Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Bree Taylor

Award-winning singer-songwriter Bree Taylor is a force to be reckoned with. The engaging storyteller has proven that her sound transcends any genre, effortlessly blending together country and pop. Last week, she dropped an emotional new ballad that had listeners in tears (the healing kind). Pop Culturalist caught up with Bree to chat about the single, “Cry.”

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Bree: I always grew up with a passion and love for music from a young age. I was a very emotional child and poured my emotions into writing poems, lyrics, and stories. And having been bullied throughout school, I turned to music as my emotional therapy. So many artists and their music were there for me during my darkest and most trying moments, and I just always knew that I wanted to be a performer and songwriter and do the same thing for other people going through things in their lives.

I was very insecure and shy though, so I never thought I could actually do it, and the bullies at school made me believe that to be true. It wasn’t until one of my aunts heard me singing at the cottage when I was about nine years old and told me and my parents that I really had a talent and they should enroll me in vocal lessons. That was a pivotal moment in my life that has led to me actually pursuing this as a career. The passion was always there. It was more a matter of learning to believe in myself and taking the steps necessary to make it happen.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Bree: I have to say that having my parents’ support has had the biggest influence on my career. Without them, I don’t know if I would be where I am. They have both contributed in their own ways and have been extremely helpful. But knowing that they believe in me and are there for me no matter what I go through—all the ups and downs of this industry—is the most valuable and influential part. I value and respect them so much, and all that they contribute to my career, and owe a lot of my success to them.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Bree: Thank you so much! I feel like I still have so much more I want to accomplish, but what really stands out was recently being nominated for Mississauga’s Best New Artist. Since living in Mississauga, it has been so great to have the support of my local city, and it was truly an honor to be nominated.

PC: What has the transition been like going from pop to country? Has anything surprised you?
Bree: I think that my transition to country music has been an amazing journey for my music. I grew up listening to such diverse genres of music that I was influenced by so many different artists and genres, and country was one of them. I feel like being in country music has been a great opportunity for me and my music to show more of my diversity as a songwriter and a performer and has been a great fit for my voice. I have always been a songwriter and have loved country music and how emotional I can be as a storyteller in country, but I also love pop music and how I am able to play with different sounds and genres in pop, so merging pop and country has been a perfect fit for me. I love challenging stereotypes, and I am definitely not your typical country girl, so of course, my music isn’t typical country either. And that is what I feel makes me unique as an artist and stand out against everyone else in the industry right now.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Cry.” What inspired the track?
Bree: I would describe “Cry” as an emotional ballad that has a very important message behind it lyrically. The song is very much about it being okay to show your vulnerabilities, cry, and to not be okay sometimes. Mental health is something that I have been very open about struggling with my whole life and is a cause that is extremely important to me. Having a song that is representative of bringing more positive awareness to mental health is extremely important to me, so I am so excited to finally release this.

Crying and breaking down are normal human emotions that we all go through, and mental health is a growing issue in today’s society, and more and more people are speaking up about their struggles. Crying and showing vulnerabilities, especially mental health struggles, have been stigmatized to be something that is shameful and should be hidden or shoved aside—especially for men.

I want the message behind this song to really hit home with everyone that no matter who you are, it’s okay to not be okay sometimes—that breaking down and crying is okay. And if you’re struggling, it gets better, and there are outlets available to help.

PC: As we look ahead, what does 2020 hold for you?
Bree: 2020 holds so many more adventures for me and my music. I am writing and recording more music for my upcoming EP and booking shows for the summer festival season, and I am always open to new adventures and wherever life plans to take me and my music. I love to travel, so I am excited to head back to LA, which has been my second home. And I would love to tour in the US, so I hope to make that happen at some point as well.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Bree: Sum 41

PC: First album you bought?
Bree: Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time

PC: First concert you attended?
Bree: Shania Twain

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Bree: I would have to say Under My Skin by Avril Lavigne. This album was one that was emotional and angsty, and I was bullied really bad in school, so this album was one that I played on repeat when I was going through that. Her songs really spoke to me, and lyrically I really connected with Avril’s music, and that album was one of her best in my opinion.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Bree: Well, being from Toronto, I have always wanted to perform at large local venues like the Budweiser Stage, the Scotiabank Arena, and the Rogers Centre.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Bree: Tea and throat lozenges

To keep up with Bree, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “Cry” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.