Electro-pop artist Tayler Buono is more than just a pretty face. A multifaceted performer, she continues to push herself creatively and expand her creative horizons. Her latest single, “Something About You,” is a satisfyingly R&B-hued electro-pop jam, which recently debuted on Spotify and has amassed over 3.5+ million streams. In addition, she recently unveiled a hauntingly beautiful video in support of the single. The track serves as a fitting follow up to her saccharine, trap-infused bop, “Technically Single,” released in the summer of 2016. With smart lyrical content and infectious songs in her growing musical arsenal, Tayler Buono stand ready to take 2017 by storm! Jason Price of Icon Vs. Icon recently caught up with Tayler for a quick Q&A. In the interview, she offers a look inside her blossoming career, her songwriting process, her evolution as an artist and much more!
What are you first memories of music?
My first memories are sitting at the piano with my dad as a toddler making up little silly songs as he’d play.
How did you first start getting involved with the arts?
I started taking voice lessons when I was 8 years old along with acting and dancing as I was a part of a musical theater academy.
What can you tell us about the process of finding your creative voice?
I didn’t start to find my own creative voice until I started writing my own songs. I didn’t have the confidence or courage to sing for anyone until then. I wrote my first song when I was 14 right after I learned my first 4 chords on guitar.
Who were some of the performers and people behind the scenes who helped to shape the artist we see today?
Bono, Coldplay, Rihanna, One Republic, Ellie Goulding, Queen and Jessie J.
At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
I knew I wanted to pursue it when I started writing songs at 14.
Dedicating yourself fully to your art is a big step. Did you ever have any reservations about taking the plunge?
It was definitely overwhelming at first because I didn’t know where to start. It’s a tough industry because there’s not really a road map and there’s so many talented artists out there but I knew that I wanted to pursue it and had to find a way.
You are clearly very driven when it comes to your career. What has kept you inspired throughout the years as an artist and fueled your creative fire?
I’m constantly making new music and the music keeps me inspired.
You made the move from Florida to Nashville. How has that experience impacted you as an artist?
It’s grown me a lot because I’m constantly surrounded by other great artists and songs. It’s also led me to meet my current manager and team.
You recently released a video for your single “Something About You.” What can you tell us about the song and what it means to you?
“Something About You” is about a friendship I’ve had for a long time that turned into a romantic relationship because there’s something about this person that I’ve always been drawn to.
You also put out a great video for the single. What can you tell us about the process of bringing it to life?
It was a super spontaneous shoot. My videographer, Steven, and I just drove around LA and shot at different beautiful places we found. Steven is super talented and added the cool visual effects.
What can you tell us about the songwriting process for your music?
I write from an honest place and take pieces of my life and put them in my songs. I wrote “Technically Single” by reading the text messages in my phone and putting them in the song. It’s a pretty direct and honest song.
Your songs can be intense and very personal. Was it a difficult process to get to a point where you were able to bare your soul?
Yes. When I wrote “Technically Single” I was afraid of anyone hearing it because it was so personal and upfront. I waited a while before I let anyone hear it. It was really cool to see that a lot of people related to it and loved it.
In addition to your original music, you have released some great covers of some amazing songs. To you, what do you look for a song you cover from another artist?
I chose to cover the songs I did just because I loved the songs and felt like singing them that day.
How do you feel you have most evolved as an artist since you first started professionally?
I feel I’ve grown a lot. I’ve been writing songs since I was 14 years old so I’ve put in a ton of time and work towards this. I’ve evolved a lot as I’ve found my sound and voice.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an independent artist?
As an independent artist I’ve just had to be really driven and focused because I’ve had to be my own label and everything. The biggest challenge I’ve had has been finding ways to get things done on a small budget.
What do you consider your biggest milestones along the way?
My biggest milestone so far has been writing “Technically Single” and it passing 18 million streams on Spotify.
As an artist, so many things can be said about the current state of music. What excites about the music today?
I’m excited because there aren’t really any rules or limits to what you can create and pop music is constantly evolving and changing. It’s fun to try and create fresh, out of the box ideas. It’s exciting because everyday I have an opportunity to make something new and make music that I love. As an artist if you love the music you make chances are other people will to.
We are headed into 2017 in just a few short weeks. Where do you see yourself headed musically in the future — with short and long term?
I see myself putting an EP out in the spring of 2017 and touring. Then an album after that.
What is the best way for fans to help support you at this stage in your career?
The best way for fans to support me is to share my music with their friends, follow my socials online so that they can stay updated and come to my shows in the future.
You can serve as a great inspiration for so many aspiring artists and young people. What is the best lesson we can take away from your journey so far?
Honestly I’d say to just be patient, be you, and never give up. Be willing to try new things, mess up, fail, start over, over and over again. No shame. Eventually something will click. You’re best bet is to just be you because you’re the only one that can do that.
Follow the continuing adventures of Tayler Buono! Visit her official website at TaylerBuono.com. Connect with her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat!
Jason Price founded the mighty Icon Vs. Icon more than a decade ago. Along the way, he’s assembled an amazing group of like-minded individuals to spread the word on some of the most unique people and projects on the pop culture landscape.
