Check out our interview with award winning singer/songwriter Bree Taylor who recently released her hit single “Cry.”
The emotional ballad, which marks Bree’s third single since her transition into country, explores the human condition of vulnerability and accepting it as a strength rather than weakness.
Recently nominated for Best New Artist by the Mississauga Music Awards, Bree has established herself as a must-‐watch artist on the rise. She continues to make her mark in the Canadian music scene with her transition from pop to country music.
Follow Bree at @breetaylorofficial
Hi Bree, please tell us a little about you?
My name is Bree Taylor and I am a country pop singer-songwriter from Toronto, ON. I have been obsessed with the colour purple since I was a kid (thanks to Barney haha), I have an 11 year old Chihuahua named Aria who is my closest companion, I love glitter/sequins and my wardrobe consists of jeans, t-shirts and a lot of black. I released my first single back in 2016 and have come a long way in the last four years pursuing music professionally and I am so excited to release my newest single “Cry”.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Strong, resilient, authentic
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
I have to say that everyone in my life has had an impact on my life in some way. I am constantly working on improving myself and I am a very introspective person so I appreciate everyone in my life who challenges me or gives me insight along the way. If I had to choose someone right now it would be my friend and manager Maria Luisa. She has been such a strong female force in my life over the last several years since we met and she is always giving me tough love when I need it and shares her insight and wisdom
How did you get started in the business?
I was always writing songs/lyrics as a kid and I got into vocal lessons and choir in elementary school. Due to being bullied and my suffering with depression/anxiety at such a young age though, I never felt like I was good enough and actually had terrible stage fright so I didn’t start pursuing music professionally until after University.
Did you go to music school?
I did not. I was bullied badly in school and made to think I wasn’t good enough so I didn’t apply/audition for any music school’s. I did however, take private voice lessons growing up (piano as well) and was involved in choir all through school.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Bold, expressive and emotional.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I was born to music in the delivery room so I just believe that it is in my blood and something I was truly born to do. No one really influenced me, I always just had a deep connection to music and writing and have had a creative spirit. I was bullied badly in school and went through a lot of emotional and traumatizing experiences from a young age so music was my friend and who I turned to in my darkest times. I just always knew I wanted to make music and do that for other people who were going through similar experiences. It has been my biggest dream since I was about six years old and the only thing I can see myself doing for the rest of my life and loving every minute of it.
Do you ever get nervous?
I do get a bit nervous before a live performance. I am such a perfectionist so I sometimes tend to overthink everything and get myself more nervous than I need to be but I do my best to stay in a calm, focused and positive space before shows to minimize my nervousness.
What is your next goal as a musician?
My next goal as a musician is to book more shows/keep performing, keep writing and releasing great music, challenging myself as an artist and growing as a person in a positive and healthy way. To hopefully open for a bigger artist on tour across Canada or America or be able to go on my own tour to perform and reach more audiences across the country.
Now tell us about your single “Cry?”
This song means so much to me because of its message regarding mental health and it being okay to not be okay sometimes and encouraging people to open up and be vulnerable and to not be afraid to break down and cry sometimes. I have been very open with fans about my personal journey and struggles with mental health and anxiety so releasing a song with such a powerful and personal message means a lot to me and I have been so glad that the song and music video have been well received.
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNjGpkvOclY” title=”Cry (Official Music Video) | Bree Taylor”][vc_column_text]
What is the feeling to be nominated for “Best New Artist” by the Mississauga Music Awards?
It was such an honour to be recognized by my community for the efforts I have been putting into my career. I work extremely hard and it is always great to be acknowledged for that and to see that what I am doing is working.
Do you have a tour coming up or where we can see you performing?
I don’t have a full tour coming up but I am booking shows and post all upcoming shows on my website www.breetaylor.com/tour
I would LOVE to open for a bigger act and go on tour though so that is something I would love to have happen in the near future.
What we can expect of Bree Taylor in 2020?
