Arizona native Dani Taylor hit the country music scene late this summer with her debut single “Girl Most Likely,” receiving high praise from American Songwriter, and its corresponding music video earned a premiere on CMT.com. Last week she was featured on 650 AM WSM’s Artist Spotlight and today, Dani is back with her second single “Man of Few Words.”
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.