Music's Week: What inspired you to become a musician, and what was the first song you wrote?
Penny Taylor: Music was all around me as I was growing up. My uncle did music, my dad was a promoter and there was always music playing in the house. My first song, I don’t remember it but it was rap and very bad.
Penny Taylor: Music was all around me as I was growing up. My uncle did music, my dad was a promoter and there was always music playing in the house. My first song, I don’t remember it but it was rap and very bad.
Music's Week: Can you tell us about your songwriting process? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into a creative flow?
Penny Taylor: That’s a very common question and I don’t have a process. I hear music all the time. I’m always writing even if it’s just in my head until I can get to a place to translate it to paper. When it hits me, I have to get to it. This has caused many sleepless nights. I’m nocturnal.
Music's Week: Your music has been described as genre/style. Can you talk about how you developed your unique sound and what influences you drew from?
Penny Taylor: I don’t put myself into a genre because I find that limiting. I just create what comes and feels good to me. That can be anything. When I look for inspiration I look at the legends. MJ, Prince, and James Brown are at the top of the list. They taught me to be a perfectionist and work ethic. Then I have my favorites like PartyNextDoor, The Weekend, Bryson Tiller, and Chris Brown. In Hip Hop, J Cole, Kendrick, and Drake.
Music's Week: What do you hope listeners take away from your music? Is there a message or emotion you're trying to convey?
Penny Taylor: I want everyone to have their own unique experience. I want them to throw it on and just vibe out on a long drive or just sit by themselves relaxing. Just let the sound and lyrics take you where you need to go. Music is an escape.
Music's Week: Have you collaborated with other artist/producer? What was that experience like, and how did it shape your approach to your own music?
Penny Taylor: I want to collaborate but it has been difficult. I have found artists to work with but they have been intimidated by my work ethic and pursuit of perfection. My manager doesn’t help the process either. He will get on you if you’re not giving it your best, late, or what he deems unprofessional.
Music's Week: How do you balance your creative vision with the expectations of your fans and the music industry?
Penny Taylor: I don’t balance it at all. I create music to soothe my soul and spirit and then I share it. Trying to please everyone is a recipe for disaster.
Music's Week: What's been the most surprising or surreal experience in your career so far?
Penny Taylor: To have people tell me that they love my music. I had a listening party and watched everyone go into the vibe zone. I was watching to get a feel of what they liked and they liked it all. One of my songs (Sands of Time) and video was aired on live television following Saturday Night Live.
Music's Week: Can you walk us through your live show setup and what fans can expect when they come to see you perform?
Penny Taylor: The live show setup is a process. My manager and I discuss demographics and that sets the tone. What does the place look like? I like intimate dark spaces where I can control all that the fan can see and hear. I think major production, not just some guy getting on stage and performing. I want to take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Music's Week: How do you stay inspired and motivated to keep creating new music, especially when faced with challenges or setbacks?
Penny Taylor: I’m inspired by my life experiences and those of others as well, so there’s always inspiration. As far as challenges, they will always be there and just have to adapt.
Music's Week: What's next for you in terms of new music, touring, or other projects? What are you most excited about in the coming months or year?
Penny Taylor: There is so much music because I’m always writing. I trust my team and they come up with a release schedule. I’m an artist and would just throw it all out there. I have a show Oct 19th at the Matanuska Brewing Company in Anchorage. They deal with big acts and have given me full reign for this show. That speaks loudly to me. We will be shooting some videos and releasing music that’s sure to make everyone take notice, Penny Taylor is a force to be reckoned with. “Toxic Twin”, keep your eyes and ears open. We have some major shows we are in negotiations about as well.
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