Taylor & The Wild Now
Interview by Christina Belles
Interview by Christina Belles
Originally as a solo act, Taylor Baker started writing songs and collaborating with others in the Austin, TX music scene. Eventually she met up with Drew Walker and without a second thought they became Taylor & The Wild Now. The pure songwriting bliss that goes into each song is apparent and is the reason why this duo will go places in the indie/folk scene. We talked with Taylor about the past, present, and future in her career. Take a look below and check out her current single “Bewildered” at the bottom.
1. You’ve described your sound as indie/folk/soul; what made you realize that this genre was the right fit for you as a band?
We really prefer to not have a specific genre, but this description seems to be the best fit. Our music is so diverse and constantly changing, so we’re trying to create our own name for a genre to describe our sound. Maybe muddy bubble folk.
2. Being from Texas was this genre or country a lot of what you grew up on?
I’ve always listened to a ton of different types of music, even when I was a little kid. I would listen to oldies, pop, rock, alternative, and everything in between. I love how diverse and unique music is.
3. You, Taylor, won the Durango Sole Performer Contest not too long ago; what was that experience like?
It was incredible! The whole experience opened up tons of doors for us, and we were able to make so many invaluable connections in the industry. There was a lot a lot of travel involved, so that was a lot of fun for us to experience.
4. What was your reaction when you found out that you had won?
I definitely experienced several layers of shock when I first read that e-mail. It was so exciting and unexpected!
5. You just released your debut self-titled EP. Would you say everything really came together how you wanted it to?
Definitely. We were really excited to share our music with the world, and I think everyone was really satisfied with the end result of it all.
6. Before you released your self-titled, you released your singles “Wanderlust” and “Sun Song.” What was the suspense like building up to the release of your EP?
I was pretty eager to release it. This is the first time we’ve worked with a PR company, so it was a lot different than what I’ve done with songs in the past. It was more strategic, but it paid off to be that way rather than just throwing it out there with no plan.
7. Are you excited to get out on the road and play these songs live?
We can’t wait to go on tour! We don’t have anything lined up yet, but that’s on our goal list at the moment. Hopefully we can make it happen in the near future.
8. And if so, when can we look forward to some more tour dates?
We’ll be traveling to Ohio for a festival in October, but things are still in the works beyond that!
9. What would you say has been the most difficult part of your career for you all personally and collectively?
The first thing that comes to mind is just trying to get our music and name out there. The music industry is overflowing with so many amazingly talented bands, and it’s not easy to break through the surface of success. We’re going to make music regardless of our success, but growth of our fan base is ideal.
10. How did you, or do you continue to, overcome these struggles?
We just continue doing what we love and working hard to improve, grow, and create.
11. What has been the ‘highlight’ of your career so far?
I would say creating the EP, traveling to Nashville to play at CMA Festival, and winning the Durango/American Songwriter contest. Oh, and having a full page in Rolling Stone. 😉
12. What is the one dream the moment at which point either personally or collectively you would be able to say yes I’ve achieved this, I’m living my dreams?
Going on a tour around the country and selling out every single venue. Dreaming big is what I do best, and the only way I see goals come into fruition.
