Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Taylor McIntosh

Taylor McIntosh is one of Hollywood’s most exciting quadruple threats. Whether he’s acting, dancing, singing, or writing, his talent is tattooed in our brains. We had the pleasure of speaking with Taylor about his career, his new single, and he answered our Pop Culturalist speed round.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Taylor: It started when I was young. I loved watching movies as a little kid, and I loved imagining that I was one of the actors entertaining people on screen. I would recreate my favorite scenes. It got to the point where I was making up my own scenes too. I would force my little sister to do them with me. I’d be directing her, “This is where you’re angry.” I would yell acting commands. [laughs] That’s where it started.

Then I got into dance through my mom and learned a lot of different ways to move and to entertain. I didn’t really get into music until I was much older though. Even though I took piano lessons, I didn’t really like music when I was growing up.. I found it tedious and kind of boring. But when I turned sixteen, I was inspired to write a song. I don’t know why, but I ended up doing that. That made me fall in love with music and with songwriting.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Taylor: Definitely my parents. They have influenced me so much. They’ve been amazing. They’ve been the most loving force in my life. My dad especially has been one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to songwriting. He’s a musician as well. Getting to learn from him and see how he did it has been invaluable. He’s able to give me criticism. Sometimes it’s harsh and I don’t always like it, but I’ve learned so much from him.

PC: There are a lot of different facets to your talent. Does one come more naturally to you? Is one more challenging?
Taylor: I’d say songwriting came a little more naturally to me. I definitely practiced a lot, but I didn’t feel like I was completely out of the loop. I would say dance has been the hardest. I’ve had to learn everything step by step like an infant would.

PC: Tell us about “Tattooed On My Brain” and what inspired the song.
Taylor: “Tattooed On My Brain” is a song I wrote a little while ago. It’s about when you’re in love with someone and eventually, you break up. You still think about them even after you’ve broken up, and you can’t stop thinking about them. You feel like you see them all the time. It’s almost like they’re tattooed on your brain.

PC: You’ve been steadily releasing music throughout the years. If you had to pick one of your songs that encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Taylor: I would say “Tattooed On My Brain”. This represents where I am right now in my music career. It shows my ability to compose a song and create a vibe. I think the lyrics are really good.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2021, what does the year hold for you?
Taylor: There’s definitely going to be new music. I’m always going to release new music. As far as acting, I’m auditioning all the time. I also want to keep connecting with all my supporters and really build a community.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Taylor: I’ll give you two: Bob Marley and the Backseat Lovers.

PC: First album you bought?
Taylor: Abbey Road.

PC: First concert you attended?
Taylor: Keith Urban.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Taylor: Lewis Capaldi’s Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. I love every song on that album. I learned a lot about songwriting through that album.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Taylor: The Pepsi Center in Colorado and Madison Square Garden. Those are the two big ones for me right now. The Pepsi Center because I grew up in Colorado and it would be cool to go back there and perform.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Taylor: My guitar and Nintendo Switch.

To keep up with Taylor, follow him on Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pick up or stream “Tattooed On My Brain” today.

Photo Credit: Araya Doheny Photography // Make Up & Hair: Allison Noelle Mesa