MUSICAL NOTES

FEATURING TAYLOR HUGHES

A: Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be an artist, but never told anyone until the end of high school. Even though I was shy, I was always involved in shows and choir at school and my friends and I would put on talent shows for our parents. Growing up, I was involved with athletics and played volleyball year-round through my junior year of high school. I had planned on going to college on a volleyball scholarship, but a serious knee injury stopped me. That was a blessing in disguise because that’s when I decided to start taking guitar lessons. My dad took me to my first lesson where I met my guitar teacher, who I still work with today, Paulie Felice, and came to find out my dad used to babysit him back in the day. After a few lessons, Paulie realized I could sing and he decided we needed to go to a TV comcast at The Nashville Palace called "Nashville Spotlight." My parents were very confused because I had only had a few guitar lessons, but Paulie explained I was a singer. They were still in disbelief, but we came down to Nashville and I performed for the first time. It went so well, the host, other artists, and fans came up to my parents saying they couldn't wait to have me back. Of course, my parents were shocked and as we left the venue, they asked me if I was lip-syncing and I said, "No, this is me!" That's when they knew there was something special here. I started performing for Nashville Spotlight regularly and playing wherever I could in my hometown in Kentucky. That's where things started to take off and I finally made the move to the Nashville area in 2017. The rest is history!

A: As a songwriter, I find inspiration in all kinds of things. Some of my songs are based on my life experiences, others on things friends or family members have been through, I'm inspired by TV shows, books I've read, or a lyric from another song. My biggest inspirations for my music are artists like Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, and Chris Stapleton. Their sound, lyrics, and style are truly unique and authentic, and that is what I try to bring to the table with my music.

A: Since moving to Nashville, I have written a lot of songs and currently have three singles released. My debut single, "Good Taste," was released in April 2020 right when the pandemic hit. I had to get creative and learned how to promote it from the comfort of my home. I began live streaming, learning the business side of the industry, and writing more. I was able to not only promote my song to fans but was able to create new fans all around the world. "Good Taste" even hit iHeart radio. My second single, "Prayin' to the Whiskey" was nominated for international song of the year in Ireland, making the top 10. I received a nomination for "International Rising Country Artist" in the UK. This song opened a lot of doors for me; working with organizations like Bourbon with Friends Bourbon Ball, which benefitted Folds of Honor, I've had multiple podcast interviews on bourbon and music podcasts, I've headlined bourbon festivals and events and now will be playing Freedom Jam in Missouri this May benefiting our veterans and first responders. "Prayin' to the Whiskey" was a special release for me because it was a song I wrote with my dad and one I was known for around Nashville. My latest single, "High on Something" has been charting in the top 100 on Texas Internet Radio and climbing. This song was one I was nervous to release because it was different and showed a more vulnerable side of me. My next single, "Jesus and Jail," will be out in May and is a signature "Taylor Hughes" song. It is truly one of my favorite songs I've written (the co-writer is Krystal King.) My fans have been loving this song when I play it live it's sassy, edgy, and authentically me.

A: If I had to pick one, it would be "Tin Man" by Miranda Lambert. She is a big inspiration for me as an artist and someone I truly admire. Her songwriting is so clever, real, and honest. This song in particular has always hit me any time I hear it because "Tin Man '' is raw, vulnerable, and most importantly, it's relatable. That’s so important when writing music and as an artist, you want to connect with your fans through music and shared experiences. It was one of my favorite songs to cover and one I wish I wrote myself. Every time I see her play it live, I get sucked in and my emotions take over. That's what music is all about, evoking a real, raw emotion and feeling.

A: I have been blessed with the best fans! Some that I have known for years now and pretty much consider family. My biggest fans though are my parents and my husband. They have all sacrificed so much and supported me in their unique way. Whether it's through encouragement, helping me keep a steady head, blocking out negative thoughts, or challenging me and pushing me to be the best I can be. Someone else that was a big fan of mine but sadly is no longer with us, was my pawpaw. He would come to every show he could and cheer me on. He was so proud to tell people I was his granddaughter and would always say, "Taybell, when you make it big you gotta take care of your old pawpaw." Of course, I always agreed to this, he was and still is special to me. Every time I step on stage, I know he is watching over me and cheering me on. My goal is to always make those family members, friends, and fans proud because I couldn't do this without them.

A: I'm excited to be getting back on the road! I'll be hitting multiple cities in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Florida, and more! One festival I'm playing is the Freedom Jam Festival at The Camp of Lake Wappapello in Missouri on May 20. This festival is very important to me because these shows raise money for our veterans and first responders. I have several family members who have served, and I think it's so important we show these brave men and women more gratitude. Tickets for that are on sale now on my website at taylorhughesmusic.com. My tour schedule is up to date on my website so fans can come to see a live show and don't forget to subscribe!

Follow Taylor Hughes @taylorhughesmusic and download her songs on all your favorite streaming platforms.