Long Island, New York singer-songwriter Taylor Belle made her timely debut with 2017’s Loved & Lost EP. “The theme of the project: falling in love and then falling out of it then falling in love with yourself,” Taylor points out. The 20-year-old songstress was going through a heartbreak at the time, but luckily she found herself in the process. Standout cuts like “Deep Sea” and “What You Do,” her very first song, prove her to be an unapologetic lyrical badass.
Since then, Taylor has been unloading a number singles like “Dreamstate” and “Real Ones” until the announcement of her next full-length project. In the meantime, she featured on Abby Jasmine‘s “Relax” in advance of her forthcoming album. “My next project will have a mix of vibes,” she says.
Taylor is readying to release her newest material, “Dimensions,” tomorrow. The single will arrive on the heels of “Blah Blah,” which dropped in March. “It’s about self-acceptance and accepting other people for who they are rather than making judgments,” Belle tells us about the song. Peep the interview below.
What are your earliest memories of music?
So I remember my whole life growing up I would run through the halls singing and making up songs. I think my most prominent memory was in third grade during the talent show, all the kids were singing along.
Did you know you would be a singer-songwriter when you grew up?
Singing was always my main thing. I was into a few creative outlets like writing, but singing definitely. If not, I definitely think I would still be in the music industry just because I love being around it.
Who or what were your musical influences as an artist?
Growing up, I used to sing a lot of Whitney Houston. I would perform “I Will Always Love You” a lot. Even when I was younger, I would sing Oldies groups and legends. I had a lot of older influences like Beyonce as well.
If you could create an R&B duo with one artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Frank Ocean. (laughs)
Let’s get into music, how would you describe your forthcoming single “Dimensions”?
So lyrically, it’s more of a personal mantra. Sonically, it’s an acoustic vibe. It’s about self-acceptance and accepting other people for who they are rather than making judgments. We all have so many things that make us up as a person.
Is that particular song a representation on what’s going to be on your forthcoming project?
My next project will have a mix of vibes. There will definitely be more acoustic, melodic songs on there. Even some songs that have more of a hip-hop influence.
Now take us all the way back to your Loved and Lost EP. Where were you in life when you recorded that project?
So when I recorded that, I had taken a year break on music. One of my best friends now asked me if I wanted to come to the studio and make my own song. I went and we made “What You Do” which I think is the third track on the project. I was going through a break-up at the time. So that kind-of was the theme of the project: falling in love and then falling out of it then falling in love with yourself.
What do you want people to take away from your music when they hear it?
I want people to feel inspired to do whatever it is that they’re passionate about. I want people to feel accepting of themselves and happy.
Outside of music, what do you enjoy?
I honestly spend most of my time either writing music or singing but I’m really into spirituality and reading so I do a lot of meditation and reading up on how to be more connected with myself.
Is there any advice you would give to an aspiring singer or even yourself a few years back?
Just to be authentic to who you are and don’t feel like you need to put yourself in a certain mold. Just do what makes you feel fulfilled and get through whatever you’re going through.
Photo by Aubrey Wipfli
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