Tell us about yourself as an artist/musician. What do you do? I’m a singer, songwriter; I play guitar and piano. However, I do want to learn some other instruments as well. I’m very particular about lyrics in my music and strive for authenticity. I don’t worry too much about the concept of writing more general lyrics that more people can relate to. If you write something that perfectly describes what you’re feeling or experiencing, even if it’s very specific and not very universal, that’ll make it all the more special to somebody who hears it and does specifically relate to it. I know I’ve listened to songs that have helped me sort out my feelings even if I didn’t have the words for them yet, and I would love it if I could create something that does that for somebody else.
How long have you been making music, and what sparked your interest in music? I always had an interest in music - I remember lots of music playing in the house when I was a kid, a lot of classic country and oldies. As a young kid, I was interested in singing and playing guitar, even if I didn’t really know how to do those things yet! I started getting more decent with those skills when I was around junior high, and I probably started writing more decent songs around high school. As far as what really sparked my interest in music specifically, I remember Demi Lovato’s debut album La La Land caught my attention and was one of the first albums I was really into and inspired by.
Tell us about your time at NOMU so far? Do you have a favorite memory or experience during your time here? I love it here; Norco is my happy place! I think the people really make the program what it is - of course, there’s the academic end of things which is great, but the people make it special; I love this community. At the beginning of Spring 2020, before everything got moved online, I became friends with Isaiah Villar, MK Peña, and David Amado, and we started a group called The Sleepless Society. We’re all still friends, which is really special to me. Between that and all the other friends I’ve made and collaborated with, I think that’s one of my favorite things about my time here.
When you’re writing or playing music, what influences constantly inspire you as a musician/artist (specific artist, film, art piece, etc.)? A few artists who have influenced me over the years would be Amy Lee from Evanescence, Florence + the Machine, and Hudson Taylor, an Irish folk duo. I also get inspired by the talented people I’m around in my classes! I’ll see the incredible things they’re doing, and it inspires me to push myself in whatever I’m doing.
What are your plans or goals in your life now concerning school, music, or just personally, any other pursuits? I’m going to be in school for a good while - I have a few plans in community college; I’m going for my associate’s degree in Audio Production. I’m also doing honors classes and have some classes that I want to take for my own personal interest. After community college, I’m hoping to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona.
Any hobbies outside of music that you’re interested in? I’m a foodie. I love trying new foods and cooking! I also like traveling and exploring new places whenever I get the chance. I also enjoy playing computer games.
Is there anything you’d like to add, anything you want to tell whoever might be reading this interview, or anything you want people to know about you? Trust the process and enjoy the journey! It can be so easy to feel like you need to have all the answers before going into something new, but sometimes it can paralyze you from making any progress. If you just start and stick with something, you’ll be able to look back and see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve accomplished.
taylor taxdal
Album Credits:
Gravity
Sober
Louder Than Words
Apart Together