Interview conducted on September 07, 2020
By Dan Locke
In a time when life as we know it is on hold, rising chanteuse Taylor Colson is leveraging the loneliness caused by COVID-19 to drive home the longing of her new single ‘Hurt Me” by debuting her self-filmed video ahead of the release, available everywhere on Friday, August 14th. The song was co-written by early Halsey collaborator Dylan Jackson Scott and produced by Scott and Charlie Park (lovelytheband) at Suburban Soul Studios in Los Angeles.
What was it like growing up in Boca Raton, Florida? And how has the transition to living in Los Angeles been for you?
It was definitely a great place to grow up. My family is originally from New York and most of Boca is NY “transplants”. It’s often referred to as the 6th borough, which I think is super funny and cool. Moving to a new place is always hard, but I’ve really been able to find my people here in Los Angeles and don’t really see myself living anywhere else. It’s hard to be far away from family, but I really do adore LA!
At what age did you discover music, and how old were you when you wrote your first song? What was the title of your first original song and did you record it?
I’ve been singing since I could speak. Watching all my home videos growing up, I’m singing in every single one! I don’t quite remember the first time I wrote a song, but I was definitely making songs up on the spot just free styling melodies and lyrics since I was very young. I was in my early teens when I realized that I wanted to pursue music as a career and shortly after is when I started to really dive into the world of writing.
What was your first live performance like?
The first time I ever performed in front of anyone I was five years old. I sang “Cabaret” by Liza Minelli in a little black sparkly top hat and black gown. I still watch the video to this day and can’t believe I had the confidence to get up there and do that at such a young age.
At 14 you made it to the Top 40 of the TV talent show “The X-Factor”. Tell us about that day and your experience on the show.
It was definitely a huge learning experience for me. I was upset at the time when I didn’t make it but looking back, I’m really grateful that things happened the way they did. I needed these years since then to really figure out who I am as an artist. I’m glad that I’ve gotten to take the road to finding myself and having a slow and strong build. It’s really allowed me to dig deep to make the best music that feels true to me. I grew up watching singing competition shows like American Idol, so it was cool to be behind the scenes and really see how those shows work. I received great constructive criticism from the judges that truly did help me in the long run, and I also gained the experience of performing for a very large crowd. Everything happens for a reason!
Do you feel that singers should try shows like the X-Factor before they test the waters of the music business?
I think that singers should do whatever they think will be the best path for them. If an opportunity arises, there’s no reason you shouldn’t take it if you’re passionate about it. You never know what can happen!
You have used YouTube as a major outlet to get your creativity out to the public. In your opinion, what was the first song you put on YouTube that really resonated with your fans and that they could not get enough of?
I posted videos growing up for fun. I started to gain a little following on YouTube so I just kept releasing videos and people were into it. I actually just recently went back and watched the first one I ever posted and it was very nostalgic for me.
You filmed the video for your new single “Hurt Me”, during quarantine for the Covid-19 virus. It was self-filmed – why did you decide to use Photo Booth app to film it? Did you have any additional gear – other than MacBook – to assist you in making the video?
I had never shot a music video before but really wanted to figure out how I could make it work since it was during the stay-at-home orders. I used to make videos when I was younger using Photo Booth so I decided that’s how I was going to do it. I solely used my Mac to shoot and edit the video – it was seriously so much fun to do!
You’ve been quoted as saying you hate scary movies. Isn’t Covid-19 like a scary movie, in many ways?
It really is. Whenever I’m out in public at the grocery store or wherever, I still am in disbelief when I look around and see everyone in masks.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus is going to affect the music business in the future?
Everything is just very up in the air right now. I think eventually things will go back to “normal”, but it will be a different normal than we are all used to. It’s going to make people appreciate going to a live show WAY more. It’ll be awesome to see that connection happens when it’s safe to do so.
What have you been doing other than music while you’ve been in quarantine? Are you watching a lot of TV – and if so, what’s your favorite streaming service?
I’ve definitely watched a lot of TV and movies. My most recent show I’ve watched is Chicago PD and I LOVED it. I’m very into crime shows…Law & Order SVU is my all-time favorite show. I alternate between streaming services for different things. I have a list of movies that I’ve never seen, so I’ve been getting to check a lot of those off.
What type of dog do you have and what is its name?
My boyfriend and I have a yellow lab named Tugboat and he seriously is the best. He’s my angel boy!
Many artists are doing regular performances on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Any plans to do something like that in the near future?
Definitely. Any chance to perform, I will – keep your eyes on my socials for details soon!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Hopefully touring around the world getting to do what I love. That’s the goal!
As we wrap up the interview, is there anything else you’d like to share?
Just that I have more music coming in October and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
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