Taydem Shoesmith is a young musician who has loved music since childhood. The fact that her father sang to her every night kindled her interest in singing. During her first year of high school, she found comfort in creating music. Initially, she feared sharing her music with others because she feared being judged for her thoughts and emotions. But as time passed, she learned that others shared her sentiments and decided she should continue sharing her works.
Her musical style ranges from singer-songwriter to alternative to pop. Recently, she released the single “Are You Clapping?,” which is about loving oneself and not allowing others to alter who you are or what you want to be. Michael Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Billie Holiday, Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello, among others, are her primary musical influences.
In addition to her enthusiasm for music, she has a strong interest in acting. In 2020, she made her acting debut when she was cast in the short film “In the Dark.” She has played the lead role in many films and composed music for films, including the theme song for a short series. This phrase sums precisely how she thinks about music: “Music is my inhaler when life makes it impossible to breathe.” Check out her song “Are You Clapping?” and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH: I’m from a smaller town Carroll, IA. Carroll isn’t exactly a place where you have many chances to be creative. We don’t really have art museums, dances, or performances. So I find it kind of funny that my own life revolves around the arts! My parents though are both very creative, and I think they are the cause of my love of the arts. My dad would sing to my older brothers and I every night, and my mom would always include us in her cool DIY projects. So music and singing have always been in my life, but only in the last few years did I start creating music. My journaling turned into lyrics and that eventually led me to creating music!
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH: I haven’t had any formal training vocally unless you count being in chorus haha! I’ve been singing since I can remember, and I’m still practicing and learning now. I’m kind of figuring out what kind of music suits me best and how to vocally give my best performance. I should probably get formal training though haha!
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘TAYDEM SHOESMITH’?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH: Even though I’m not much of a country music person now, country music actually played a big role for me growing up, specifically Rascal Flatts. Rascal Flatts have incredible music and such a range of sound and emotions. My favorite thing about Rascal Flatts and what I took away from their music the most, is that you can always feel and understand the message of their songs. They really know how to move people whether it be with a fun upbeat song or a ballad type song.
As for the name Taydem Shoesmith, it’s actually my real given name. I never really liked my name growing up because I felt like it was weird or too different. People either said it wrong or spelled it wrong, and as a kid that can bother you. But now that I’m a bit older I‘ve grown to love my name because I think it’s unique and I feel like it suits me well. I thought about a stage name but at the end of the day I want to be real with my music, so I might as well be real with my name.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH: Since I’m just kind of starting out with my new single “Are You Clapping” being my first professional studio made song, I don’t really have a “sound” yet. I’m still currently figuring out my sound. There are lots of different genres and vibes that I want to try out. This newest song, and most of my other self made songs, typically have a deeper meaning to them. I strive for my lyrics being able to connect with people and write about topics that are sometimes hard to talk about in life.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH:
I’m still fairly young and inexperienced when it comes to music, so I think I’m still figuring out the kind of artist I want to be. There are so many different genres and vibes I want to try. I think I’ve finally gotten to a point where I’m putting my own spin on things vocally, instead of trying to imitate different artists. I’m not sure if there was a certain process to that. I would record myself a lot when singing covers, and I would go back and review what parts suited me and what sounded too forced. But still, I have a lot to learn and experience!
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH:
That really is the great thing about music, that it can be about anything. I like creating music that is both entertaining and personal but also deals with world issues too. My newest single I would say has a feminist tone to it. For me, believing in what I’m writing is the most important aspect. Everyone has different tastes and different interests, so I think it makes sense to have both serious topics and lighthearted topics out there in music. Music is about connecting to people, that’s the best part about it. If you do that I don’t believe there’s a right or wrong way to do it.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH:
Creating music can take a lot of time and effort, but when I’m in the process of making a song I’m not thinking of it as work. Especially since it’s something I enjoy so much and is, in a way, my sort of therapy. I kind of get immersed into the process, and don’t really register how much I’m working. When I get to the point in the process where the song is finished and I feel is portraying what I want, I’m just so happy that we got to that point. As of right now I feel fulfilled. That might change in the future, but right now I’m thankful to even get the chance to create my music.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH:
As of right now I haven’t collaborated with anyone when it comes to the writing. When it comes to writing, I’m usually inspired by an old journal entry of mine or sometimes a random event happens in my life that causes inspiration. I like to start off with a theme or idea for the song before I get into the specifics with the lyrics. With “Are You Clapping” the producers and I talked about the lyrics and the kind of direction and sound I wanted to go with it. And they ended up creating a great track which I’m super grateful for. It was my first time having to work with others on a song, and I was very nervous about it! I didn’t really know how to get my ideas across. So it was a bit of a struggle, but a needed learning process that I took a lot away from.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH: Considering I’m just starting out music, I haven’t had any major things I’ve had to endure. I think both in my life in general and in music one of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with is trying to get myself out there. I have pretty bad anxiety and have struggled with depression, so working through that and on myself has been a journey. I think I’ve finally got to a point where I’ve gained some confidence and want to share the work I do. Like I said before, music is kind of my therapy. I’m sure there will be more struggles and obstacles in my future, but I think improving myself as a person is important and something I can share through music.
10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
TAYDEM SHOESMITH: My songs start out as my story, my thoughts, and my experience, but if people listen to my songs and relate to it, it can become their song, their story. I don’t really care if they understand my story, I just hope they understand the overall feeling of the song. If my song can make them happy, inspired, or seen, then I’ll feel incredibly proud.
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