the caliber of musicians in Nashville. Growing up in a small town where country music was not very popular, I was but one of a handful of musicians. However, now that I have visited Nashville multiple times, I have seen the best of the best performing on stage and have had the privilege to see first hand just how talented the people of Nashville are. It is truly incredible and I am inspired every day to practice more, and be the best that I can be because of the people that I have met so far in my career in Nashville.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
One of my most memorable shows was when I was in Sweden opening for Doug Seegers and the whole crowd filled up the town square. I can’t remember the name of the town but there wasn’t an empty seat for as far as the eye could see. The town that we were playing in was very far north and many of the people in the audience did not speak English - only Swedish. However, when I went to go perform on stage, you could hear a pin drop; that is how closely they were listening! Not only was I filled with gratitude for their attentiveness but I was so blown away by the fact that even though they might not have understood what I was singing word for word, they were able to connect with me and my music regardless. It was a show that was like no other, and I will always remember it.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
There are so many places that I love to play at, that is such a hard question! To me, I feel as though the crowd makes the venue. So although there are lots of places that I enjoy playing, it all truly is dependant on the crowd and if they are enjoying themselves and the show!
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
In a perfect world, I would love to play a show with Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Lady A, Blake Shelton, Jake Owen and Little Big Town. Maybe one day!!
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
I would honestly say that you need to keep on believing in yourself and what you are doing. Because if you don’t believe in yourself and your music, who will? I think another piece of advice I would give is to stop waiting. Quit telling yourself that you will do it tomorrow, and do it NOW! There is no other time like the present, and if you keep putting it off, you will only wish you did it sooner! That is without a doubt the best advice I could give to anyone, including my younger self.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
I think out of all of my songs, my most meaningful song would be my newest release “Long Way From Home”. It is not only one of my favourite songs to perform, but it is one of my most authentic songs to date. It is honest, raw, and tells of my own journey thus far of navigating the music industry.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
It really just depends on my mood. Of course, as a songwriter, I enjoy playing lots of slow emotional ballads, however it depends on how I am feeling. Sometimes I really love getting to play some of my more up tempo songs with a happy beat. It always changes! As for the songs that get requested the most; I feel as though my fans usually request my newest releases - so that is always a good thing!
What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?
My creative process is never the same way twice. It is always different. Sometimes I start with the melody, and sometimes I start with the lyrics. It really just depends! Especially if I feel inspired at any particular moment at random, which isn’t unusual. There are times when the lyrics come to me first, and then there are times when the melody pops into my head first. Either way, whenever inspiration strikes, I try to keep my phone nearby so that I can write down any lyrical ideas as well as keep a voice note of my melody ideas. That way I don’t lose them!
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Again, that just depends on the mood I am in while writing the song. However, I feel as though the common theme of my music is that even though it might seem like it is the end, have faith. There is nothing more crucial than having faith through the tough times. Music ultimately has the power to bring people together regardless of their religion, background, economic status, or anything else. So that is really all that I hope to do - to bring people together and give them hope that they are going to be okay.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I have big plans for my future in music, including lots of upcoming singles in the next few months. I really can’t wait to share them with all of my fans! There are so many projects that I have been working on, I am just super excited to be able to share them and be back in the studio making music!! I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend my time!