We recently had the chance to connect with Taylor Hughes and have shared our conversation below.
Taylor, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
What a great question! Something that is bringing me joy outside of work right now is becoming a new mom. My work has always been my main focus and being in the music industry can make it tough to start a family. We had put becoming parents on hold for many years but finally decided that there is never really a perfect or “right” time to do that so my husband and I took that leap of faith and God blessed us with a beautiful baby girl. I have never felt this kind of love before, so much happiness no matter how exhausted I might be, ha! Every day I get to watch her grow and learn but I’m also seeing myself grow in ways I never thought I would. Our daughter is the greatest gift we could have ever received from God. She has even inspired me to write songs not only about her but that are more vulnerable!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Kentucky-born, Nashville-based country music artist, pouring my heart into songs that blend soulful vibes with a southern rock-blues edge. Since my debut album Good Taste in 2020, I’ve been grateful for the love my music has received, with songs like “Prayin’ to the Whiskey,” “Jesus and Jail” (2023), and “High on Something” resonating with fans and charting in Texas. I was honored to be called “Adele with a country kick” by Tennessee Star Magazine—a compliment that still humbles me.
Writing and performing my own music and getting to write music for other artists like the SiriusXM hit “Girl On A Fast Horse” recorded by Whey Jennings, has been a dream come true. I’ve been fortunate to share stages with artists like Chase Rice, Riley Green, Uncle Kracker, and Alexandra Kay, bringing raw energy and heartfelt storytelling to every show. Awards like Lexington’s “Country Artist of the Year” in 2023 and the Josie Music Awards’ “Southern Rock/Country Rock Female Vocalist of the Year” in 2024 have been incredible milestones, but what means the most is connecting with audiences who feel the passion in my music. I’m just getting started and can’t wait to keep sharing my journey.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
The person that has taught me the most about work is my dad. Majority of my life, my dad has been an entrepreneur which is essentially what being independent artist is. We both run our own businesses just different fields of work. My entire life I have watched him work day in and day out to provide for his family. He never really takes a day off and I would say that’s where I get my “work horse” mentality. He has never asked for a handout and believes in working hard for what you want. He has made endless sacrifices for his family and never asks for anything in return. He’s a go getter, never back down and never give up kind of man. He has taught me to persevere no matter what challenges I have to face and to never take no for an answer. If one door shuts, another one opens…or you knock it down yourself! I remember when I came to my parents and told them I wanted to leave college to pursue music full time. They were 100% supportive. Something he said that has always stuck with me is, “if this is what you want to do then you go all in, there is no back-up plan. You give it all you got” and that’s exactly what I intend to keep doing. He has also taught me to believe in myself even if no one else does. To trust in God’s plan and know that God gave me certain gifts for a reason so all I need to do is be the best I can be and have faith that it will work out the way it’s meant to be.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
The biggest thing that comes to mind is deciding to have a kid. I’ve been in the music industry for 12ish years now and a pretty common thing women are told is that having kids will end your career… kind of wild right? My career has always been one of the most important things to me and this “fear” that starting a family could kill my dreams sat with me for a long time. I pushed it off for 8 years but finally realized that there is no right or perfect time to have a baby and if I kept waiting for that moment, I may never have a child. I won’t lie, once I got pregnant and people started finding out, I was quickly shown who was in my corner and who wasn’t. It did bother me at first but then I realized that if people didn’t want to work with me just because I was going to be a mom, then those aren’t the kind of people I want to work with or be surrounded by. The idea that women can’t be moms AND chase their dreams is ridiculous and just makes me want to work even harder to prove them wrong. But most importantly, it makes me work harder because I want to be a good example for our daughter. I want her to see that she can do anything she sets her mind to and to be proud to call me her mom. I believe I can have more than one dream come true; being an amazing mama and a successful country artist.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say that the public version of me is absolutely the real me! That is one thing I always try to get across to my fans, in interviews, whatever it may be. I’m the same bourbon lovin’, country singin’, Kentucky girl I’ve always been. I live a pretty normal life. I’m down to earth, kind of goofy, family oriented, but my career just happens to be writing songs and singing my heart out on stage. I try to remain humble and thankful for all that I have as well. I don’t try to put on a facade and I don’t ever try to copy someone else. I’m uniquely me and I think my fans cannot only see that but also appreciate that. When I say reach out to me, stay in touch, or that I love hanging out with my fans, it’s 100% true. I’m just like you, country music lover!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I am doing what I was born to do. I like to think that God gave me the gift of music for a reason. Not only does it bring me joy but it also allows me to connect with people through shared experiences, emotions, etc. I don’t believe God puts a dream or passion in your heart if he doesn’t want you to chase it. I think the only question is, are you brave enough to go get it? I can confidently say that I am willing to work hard to make my dreams a reality but now it’s not just for myself, it’s for my family and that makes it mean so much more. Singing, writing, performing, all of it makes me feel alive, makes me feel like I have purpose and that is to tell my story or someone else’s through songs. Music really does bring people together and that’s a beautiful thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorhughesmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorhughesmusic/
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TayHughes_Music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorhughesmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZPhD12xLCpMZRUcDDFNjpw
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/taylor-hughes/1503626656
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0lUTE6qzOxQBCjbEKzAjOP?si=tIFMrQ3TQYWjJJEgj2odhg
Image Credits
Hank Jr Productions
James Hopper Photography
Pictorious Imagery