In 2020 I plan to release my upcoming album that we are working on finishing up music for. I am also always actively performing so I am booking shows and festivals and performing across Ontario. I am also hoping to make an impact on women getting more recognition and acknowledgment in the country music industry and also plan to do more with the mental health movement in bringing more awareness to the issue of mental health being a growing concern, the lack of access to proper therapy for people etc.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Anything Shania Twain or Spice Girls!
Name one your strengths.
Resilience is one of my strengths. Even on my hardest days when I don’t feel motivated to do anything or I’m having a bad anxiety day – something inside me still keeps me going. I never give up and I hustle and work hard and despite my down day’s I pull myself together and accomplish what I need to.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My own definition of happiness is truly appreciating the little things in life and acknowledging them as you go. Finding beauty in everything around us and realizing that we control our own happiness at any moment of life. Even in a bad situation, being able to find a silver lining and seeing a positive in something negative – knowing that everything is happening for a reason.
Any loves other than music?
Yes I love reading and writing stories – I was always writing ideas for novels/short stories growing up as well as music. I also love acting!
Any exciting news you want to share with us?
YES! I will be releasing a new album late spring/early summer this year!
What’s a typical day in your life like?
Well, I am a night owl so I usually wake up around 9:30-10:00am. I have coffee and cuddles with my dog Aria, meditate, check my emails and do work on my laptop. Each day changes depending on what I have going on – I serve part-time at night a few times a week and I also do freelance work as well so I schedule all that into my day/evening. My planner is my best friend and is why I have a planner sticker shop on Etsy.com – I LOVE scheduling my life out. I also like to hit the gym around 3 times a week when I can.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
A perfect Sunday to me is sleeping in, cuddling with my dog and having coffee in the sunshine. I would hit the gym, do a yoga class or go for a hike in nature. Read a good book, work on writing a new song, being self-reflective/journaling or relaxing with a good face mask. No stress, no work – just self-care and relaxation.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Lately I am loving kale salad mix with roasted chicken 🙂
And your favorite cheat food?
PIZZA! 100% my weakness. My fav pizza is pepperoni, extra cheese and pineapple – yes I am a pineapple on pizza girl and proud of it!
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
I don’t really have a beauty inspiration to be honest. I see beauty in so many different women in my daily life and online but I definitely look at more natural beauty’s who don’t represent a sense of false reality of beauty. I love authentic women! @thebirdspapaya is a great example of someone like that!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Someone who smells bad or who smokes – two of my biggest turn offs.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
That is a tough question! There are SO many people I would want to meet both alive and dead. I will go with P!nk because she is someone that I very much have admired since I was a kid, not only for her music but for her unapologetic and authentic bran/perspective in the industry. I love the message that she spreads to her fans about loving themselves, and being true to themselves and I just love what she stands for and that she is so open about speaking her mind and opinions. I love that she stands up for women and that women can be whoever they want and do whatever they want in this world. She would be someone who I would know would give me a true representation of this industry and who would be open and honest about things to get good advice from.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself touring the world and selling out stadiums. I see myself making a huge impact with my personal story/struggles and being able to help impact people and make a difference through using my platform as an artist. I see myself being able to grow my career as an artist, making more meaningful music and to make strides on creating the charity that I have planned/want to create and make a reality.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I would describe my style as and artist/performer as: edgy, bold and sexy!
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is a double edged sword. It is amazing to be able to connect with people across the world and have a closer connection to fans. It is a great marketing tool but it can also be addictive and has caused a lot of isolation in society in general. I think it has also hindered people when it comes to dating and relationships because everyone hides behind a screen/account/profile making it easy to be either be anonymous or be someone else (cat-fishing) or to speak to people in a way they wouldn’t in person. It really takes away a lot of romance in dating especially.
Where we can follow you?
I am very active on Instagram mostly which is @Breetaylorofficial but I have all my social media links on my website www.breetaylor.com
Quote: “Everything Happens for a Reason”
Song: Currently I am loving “Gaslighter” by the Dixie Chicks
Movie: How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days
Travel Destination: California
Food: Pizza!
Sports Team: The Pittsburgh Penguins
