We caught up with Dani to talk about her musical journey, her reaction to the industry’s praise of her debut, and her newest single.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
DT: I’m a country singer-songwriter born and raised in Arizona. I have been living in Nashville, TN for the past few years.
CN: Growing up you performed in a choir as well as in musical theatre, but it was your discovery of country music that sparked a new lane of creativity for you. What was it that clicked?
DT: Country music is an outlet that I never knew I needed until I discovered it. It allows me to truly tell my stories, my life, my feelings and opinions in an effortless yet poetic way. I love that I can be honest and open yet my words can have double meanings at the same time in country. There is always a story to tell and I love telling stories.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
DT: Kacey Musgraves has been a huge influence for me writing-wise. I love how honest she is and she’s not afraid to speak her mind. She has something to say and stand for. And that is how I live my life and I hope my songs can do the same for others that hers have done for me.
CN: Your debut single “Girl Most Likely” was released this past August to high praise. Did you expect to receive such a quick reaction to your first release, including the music video premiere on CMT?
DT: No, I wasn’t expecting anything for my first release! I’m so happy with the outcome of my debut single. I hope that this follow up single can reach a wider demographic and have the same good reactions I got on my first single.
CN: On October 4, you were featured Artist Spotlight on 650 AM WSM, the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry. What was going through your mind when you found out?
DT: I am very happy I got this opportunity to be heard on the radio! This means more than any number of streams. The Opry is a dream and to be selected to be featured as an artist spotlight on WSM radio is a huge honor. I am grateful and very excited!! I’m glad they liked my song enough to feature me!
CN: “Man of Few Words” is your second single and set to release on October 9th. Can you share the inspiration behind the song?
DT: I was inspired by quiet guys when I wrote this song. I’ve never dated a quiet guy so I had to write this song from my imagination. I hope to find a man of few words for myself one day. This song is me manifesting that but also, I think a lot of people can relate to dating or being in a relationship with someone whose actions speak louder than their words. I find that very beautiful. I personally find actions far stronger and more loving than words and I wanted to highlight that.
CN: The new single is beautiful all around; from your vocals to the instrumentation to the lyrics. It also shows a different style than “Girl Most Likely” which leaned more pop-country. How important was it for you to release two singles that show your different styles of music?
DT: It was important for me to show all sides of me. I am not just happy all the time, or sad all the time, or singing break up anthems all the time. I have relationships, breakups, periods where I don’t date and times when I get mad about dating in the 21st century. I am a female in my 20s, I go through a lot of emotions and turmoil. There are so many ups and downs during this time in my life and it would be wrong of me only to capture 5% of that. That is why I decided to put out this single and make it stylistically more country and a little more old school. I don’t like to be put in a box, I have too many emotions for that. “Man of Few Words” shows my vulnerability and my hopes of finding true love in the future. I’m just showing that I am not one-sided as an artist. I want to show all sides of me, not just independent happy Dani.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
DT: I would love to collaborate with Kane Brown. He was the last artist I saw perform live before lockdown. He has an amazing voice and I love the messages of his songs. It’s always uplifting. He seems very kind and I’d really like to write a song with him or duet with him.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
DT: Honest. I am authentic and I tell the truth. I don’t hide my emotions or who I am or how I feel. It’s easier to live your truth. I feel bad for people who have to keep up a public persona that isn’t who they truly are. That must be exhausting.
CN: Do you have any upcoming live events or live-streams?
DT: Yes! I will be performing on Live Country Sessions on Instagram Live at 1pm CST October 20th. No events yet. I hope to start booking shows in the new year but I am currently playing everything by ear until it is safe enough to perform live.
Download/Stream “Man of Few Words” here.
For more information on Dani Taylor, visit her website danitaylormusic.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.