Conversations with Taylor Sweely

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Sweely.

Hi Taylor, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I always start my shows off with the intro, “I’m just a Georgia girl who loves Jesus, my mama, and country music”.

These three things are at the very root of who I am.

My dad’s job transferred my family and me to Allen, Texas from Cumming, Georgia when I was 15. You can imagine how tough it was as a new high schooler moving to a new state and a new school. I did not have many friends in high school and that took a toll on my confidence. My passion for singing had taken a hold of me at the age of 2 and I could be found practicing in my room for hours on end. I grew up singing in church and was asked to be on the adults-only praise team at 12 years old. This passion alone would stay with me as I got older and carried me through those years of loneliness and lifted me up when I needed it the most.

At the age of 21, I recorded my first song and duet with my friend Korey Rose called “One’s a Couple” which hit iTunes, Spotify, and Pandora. That experience made me hungry for more and I began to gig around at places like Rockin Rodeo in Denton where I opened for Whiskey Myers and Lava Cantina in The Colony opening for Daryl Dodd another Texas Country Music legend.

By 26 I had the honor of performing the National Anthem for the biggest crowd I’ve ever performed for to date, The Dallas Mavericks Basketball Game at American Airlines Center. There were over 10k in attendance and it was the most thrilling performance I’ve ever done.

Fast forward to today, I am 29 years old and am coming back on the scene from taking a break after having our first child, Tinslee. I am blessed to be able to stay home with her, but after posting a few videos on my Instagram and TikTok I began to get the itch to sing again. I received songs sent to me by songwriters and began writing again myself, and I will be in the studio again. at the end of this month to create my first EP!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
God has been with me every step of the way, but it most certainly hasn’t always been easy. The music business is a very tough industry and I have been told no a lot more times than I’ve gotten a yes. I have auditioned for American Idol, The Voice, and America’s got Talent, several times and have made it to the round right before the live auditions only to be told that I don’t have enough of a good life story, or I’m not country enough, or they’ve said filled the country music artist slots already.

All the while I’m hearing “You’re not good enough”. I’ve struggled with the voice in my head my whole life, whether in school, work, being a mom, or singing. I surround myself with people I love that encourage and support me and remind me of God’s promises for me and I’m able to push through. Nothing has ever come easy for me and I wouldn’t change a thing because it’s taught me to work hard for everything I have and never give up.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Country Artist, the message that I hope to portray in all of my work is that of love, perseverance, and hope. I love songs that come full circle and also tell a story. My faith is a huge part of who I am and if I can bring reference to God in my songs and glorify Him I will always strive to do so.

When it comes to style, the songs that I enjoy singing the most are powerful tunes with an anticipating build. My voice in comparison to others would be a mixture of Faith Hill and Celine Dion (my all-time favorite musician and biggest inspiration). I’m not a fan of this new country-pop style myself so I stay true to my ’90s country music sound.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love to go country dancing with my husband we do something called a half step and do dips and tricks. My husband is a firefighter and has a second job selling garage floor coatings. He works very hard so that I can stay home with our baby and continue to pursue my singing career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @taylorsweelyofficial
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorsweelyofficial?_t=8VJxtkq1QGk&_r=1

Image Credits
Clay Thomas and Mackenzie Pelsang