Exclusive Interview with 'TAYLOR B-W'

Taylor B-W, a contemporary nostalgia queen serving unapologetic, phat Pop/R&B music with “lyricism that is personal, relatable, and tackling a full spectrum of emotion,” under the Pop umbrella. BANKS, The Weeknd, Vera Blue, Sevdaliza, Björk, Billie Eilish, Halsey, and Kimbra are just a few of the contemporary artists who have inspired B-W. She also draws inspiration from 90s music and culture, which permeates her own sound and brand. B-W is starting to gain recognition in the indie scene thanks to her frequent appearances on stages throughout Sydney (including sold-out performances at Django Bar, The Vanguard, and Street Market in Sydney). B-W demonstrates her preference for keeping her fans guessing with her first release, the dance-pop anthem “Spark Off The New Year,” turning a corner with the funky, electro-pop single “Be Mine,” shifting gears with the darker, alt-R&B earworm “Dreams,” and cranking the acceleration with “Nunchucks” and “I’m So Broke.” B-W initially pursued an acting career before rediscovering her love for music. She also changed her focus to wildlife conservation after experiencing health problems as a result of the strain of such a career, becoming a certified zookeeper at Sydney’s Taronga Training Institute. She is the legendary New Zealand singer Mark Williams’ daughter.

Sassy, strong, and honest. This is Taylor B-W’s EP, BTW TBW. B-W has curated six killer songs from the last six years with producer Liam Quinn (Rita Ora, Lime Cordiale, Peach PRC). Each track has the lyrical finesse her fans love, a 90s pop soundscape, biting melodies, and that voice. ‘BTW TBW’ establishes B-W’s penchant for writing bouncy tunes with deeper, thoughtful meanings with ‘I’m So Broke’ and ‘In Ur Net’. She incorporates 90s music influences throughout the EP, with ‘Mirror’ and ‘Stain’ reflecting Neneh Cherry vibes mixed with Max Martin productions. BTW TBW is a well-rounded collection of B-W’s jigsaw pieces as she closes this chapter of her life.

Taylor B-W is a top competitor in today’s Australian pop market with her debut body of work. BTW TBW was released on August 26, 2022. Check out the EP and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

TAYLOR B-W: I’m a Sydney, Australia gal. I pursued a solo music career about 4 years ago after I competed in a ‘battle-of-the-bands’ style competition and won the National title (then was flown over to Germany to compete in the international finals, coming 4th)… I kinda thought: I must be doing something right! And I came home and immediately began pursuing my dream career… and that has brought me to right now.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

TAYLOR B-W: I grew up training in all forms of dance, singing and acting. One out of school, I got a Certificate IV in Performing Arts, plus I majored in music in a BA degree at the University of Sydney.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘TAYLOR B-W’?

TAYLOR B-W: My first love (in music) was Michael Jackson. Anyone who knows me, even an acquaintance, would know I am his superfan! I just think his artistry and versatility was outstanding – one of our best entertainers. I’m also a HUGE fan of 90s music and culture so I still listen to a lot of nostalgic tunes as well.

When it came to my name, it’s basically just a shortened version of my full name, which is really long and a tongue twister to say fast (Taylor Beadle-Williams). Just wanted to simplify it a bit more.

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?

TAYLOR B-W: A strong key direction in my music is the lyrical content. I often like to disguise moody, darker lyrics and sentiments under a typically polished pop sound, to make my listener actually listen more. Plus, like I said, I’m a nostalgic person, so having a 90s flair is very important in my sound at the moment.

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?
**TAYLOR B-W**:
Vocally, I used to emulate SO MANY SINGERS growing up as a teenager – almost annoyingly so. I was so scared to sing ‘normally’ in public, so I would just imitate other singers and my friends would often say ‘but what do YOU sound like?’ I was crippled by self-doubt, so I masked my own sound under a cover. However, instead of that stifling my own originality and voice, over time the imitation gradually developed my own vocal timbre and ability. And once I found my ‘voice’, I just kept on performing and developing my artistry in every way possible. Musically, I’ve tried many styles under the Pop umbrella, so it has taken time to find my current 90s sound and funkiness. But I’ve learnt that the best thing to to is be true to you, and that is the sound you hear now.

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?

TAYLOR B-W:

I confront many social themes that hold deeper meanings – particularly mental health. I’m a big believer in speaking the truth in music, and music is the best vehicle for people to really find their truth, as the writer and as the listener.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

TAYLOR B-W:

I’m definitely fulfilled with my current music and sound, although I’m so excited to keep exploring my music direction. I have had my current songs with me for quite some time, so this year has been the year to release most of those songs so I can start a new chapter and experiment in various musical ways.

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?

TAYLOR B-W:

It’s all over the place. However, if I had to pick one process that seems to recur more often: I start alone, humming a melody in my head, which I record on my voice memo app. Then I take it to the piano, play around with the chords and melody, and jot some loose lyrics down. I often know at this point whether this is an idea worth working on or not,

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

TAYLOR B-W:

Grief. And that form of emotion holds so much weight.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

TAYLOR B-W:

I think my proud moment will come at the end of 2022 when I look back on this past year, having released several singles, my debut EP and music videos; embarked on a tour; hit massive milestones on Spotify, collaborated with brilliant people etc. I’m so happy with where I am right now, but the best is yet to come!