#backtobite

Taylor Grey is a 21-year-old power house who’s new song “back to bite” is a bit different from her past music. This release shows fans that Taylor is coming into a new phase of her music that is looking like it will be honest, emotional, and empowering. While making music Taylor also is a college student showing that creativity and college can mix with great success. “Back to Bite” isn’t the typical break up song that people expect; instead showing what a breakup really feels like from Taylors prospective. Read the full interview below to know Taylor Grey’s thoughts on the single, creativity, vulnerability, and more.

Back to bite is a bit different than your older music, what inspired the change in style?

I took some time off this past year to do a lot of self-reflection and figure out who I want to be as an artist. I was able to look deep inside myself and face the trauma/ insecurities I’ve faced and build the confidence to turn that into my art. So that time and introspection made the difference. 

You are a student at Stanford, do you feel like school has shifted your artistic perspective?

I don’t know if it’s shifted my artistic perspective as much as it has my world view. I’ve met a lot of interesting people at Stanford, and I’ve realized that even the best of the best (academically speaking), still don’t think they’re good enough. Good enough is a façade. 

Do you find vulnerability important as an artist?

I think it’s the key for me. I don’t know if it will help or hinder me career-wise in the long run to be so open, but as a person, it’s made me so much better. 

Do you think studying the brain scientifically helps you handle your own emotions and thoughts?

You would think, but the thing about the brain is that in the middle of a panic attack, it doesn’t really care that you can pin point the region of the brain that would light up on a fMRI. 

How have you grown since your last release?

I’ve learned a lot about myself. And I’ve learned that I just want to create music that makes me proud and makes people feel something. 

What motivates you? 

I just really love it. I love song-writing. I don’t want to be doing anything else.

What is back to bite about and what inspired it?

Back to Bite is my empowerment song. It was inspired by all the people who have really hurt me in the past. I wrote it so people could relate to it, whether it’s from the perspective of being cheated on to the perspective of being assaulted and having your voice taken from you. 

How do you stay authentic as an artist?

Say “fuck it.” I just have to remind myself that, sure there is stigma around being vulnerable, but it helps me breathe so much better when I don’t have to pretend everything is fine all the time.

What do you hope people take away from the album when it drops?

I hope people can listen to the music and think, “yeah I’m fine as I am. I may not be where I want to be right now, but I deserve to be here.” And I hope that me just being open and honest can be part of this wave of vulnerability we are starting to see in the music industry, I’m hoping it’ll make it easier for young artists in the future.

 Photographer: Nikko Lamere