Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Taylor.
Hi Abigail, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been interested in music since I was a little girl, in some ways I believe I’ve known this was my destiny since then. It all began with a karaoke machine I got for Christmas one year, I would put on live performances for my stuffed animals, singing Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood songs. Although it was make-believe, it was never a joke to me, I took it very seriously! I significantly remember one instance around 7 years old, where I was using a fake Hannah Montana guitar I happened to have laying around, with strings that didn’t actually make sound, to write my first song. When my parents took note of this, I got my first real guitar the next year for Christmas. My father, who already knew how to play, taught me a few guitar chords and the rest was history. I was locked in my bedroom learning as many Taylor Swift songs as my brain could accumulate, my live performances in my bedroom became just a little more real, and from that moment I dedicated my entire life to music. I began performing after my elementary school music teacher, Mr. Renfro, convinced me to perform in the school talent show. After that, he encouraged me to perform for the kids occasionally during the school lunches, which I also did. From there, it was open mic nights at the age of 8, then I became a guest performer on the breaks of other people’s shows, then I had my own acoustic shows that grew up to 3 hours, and finally, now, I do my own full band shows.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been anything but a smooth road. Being a musician is not exactly a career choice that screams, “I’m stable and consistent!” My career and life are chaotic, but I like it that way. It works best for me but it doesn’t always work for everyone. The biggest struggle for me as an artist is getting out of my own way. The greatest obstacles we face in our lives as human beings are ourselves. I’ve learned that the second you start believing in yourself and force yourself to do whatever it is you don’t have the courage to do, greatness will manifest itself. I’ve also learned to stop worrying about what other people have to say or think about it, because the only thing I can control is my own life and opinions. To never let my judgment be clouded by external opinions can be a struggle, but I trust in myself to do it and do it well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an independent artist, I perform both acoustic and full band shows all around the Texas area. I write all of my own songs and I also manage myself. I’d say I specialize in songwriting and performing, my two favorite things about this job. I am most proud of myself for my vision and drive, I have more ideas bouncing around in my head than anybody could ever believe. When I want something I go for it, and I don’t stop until I get it. When I am writing a song, I am already creating an album. When I am writing an album, I’m already envisioning the next 4 albums. I am constantly picking out themes for future music videos, singles and EP covers, as well as my social media. I am constantly envisioning themes of my own photoshoots and creating metaphors within them. The music is creative in itself, but I enjoy the visuals just as much. I am constantly figuring out what things I can successfully create by myself and how to create them. This is the most rewarding thing about being an artist, my mind is an abyss of creativity at all times, all while being three steps ahead of myself.
Any big plans?
In August, I am headed to Nashville to record 3 singles that will be on my debut EP. I can’t release any information about it yet, but it is going to be such a fun experience. I’m excited to promote my new music and relish in something that I’m proud of.
Contact Info:
- Email: abbyrenetaylor@gmail.com
- Website: www.abigailtaylormusic.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/abbysrodeo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AbigailTaylorMusic/
Image Credits
Payton Templeton
Steve Hansen
