Bree Taylor
Canadian country/pop artist Bree Taylor revealed her new single “Drive” on September 6th.
Co-written with Dajaun Martineau and Shaman Ayerhart, the song was inspired by the need to escape life's daily stresses and anxieties.
“I wanted to write a fun road trip song that was fun and carefree which is different from my usual emotional themed lyrics seen in my body of work. I really love putting my emotions into a song but I also love listening to music that is fun, upbeat and has that carefree vibe so I figured I would finally write one,” says Taylor.
With this new single, the Toronto artist introduces a different side of her artistry by offering an uplifting and positive record.
Bree Taylor is also an advocate for mental illnesses and encourages people to put themselves first.
“Drive” is now available on major streaming platforms.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name is Bree Taylor and I am a country pop singer-songwriter from Toronto, ON. I have a chihuahua named Aria whom I adore, my favourite colour is purple and I LOVE glitter. I love channeling my thoughts and emotions into songs - it has always been my creative outlet and a passion that has grown into a career. I love writing songs that people can connect to and putting on a performance that really makes people feel something. I have battled depression and anxiety since a young age and it has become something that I am a huge advocate for as an artist that is blessed with a platform that I can use to help make a change in the world. On top of this, I was badly bullied all through school. Instead of letting it negatively impact me and control my future, I have used all these negative situations and challenges that are a part of my story to strengthen me and fuel me to be a better person and help make a difference for others through my music.
How would you describe Bree Taylor, the artist?
I would describe Bree Taylor, the artist, as authentic, honest, open and unapologetic.
How did things change for you since your first release?
Since my first release "Broken Dreams" in September 2016 my music has changed a lot! I started off with very pop music and now my music is country pop. I am just such a storyteller with my songs that country music felt more like the right place for me. I started in country music back in high school and got drawn into the pop music world a few years ago when I was writing and recording my first EP, but have found my way back a couple years ago now as I have really come to figuring out who I am.
"Drive" is your latest single. What's the story behind this song?
The song is inspired by the need to escape life's daily stresses and anxieties. I wanted to write a fun road trip song that was fun and carefree which is different from my usual emotional themed lyrics seen in my body of work. I really love putting my emotions into a song but I also love listening to music that is fun, upbeat and has that carefree vibe so I figured I would finally write one.
Could you describe us the songwriting/production process? Who helped you create this song?
I took the idea that I had for the song to my producer/co-writer Dajaun Martineau and we started working on it together and then brought in a super talented Folk writer named Shaman Ayerhart who brought his own element to the mix and it was such an easy process that really flowed and came together beautifully into what you hear now. I have worked with Dajaun on a few of my songs now and he is super talented and great to work with and finding someone that you have creative chemistry with is so important in music.
What did you feel when writing this song?
I put myself in the space of someone who was on a road trip with her friends, laughing and having fun which wasn't difficult because I went on a road trip with two of my friends to Boston during the writing process, so I was really able to put myself in that zone and pull from those experiences when writing. I was channeling feeling blissfully happy, carefree and positive - leaving behind all my stress, anxiety and problems.
What made you want to release 'Drive' as a single?
We wrote the song specifically to be a single with a music video in mind as well so we approached the song in that way.
What do you like the most about this particular single?
I love that this song captures all the emotions that I wanted it to and really makes you feel happy when you're listening to it. I also love that this song is something different than my typical emotional songs that I have written in the past, giving fans the ability to hear a different side of me. I do have a happy, positive side to me and my life and writing happy songs is important but also more of a challenge for me so I love that this song show's that side of me and my music.
What can you tell us about the music video? What was the inspiration behind it?
I am a very visual person especially when it comes to lyrics. I wrote this particular song with California in mind as my inspiration (which is represented in some of the lyrics) because it's my personal happy place that I go to either in real life when I am able or in my mind when I want to feel happy and escape my personal anxiety or stress. It was such a blessing to be able to film the music video in California and show the places that I love so much. Also, getting to drive a mustang convertible was a little dream come true itself because I had always wanted to drive one when I was a kid so I knew that was an element I wanted in the video.
I just really wanted this music video to let people feel like they were in California and escaping from whatever they are going through in life for even just 3 minutes and I feel like we achieved that and the response to the video has proven that.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I always want my music to speak for itself through the lyrics especially because each song is a different story and emotion. However, I want my music to be a place for people to escape their problems and emotions the way music was for me growing up. I want my music to open doors for me to be able to advocate for deeper things that are close to my heart like mental health awareness, anti-bullying and animal rights.
Why do you make music? What keeps you going?
I make music because I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. Music was always there for me and I have always felt it was my purpose to create songs that would move people the way songs did for me growing up. Writing songs and performing are ways for me to channel my emotions and battle my depression and anxiety so that is what keeps me going. I also aim to be able to have a larger platform to be able to advocate for mental health and other philanthropic causes and ambitions. I want to be able to help change the world and make a difference in people's lives.
What do you want to accomplish as a human being?
I want to reach as many people as possible with my music and my words. I want to be successful in my career and in my personal life. I want to be able to make a real difference in the world and impact people's lives in a positive way through my music. I want to leave behind a legacy of positivity in whatever way I can for generations to follow.
What message would you like to deliver to anyone going through mental illnesses?
I want people to know that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. To not be afraid to ask for help and open up to someone in your life about what you are going through. That as hard as whatever you are going through is, to not give up. Keep fighting because you're worth it and love yourself and put yourself first.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I think the world would be a better place if we were kinder to one another and if we were kinder to ourselves.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
I have learned that you won't be able to please everyone in life. That when people are nasty and unkind it says more about them than you. That having a positive outlook, as hard as it is sometimes, is the best way to live a happy life. That it's best to let the little things go and swallow your pride. Always try to find the silver lining in a situation. And that a little act of kindness goes a long way.
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