Check out our interview with talented and very popular actress, model, and singer Dare Taylor, who just released her catchy and relatable hit, “Retail Therapy.”
“Retail Therapy” was filmed during the recent Hollywood WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. She single-handedly produced her music video, raising over $20k for the project and providing over 40 jobs for those in the entertainment industry looking for work. She is also expanding her creative abilities by venturing into screenwriting; she is currently working on an independent film titled “Rain.”
Her journey to stardom began with a victory in the Miss Bikini Model 2019 competition. From there, she quickly became the go-to collaborator for top fashion brands that resonate with the Gen Z crowd, like Pretty Little Things, Dolls Kill, and many more.
Follow Dare @daretaylorofficial
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
I learned that each failure leads you to your next success. Not all things are meant to work out but they are meant to teach you a lesson. One of the biggest lessons for me personally was hiring a person to work one job that they are an expert at, instead of hiring one person for multiple jobs that they are okay at.
What’s your advice for young models and influencers?
Don’t create the content that goes the most viral, focus on the things you enjoy and build a community off of what you enjoy.
Tell us about your new single, “Retail Therapy.”
I wanted to write a song about the joys of shopping online, but take it a step further with talking about mental health and treating yourself. It was such a catchy song it was written in three hours! I originally just wanted it to be for Tiktok but my close circle of friends were ecstatic about it. They pushed me to make a full production of it and I am so happy they believed in me.
What’s the story and the creative process behind the song?
About a year ago, I was singing in a karaoke bar and this lady came up to me and asked me if I was a professional singer. She asked if I considered writing my own music. I told her I am a full-time actress and I love singing but never really posted my singing much at the time. She told me she is the mother of a hugely successful singer, song writer and encouraged me to write my own music and sing it live since I sing so well.
Then I started thinking about what I would want to sing about, and I wanted the song to feel strong and confident. So I sat down with two other really talented songwriters and in three hours we had an ear worm of a song! As I was writing it, I wanted to include the idea of getting up out of your depression and getting yourself moving to do something nice for you! This is how the chorus “don’t get depressed, get dressed!” came to fruition! I initially wanted to just make a silly song for TikTok, but then my friends all told me I should make a music video and go big with it! And so I did! I produced, co-directed, and starred in my own project and I am so proud of myself for it!
Now tell us about doing this to raise money for workers during the recent Hollywood WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. That’s amazing!
Thank you so much! I used the money I made online to pay the cast and crew their full (day) rate during the strike. Plus I even provided lunch each day as well, for four days. Which normally is the industry standard for any SAG project but they are normally produced by huge movie studios, production companies etc. This project was completely funded by me and the end result was an incredible music video (also a christmas version just came out as well if you didn’t know) for all to enjoy and smile at. I did it all without crossing the picket lines (music videos are exempt), while still making an impact by providing jobs for actors, dancers, and crew members.
Now tell us about the new independent film you are in!
It’s called Girls on film and is produced by Breaking Glass and directed by Robin Bain. I was casted in this project and it’s available on Amazon Prime, and Tubi. It’s a Dark drama that focuses on relationships and how they change your perspective. It was easily the hardest project I have ever been a part of and I absolutely love the way the film turned out.
How do you manage your busy schedule with your personal life?
Luckily, I have a great assistant who keeps me on track! MissChrissyLynn is so helpful with not only hair and makeup but she has been holding me accountable on appointments and keeping my spirits high when I feel low. But if you can’t have an assistant ( I didn’t for years so I get it), I recommend journaling daily to keep you eye on your goals, and having a calendar set and solid to keep yourself on track with appointments and accountability.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
A podcast! I have wanted to have my own podcast for years and I finally raised enough money to buy my own set up so I can film in my own space on my own time. I have called it Delulu Canoe, and it will be 30 minute episodes where myself and my guests will unpack our thoughts on things that make us a bit delulu (delusional). I can’t wait to create a safe space for creators to talk about pop culture, and topics that frustrate them as creative in a social media driven world.
What’s next for Dare Taylor in 2024?
SO many things to count! Where do I begin?
I wrote, co-directed, and starred in a short film and I want to take it around the country in different film festivals. I am planning on launching my podcast. I have a really unique idea and want to invite people to see me in a new light. Plus allow my guests to be seen in a new light, I do the podcast circuit and get asked the same six questions and I can’t wait to break out of that box!
Start working on a musical album… I auditioned for a big producer recently and will be having him help guide me in the music industry and find my voice. I am going to work on my short-form content and I’m going to upgrade the quality rather than the quantity and showcase my comedic side of my acting with a new TikTok profile (coming soon).
Also, I want to have more community nights for my fans with playing video games, and discord discussions.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Dare to be different, because I would highlight the idea of standing out as a gift. I was bullied for being unique or quirky in highschool, but as soon as I got to college and I owned my weirdness I was the happiest in life. I would write about overcoming adversity and allowing yourself to be authentically unique yourself.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
My favorite actor of all time is Robin Williams. I’d love to have dinner with him and laugh with him. I’d love to hear his favorite memories, and favorite times on set, moments he felt like he made an impact on people. He’s truly an icon and such a light. I’m so inspired by his sense of humor and his legacy.
Where can we follow you?
The best place to see me on all platforms is DareTaylor.com. All my links, content, and socials are there!
