Named by Billboard, Pandora, and CMT as a country music artist to watch, Taylor Acorn is taking Music City by storm.
Mackenzie Maroney
The breakout country music artist and Pennsylvania native has been writing songs ever since she can remember. After the loss of her father at just eight-years-old, Acorn turned to writing music as a coping mechanism. Seven years later at the age of 15, Acorn taught herself how to play the guitar, and eventually began competing in talent shows across Pennsylvania.
She took a break from music while attending college at Kutztown University, but it did not take long for music to find its way back into Taylor's life once again. After posting a few covers of songs on YouTube, the overwhelming positive response propelled the official start of her music career.
Since pursuing music full time Taylor has had the opportunity to share the stage with a variety of accomplished artists such as Dustin Lynch, Old Dominion, Chase Bryant, and many more.
We caught up with Acorn on the eve of the release of her new single, and talked everything from music to what's next for the emerging star.
Mackenzie Maroney
Nashville Lifestyles: Where did the inspiration for “Red White” come from?
Taylor Acorn: So much of my writing is reflective of my current circumstances. Red White is more nostalgic and reflects some of my favorite summertime memories. I grew up in a small town with three stop lights and a McDonalds, so we really lived in simple times. We didn’t have a lot of stuff to make us happy. All we needed was good company to make good memories, and that’s what this song is really about. I keep calling it my summer anthem because that’s exactly what it is. It’s fun and upbeat, and I really hope it will be a summer anthem for my fans, too!
NL: If you could put “Red White” on any playlist, what would the name of that playlist be and why?
TA: If I could put “Red White” on a playlist, I think I would name it something along the lines of Summer Jams, or Sweet Summer Time! That may sound pretty basic, but it’s just such a fun, summer song. It would definitely be on a list with songs like “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” by Jake Owen or “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban. Just a really good feel good summer time jam.
NL: How has songwriting helped you cope with personal tragedy?
TA: My dad passed away when I was eight. It’s hard to lose a parent at any age, but it was a particularly hard time for me as a child. I was heartbroken. My dad was also a writer- not a songwriter but a writer, nonetheless. I got this box with nice paper inside of it as a gift after he passed. I actually wrote my first song on a piece of that paper, and I wrote it for my dad. I still have it inside of that box. That was my first songwriting experience, and it felt really freeing and cathartic to put my emotions on paper, even as an eight-year-old. From there, I taught myself how to play guitar, so music is just something that feels like it’s always been a part of who I am and how I process things.
Mackenzie Maroney
NL: You’ve shared the stage with some pretty incredible artists. Who were you most intimidated to perform with? How about most excited?
TA: I think the Artist I was most intimidated to share the stage with was probably my latest opening slot with Dustin Lynch. But, to kill two birds with one stone, I will say that was probably the most exhilarating. He is an Opry member, has several number one songs and a huge fan base, so it was one of the bigger shows I’ve had the opportunity to play. The nerves were definitely there, but I was so ready to play it! It was pretty exciting to see that some of his fans knew my songs and were singing along. That’s the best feeling. At this point I’m just happy to be able to share the stage with anyone, but it would be a dream to share the stage with someone like Avril Lavigne (maybe like a CMT crossroads?). She’s such a big influence still to this day on my music.
NL: We’re halfway through the year. What does the second half of 2019 have in store for you?
TA: Well, I’m super excited about my single “Red White” releasing today! I just know that my fans are going to love it. In terms of what’s next, I am always writing and creating. I have some exciting things in mind that I can’t share just yet, so stay in touch and I will be sure to keep you updated! If anyone wants to follow along, Instagram is probably my favorite place to connect with people. I always share my work there!
NL: Where’s your favorite Nashville venue/bar to perform at? What’s your dream venue?
TA: I think my favorite venue to play in Nashville is probably the Wild Horse Saloon. For starters it’s huge and the sound quality is always so good. It’s just a really fun time every time I’m on that stage. In terms of my dream venue in Nashville, that would absolutely be The Ryman. There is so much history there, and so many icons have played that stage. It’s like a spiritual experience. I would also love to play the Opry and of course, Bridgestone would be an absolute dream.