Nashville-based singer-songwriter Taylor Bickett unveils her latest single and video, "I Like Mondays," emphasizing the rejection of perfectionism and the embrace of grace in the face of pressure. Following the success of her 2023 EP "grown up and lonely," which garnered over 30 million streams, Bickett's introspective lyrics and indie pop melodies resonate deeply with listeners. Her previous track, "Quarter Life Crisis," sparked a viral sensation on TikTok and showcased her ability to capture the zeitgeist of a generation. Currently on tour with Ron Pope, Bickett's upcoming shows in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Atlanta promise an intimate experience with her emotive storytelling and compelling vocals. Photo credit Caity Krone (@caitytakesphotos on Instagram)
How did your career as a musician begin?
I grew up in musical theatre and choir, and started doing small local gigs and contests as a solo performer around age nine, but it wasn't until college at Belmont University that I got serious about songwriting. I was a vocal performance major, and naturally signed up for a singing contest. Once I had advanced to the final round they informed us (three days before the show) that we had to perform an original song. I panicked at first, because I had only written a handful of songs, most of which were not completed, but it actually jump-started me to write the first original song I felt truly proud of, and I ended up winning the competition. That success gave me a confidence boost and led me to focus more heavily on songwriting, and I quickly discovered it as one of the great loves of my life. I can't imagine existing without it. I started releasing music officially as an artist in 2021.
Do you have any previous musical projects?
This is my first and only artist project, through which I've been releasing music for about three years. After a handful of singles, I released my first EP in November 2023.
First concert that you ever went to?
I can't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure it was Rascal Flatts at the Indiana State Fair.
What's your writing process like?
I feel something, and then it comes out of me, basically. The actual process varies from song to song, but most of the time, the lyrics and melody are married - they emerge at the same time and inform each other. I've had inspiration come from the oddest places; aside from my own life, I've been inspired by friends' experiences, TV shows, books, something heard in passing... I tend to view life in a romantic way. Anything can have meaning if you let it. I'm also a big editor, and am constantly going back and fine-tuning lyrics or phrasing until the song feels complete.
What other artists or songs inspire your music?
I'm inspired by classic songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Billy Joel, as well as more current artists like Sara Bareilles, Frank Ocean, and Phoebe Bridgers. Some of the songs on the playlist I created hold deep meaning for me. My mom grew up listening to John Denver and has always been in love with his songwriting; as a teenager I heard "Looking for Space" for the first time and felt deeply understood. I feel the same way about "Both Sides Now" by Joni, "Paper Bag" by Fiona Apple, "Funeral" by Phoebe Bridgers - they all have this introspection, this self-examination that speaks so strongly to me. That's the main theme that runs through this playlist and my own music. There's a line by Emily Dickinson that I keep going back to: “I am out with lanterns, looking for myself.”
What's the live experience like and your philosophy on playing live? Do you think the music live should be identical to the recorded version or should it be its own thing?
I definitely think that live music should have an identity of its own. There are absolutely instances in which it makes sense to mimic the recordings, but the fun of playing live is that it exists in a moment in time and then disappears forever. It's a special thing that is only experienced by you and the people in front of you. Changing things up tastefully is an amazing way to give people a one-of-a-kind experience. I believe that it creates a special bond between the artist and audience and is often what brings people back to your shows time and time again.
What has your touring experience been like? Best shows? Worst shows?
While I've been playing live for a while, this was my first-ever tour. I opened for Ron Pope on his US run, and we played in 17 cities. It was absolutely incredible to meet people who love my music, some of whom have been fans since I first started posting on TikTok four years ago. I was so blown away by the fact that these people exist in real life. It's one thing to comment on a post on the internet, and something else entirely to take the time to come to a show. I was given thoughtful gifts and notes and friendship bracelets and was so overwhelmed by love. It was also so cool to get to meet some of Ron's fans, who had never heard my music before but were moved by my performance enough to tell me so. The biggest challenge for me was trying to stay healthy while living on a tour bus with eleven other people. I was fighting off a cold for a couple of the shows, which was difficult, but every show was different and special and the whole tour was such an amazing experience.
What's up next for Taylor?
I just released a new single, "I Like Mondays," which is about my struggle with perfectionism. Looking forward, I am currently recording my second EP, and you can expect new music very soon!