Check out our interview with talented rising songstress Dani Taylor who just released her heartfelt, sophomore single “Man of Few Words” today.
“Man of Few Words” follows Dani’s debut single, “Girl Most Likely,” which has already amassed over 52k streams on Spotify alone and received support from outlets including CMT, American Songwriter and Country Sway.
Follow Dani @danitaylormusic
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Hi Dani, please tell us a little about you?
I was born and raised in Arizona. I moved to Nashville in 2018 and have been working towards becoming an independent country music artist ever since. Both my parents are accountants and my sister has her masters in accounting. I think I inherited recessive genes for music. However, my grandmother is a piano teacher and was in choir. I first became interested in music in 5th grade and scored the role as Annie in the musical Annie.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Independent, caring and loyal.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I first was introduced to Travis Howard in 2017. One of my parent’s family friends knew him and he was the first person I ever wrote with. We wrote my Christmas song together that I am releasing this year and he also produced “Does It Snow In Nashville.” Being introduced to Travis was my first time being introduced into the music industry.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Positive, fresh and free.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My introduction to country music was listening to Patsy Cline for the first time. I was writing pop music and heavily influenced by it before I listened to Patsy Cline. She was my introduction to country music and I felt in love with country and I knew it was the path I had to take.
Do you play any instrument?
I played clarinet in middle school, I can play moonlight sonata on piano (I learned by ear and it’s the only song I can play on piano), I play ukulele and guitar as well, but an injury to my left hand a few years ago makes it hard for me to play certain notes on guitar so I usually have a guitarist accompany me on acoustic sets.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yeah, all the time. But once I’m on stage I feel at home. I feel empowered. The only thing I worry about on stage is remembering my lyrics if I’ve got a lot on my mind. Sometimes as an artist we can sing an entire song on autopilot. But I try to be in the moment as much as possible!
Tell us about your new single “Man of Few Words?”
“Man of Few Words” is a ballad I wrote for the quiet guys. The men who don’t talk much but show their love through actions.
What’s the story behind this song?
I wrote this song completely through my imagination, which I have never done before. I usually write from experience. There was a country artist I saw living in Nashville and I could tell he was a man of few words. So, I used my imagination to write a song about dating a man like that. I hope I get the chance to date a man like that.
And about the success of your debut single “Girl Most Likely?”
I just surpassed 50k streams on “Girl Most Likely” which is a huge success! It’s only been out a month and has no radio airplay or editorial playlist support and it’s been streamed that much! I’m very happy and I think that’s a big milestone for a debut single.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
Yes, I did have to cancel many shows because of the pandemic. I did not do any livestream shows until recently however. I was quarantining in Arizona and I took a lot of time offline in order to work on my music and other content for these releases.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I am releasing my full EP early next year, so my next bucket list project is a full production music video for the featured track on my EP. I hope to film that music video this December.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
What’s fun and rewarding are the kind words of encouragement from fans, friends and family in response to my single. It’s also cool to see young fans make videos on TikTok to my song. Especially when they are from other countries. That is so cool to see people on the other side of the planet show interest in your music. The unrewarding thing about this career path is all the “no’s” from the industry. It’s hard to succeed when a lot of people tell you no, but you see them say yes to your competition so you have to try and not compare yourself to others. I always remind myself that we’re all in our own lanes, we are our own competition, not each other.
What’s next for Dani Taylor in the last months of 2020?
I’m releasing two more singles and filming a full-length music video!
What is you favorite song? And why?
At the moment it is “Some People Do” by Old Dominion. The hook is amazing. The song is like listening to an apology that you never got from someone that hurt you. It’s cathartic.
Any loves other than music?
I love art, specifically abstract artwork. I have made a lot of resin art. I also bake and cook. And I love animals. I’ve raised many litters of show dog Great Danes. I LOVE puppies!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I wish I could have met my dad’s mother, my grandmother. She passed away in her 30s, so I never met her. I always dream about her. I have a small family and I would’ve liked to have met the family that passed before I was born.
Best advice ever given?
Be grateful for what you have in the present. Stop looking to the future. Look what’s in the present and be grateful for what you have because you never know when your last day on earth will be. You don’t want to spend your last days being sad or focusing on what you don’t have in life.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I wake up early, 4/5am and workout, then I eat breakfast and work on music, meet up with other musician friends, write, work on graphics for social media. I am constantly planning for music releases and every facet of them.
Name one your strengths?
Loyalty. I am loyal like a dog.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Church (in person). Brunch with friends. A nap. Then an afternoon drive listening to classic music anywhere from the 50s to 90s.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
As a kid I used to sing Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” Now I sing any Patsy Cline song for my karaoke go to.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Peace. Pure peace. No worrying.
Do you support any charities?
I support Go Fund Me charities and friends of friends who’ve fallen on hard times. I have been looking into volunteering at an animal shelter because I love animals and I want to be more active in my community.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Açaí bowls
And your favorite cheat food?
Butter cake
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Someone who’s rude or condescending to the server. That’s a no for me.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself performing at the Grand Ole Opry and at the CMA Awards.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I have a problem sticking to one style. But I tend to dress in block colors and a little bit masculine (pants and a tank top). But, I also love to wear floral dresses. I tend to dress in bright colors.
What do you think of Social Media?
I sometimes wish I didn’t have to do it. It can be hard on your mental health, so I take a week off from it sometimes.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on all socials @danitaylormusic
Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun
Travel Destination: My family cabin in northern Michigan
Sports Team: Any team from Arizona (my home state)
