Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Wafford.
Hi Taylor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a musician. When I was a kid, about 9 years old, I began experimenting with recording at my “studio”, which consisted of a little M-audio interface, a knock-off SM58, and a little digital keyboard. It’s always been about the craft–finding ways to make something out of thin air, and obsessing over the process. There was no music scene in Havelock, North Carolina, where I grew up. I had to wait to get my driver’s license before I ever saw a real basement show, which was about an hour and a half drive to Greenville. The only people I could talk about music with were strangers on the internet, save for a few friends at school. I wanted to learn every instrument I could get my hands on, starting with piano, then moved to guitar, clarinet, soprano sax, bass guitar, and vibraphone. And of course, I was in the choir.
Once I went off to college at Appalachian State, I was able to hop the fence at my apartment and suddenly be at a show, which inspired me to start my own band in which I was the primary songwriter. I reflect so fondly on those times, and that place.
I headed off to Nashville for an internship with a management company, then got my first job as a booking agent assistant. I used all my sick days to play shows out of town and ended up completely burnt out and dying to pursue my own music career. I released my first single as Blood Root during that time (2019), and shortly after, I left my job without much of a safety net. I walked dogs and taught guitar lessons until I got a job at Eastside Music Supply. After a few years of working there (and weathering the Covid storm) Blood Root got offered a full US tour as part of a 4-band touring package. It was the best time of my life. We’ve done a handful of other, smaller tours before and since then, but this was the real stuff. A life-changing experience that let me know that I’m on the right path. Since then, I’ve released two albums, continued part-time work at Eastside, and played hired gun as a guitarist/keys player/background vocalist in other bands, touring around the country, while I continue to write new music and nurture my project and craft.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most musicians, a huge barrier to entry has always been finances. There is no private investor, label money, etc. I’ve worked extremely hard for everything I’ve done, with very little ROI. I figure, you really have to love doing this, and sometimes that’s reward enough, but the real world comes knocking from time to time. We desperately need better infrastructure for paying artists a living wage.
Aside from that, I’ve learned a lot about people, and knowing when to hold your cards close to your chest. Not everyone has your best interest in mind, and you shouldn’t always go with the first person who gives your music the time of day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would say that my specialities are in songwriting and crafting a sound. I’ve produced all of the Blood Root records, and it’s actually my dream to produce albums for other people. With my combined authentic songwriting approach and my exposure to tons of music gear (pedals especially), I almost always immediately have a vision for a song before I’m even done writing it. The soundscape, the feeling. I become so obsessive over a song while it’s in that phase, like it’s literally what I’m put here on this Earth to do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I think 2026 is gonna be a big year for Blood Root. Releasing my most recent album, “Turn” was a big feat, and I’m excited to continue what matters most–the craft. I’m already writing the next one, while actively promoting this album and hunting down some good touring opportunities for next year. Give the record a listen, and follow Blood Root on socials so you can see what I’m up to!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bloodrootmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blood.root/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloodrootmusic/
- Twitter: https://x.com/bloodxroot
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bloodrootmusic
- Other: https://bloodroot.fanlink.tv/bloodrootnews
