Interview with singer/songwriter and Stanford student Taylor Grey

Hi Taylor, please tell us a little about you?

Hi! I’m a singer-songwriter and a college student at Stanford!

Describe your sound in 3 words?

My sound is sweet edgy pop

How+when did you get started in the music business?

I never had a breakout moment or anything like that. I started recording my own songs during my voice lessons when I was 14 and kept taking small steps. Until a few years ago, music was my passion but education was my priority. I really focused a lot of my energy on getting into Stanford, and then I was able to spend a lot more time with the music.

Have you ever gone to school for music? How did you learn/what all can you do?

I haven’t! I started writing songs before I started middle school to help me cope with all of these new emotions and experiences. After a few years of writing lyrics in composition notebooks and having to memorize a Rolodex of melodies (this was before iPhone recording!), I decided that learning some piano and guitar would help me. I tried a handful of lessons but was always so impatient so I turned to YouTube tutorials.

Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?

I loved Avril Lavigne’s music since I was in third grade. Taylor Swift’s first few albums taught me how to write songs. Lana Del Rey and Marina and the Diamonds introduced me to the dark depths of music when I relied on them to get me through high school. The summer before my senior year I found Halsey and loved her measured mix of complicated, truthful lyrics with rhythmic beats.

Do you ever get nervous? If so, what do you do to stay calm and centered?

Yeah, a lot. I repeat “I’m fine everything’s fine” or give myself pep talks. Meditation probably works a lot better but I hate thinking about nothing.

What is your next goal as a musician?

I want to play a festival!

You toured with New Hope Club for the US/Canada run of their ‘Love Again’ World Tour this past month, can you tell us more about that and what it’s like working with the British trio?

I can honestly say New Hope Club is such an incredible group of super talented musicians and just genuinely nice guys. I first met them and became a massive fan when we toured together in the UK opening up for the Vamps, so I was very excited to be back on the road with them. We’ve just done the California shows, and their fans are just as lovely and incredible as they are. Also, I’ll never get tired of their accents.

Now tell us about your recent release “Bubbly”?

I was asked to record a couple of covers for a TV show when I was in the UK in May! They gave me a giant list of songs and Bubbly immediately stood out. It was one of the first songs I would try to play on the piano and sing along to and it’s really special to me because Colbie Caillat was the first artist that I found I recognized my sound in and really aspired to be like her.

What we can expect of Taylor Grey in rest the of 2019?

Big things 🙂 I‘m now touring with Why Don’t We on their 8 Letters Tour for the rest of the summer.

What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?

The Real Slim Shady!

Name one of your strengths? 

I’ve never had a problem reaching a school paper word limit – I always go over (that’s probably a weakness tbh)

What is your own definition of happiness?

Growing up I was so trapped by depression and eating disorders, so my definition of happiness is a day where I’m not stuck in my head, I’m with people I love doing what I love, and I couldn’t care less about what I look like. It’s rare.

Any loves other than music?

I love mystery documentaries, platform shoes, and the moments I get to be with my friends.

The idea of a perfect Sunday?

Getting just the right amount of sleep where I wake up and am not still tired, postmates Thai Food, friends, no traffic, and Matthew Gray Gubler from Criminal Minds.

Who is your biggest beauty inspiration? 

I try to use myself as inspiration. I don’t mean it like I think I’m so pretty or anything like that, quite the opposite actually. I spent so much of my life comparing myself to others – when you’re in your head a lot, inspiration can often morph into a competition. So now if I want to get glammed up, I just want to make myself look as good as I can look. I try to accept my own features and accentuate those as opposed to trying to emulate or create other features.

What would be a deal-breaker on a first date?

“Sorry I’m late I was dropping off cocaine to my younger sister.” That actually happened. There was no second date.

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

Lizzo because Lizzo

Do you support any charities?

I’m actually selling resuable straws at all the 8 Letters Tour (Why Don’t We), and will be donating to an nonprofit that is focused on removing plastic waste/straws from the ocean. Will be announcing the charity soon.

Where we can follow you?

Instagram and Twitter are both @iamtaylorgrey

Favorite Song: “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” – Death Cab For Cutie

Favorite Movie: US (Directed by Jordan Peele)

Favorite Travel Destination: My room

Favorite Food: Starbucks Bacon Gouda Egg Breakfast Sandwich, it’s my guilty pleasure

Favorite Sports Team: Warriors