Check out our interview with talented singer and songwriter TAELA who recently released her new single “Unforgivable,” via Young Forever/Capitol Records. “Unforgivable” is one of two new tracks released on her album which consists of twelve other tracks that TAELA has meticulously crafted and released over the past year; garnering over 22 million streams/views on Spotify and YouTube.
Co-written with JP Saxe, TAELA’s raw and unfiltered approach to songwriting shines through in “Unforgivable.” She fearlessly lays bare her experiences, sharing the painful and uncomfortable truths that come with toxic relationships. Despite the discomfort, TAELA’s music offers a healing opportunity for those who can relate to her lyrics. “I thought about the things my ex did to get me to hate them enough to leave and said ‘fuck it, i’m gonna just lay it all out there’ and when I started teasing the song online I was amazed by how many people resonated with the lyrics. I think it can be uncomfortable for some people to listen to but really healing for whoever needs to hear it” she shares passionately.
Follow Taela @imtaela
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Hi TAELA, please tell us a little about you?
I’m 26 years old, a gemini, I have 2 little boys (River and Ziggy) and I live a farm life!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Gritty, Sultry, Angsty
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My greatest influence is Joss Stone. She was my moms favorite artist when I was little and I grew up watching my mom sing her heart out to Joss’s songs. That’s definitely what inspired me to start making music.
Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar and piano. I’m starting to mess around with drums a little bit.
Tell us about your new single “Unforgivable?”
My friend JP and I were hanging out one night and got into a deep conversation about our exes. I told him about this idea I had to write a song about being so addicted to your partner that they could do just about anything and you’d still never leave. He was like ‘wait a second!’ and pulled out his guitar and we started writing it. After we came up with the chorus I remember looking at each-other and simultaneously saying ‘damn’. It was such a special moment.
What’s the story behind the song?
A lot of the songs on my album are about a trauma bonded relationship I had when I was younger. I gave every ounce of myself to this person and let them use and abuse me for years without knowing it wasn’t supposed to be that way. A trauma bond feels impossible to break. It’s such a deep and intense connection to your partner and you physiologically get addicted to the mistreatment/abuse. I wrote “unforgivable” based on two different perspectives. 1) wishing your partner would do something bad enough to give you a ‘real’ reason to leave and 2) being so traumatized from a previous relationship that you’re expecting your current partner to do these things since it’s all you’ve ever known.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Helping other people heal. I get so many messages and comments about how my music has helped people heal/survive and I never ever thought I would get to be a part of something like that. It’s such an incredible feeling.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Let yourself feel. I spent so much of my life avoiding emotions and feelings and it really caused more damage than I thought. Allowing yourself to feel emotions is so important.
What’s next for TAELA in the last months of 2023 and for 2024?
I just released my debut album and that was a huge milestone for me. I think I’m going to take a tiny break from the studio and play a few shows then start touring in 2024.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would want to meet Amy Winehouse for sure. I’ve always felt really connected to her and I think it’d be dope to just smoke a cigarette with her and talk.
