Check Out Taylon Hope’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylon Hope.

Hi Taylon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started singing in my church when I was very small doing solos at the age of 4. I immediately loved music so much and the larger the crowd to perform in front of the more I loved it. I started playing guitar when I was 7 as I wanted to be able to play for myself and I started playing piano by ear at the age of 10.

I just wanted to learn as much as I possibly could about music and advance my knowledge of music. I began traveling and getting to request to perform at venues at the age of 8. My parents started traveling with me and we began traveling all over my home state of North Carolina and the South. I recorded my first album in a small studio in NC at the age of 8 as well. I always had a love for songwriting as well and I wrote my first song at age 9. When I turned 11, I began coming to Nashville a lot to perform. I played my first show at the Bluebird when I was 11 years old. It was during that time I was introduced to one of my producers Kent Wells. Bandleader and producer for Dolly Parton.

We were introduced by family friends and we immediately got each other and shared the same love for country music. Kent and I since have now completed three albums together and were blessed to play the Ryman stage together. Nashville has been so good to me and it was like a family immediately. Everyone began reaching out to me to be a part and I just fell in love with being here and being a part of the music industry. At the age of 12, my family and I prayed a lot about the right direction for my music and we moved to Franklin, TN, so I could pursue my goals and dreams for my music. I have achieved things here I never dreamed of and met the most amazing songwriters and artists.

I just turned 16 and I am blessed to be hosting my own rounds at the Listening Room each month having sold-out shows, I was named top 20 of Women of Countrywomen to watch, I have been blessed to play the Opry stage twice and the Ryman. I am a signed artist at the Wildhorse in downtown Nashville, TN. I sat in the front row at the CMA Awards and watched so many of my greatest influences in country music perform. I have written with writers I never dreamed of being in the room with and now I see them as amazing friends and mentors. I just released a new single with Smith Currey producing it and I recorded that at Warner Chapel Studios.

I feel like as a writer and a musician, I have grown so much especially in the last year and Nashville is family to me now. I feel so blessed to continue pursuing my music dreams and to have a hometown, my family, and amazing friends in Nashville who believe in me and my music! I am really enjoying the journey its already been just an amazing ride and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think anytime you are chasing a dream there will be ups and downs. I remember a very famous writer told me at a really young age just know there will be highs and lows in the industry and you have to ride them both out. That is true but it’s all been worth it. Of course, it was hard to leave my hometown, family, and friends behind when we moved. I get home as much as I possibly can as I love North Caroline. However, I knew I had to be here to do what I wanted to achieve.

It’s for sure hard work, especially with school. I go to school full-time at a college prep school Battle Ground Academy. As soon as I am finished with school I go home to practice and work on my next set for a show. It’s competitive you have to really want it and not be afraid to go for it and to work constantly to keep yourself and your music out there! I work out a lot now to keep myself in shape and that has been really good for me. That has now become a big part of my life and I am grateful. I mean we all want Carrie Underwood’s legs right!

LOL. Covid was hard on all of us in the industry. I lost a year of shows probably the best year I had scheduled. But I just went online to get through it and stay connected to everyone. I also wrote some of my best songs during that time. Yes, it wants always to be smooth but I just think the ride is going to be worth it! It already has been and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a 16 singer/songwriter living in Franklin, TN. I love singing and performing. I am known for my country style and North Carolina accent. Oh and for sure, the red hair #ginger! haha, I play guitar and piano and some mandolin. I love country music and especially 90’s country. I love Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, just a few of my favorites. I do love a great ballad!

I am most proud of myself for going for my dreams. I am honored by some of the stages I have played on and in working with some of the writers and producers that I am working with currently. I am proud of myself for believing in who I am and not changing for the industry or others around me. I would say if I had to say something that sets me apart is that I try to stay humble, true to who I am, and just be genuine in who I am.

I believe in building others up around you and in giving God all the glory the opportunities that have been placed before myself and my family. I think my songs are about real life and they come from my heart. I hope that others can always relate to them and that they will inspire someone. I am often told that I have a unique sound and that others know my voice.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
That would have to be Christmas. My mom is the best decorator and cook. I also got my first guitar at Christmas and I won’t ever forget that. I just love Christmas because it’s about family and being together and that is so important to me.

Contact Info:

• Email: taylonhope@gmail.com
• Website: TaylonHopeMusic.com
• Instagram: @Taylon Hope Music
• Facebook: Taylon Hope Music
• Twitter: @Taylon Hope Music
• Youtube: Taylon Hope Music

Image Credits
Adrian and Happy Payne