Taylor Watson Talks About Her Biggest Music Inspirations And Meaning Behind New Single ‘Not My Type’

This pop-artist is amazing!

Singer-songwriter Taylor Watson has become an artist to definitely pay attention to. She recently released the hit single, which was recently announced to be heard in Target stores, titled ‘Not My Type’

We had the amazing honor of talking with Taylor about her major career goals, the intention of her social media, and more!

Who were some of your biggest inspirations growing up, that inspired you to pursue a career in music

T: “Taylor Swift was definitely a big one for me, particularly when she hit her Red era, and then 1989 came along and became my favorite start-to-finish record. I also grew up really heavily influenced by the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, P!nk, Alanis Morrissette, and others. Songwriters that shaped my musical leanings as I grew up were like, Lori McKenna and Tom Douglas and then as I leaned more into pop, I discovered Ryan Tedder, Linda Perry and Julia Michaels…along with others. I’d also say OneRepublic, The Script, and Daughtry were also a big part of my musical input list, and I aspired to write songs that resonated with me the way they did. Also, early on…I was a huge Britney Spears fan. I mean, who wasn’t? But if we want to take it way back, she was the first pop star I would pretend to be.”

What is the inspiration behind your new song “Not My Type”?

T: “My disaster of a dating history. I know telling someone they aren’t your type sounds like a blowoff or an insult, but if you knew what my type used to be…context is everything. I think that’s what makes this song so romantic. I have years of repeating toxic, unhealthy relationship patterns behind me. It took a lot of working through unhealed trauma to realize I’d never be in a healthy relationship until I was really intentional about what I wanted and what I deserved. When I finally got into a healthy relationship with someone secure and loving, the contrast between that and the relationship dynamics I’d experienced before were so massive it was hard to imagine going back to any of the BS I’d been inexplicably drawn to before that. I had quite the journey to break my attachment/attraction to destructive people/cycles. When I finally fell for someone who wasn’t my typical type I was like, oh my god, thank god, this is so much better. I’m never dating my old type again.”

What do you wish to achieve as your social media platforms continue to grow?

T: “A community of people to really share in an emotional journey with. With music and art, the biggest challenge these days is just getting your work heard. And even when you do, while it’s great to be praised for what people like, the best is when people truly resonate so deeply, they decide to go on the journey with you. It’s not just liking a photo or commenting on a video. It’s like…having a voice to speak for others, to speak to their emotions, and they trust you with that. That’s the coolest part of an online fanbase, I think. For it to permeate beyond just the music into a community that cares about each other and this human experience we’re all going through.”

What is something you struggle with after taking your social media following and turning them into valuable listeners on streaming platforms?

T: “I don’t struggle with this…it’s a choice, you know? I wouldn’t direct anyone to listen to something I wasn’t genuinely proud of, that I think they’d enjoy or would add value to them. It’s a two-way street, it’s selfish and generous at the same time. But that’s my biggest thing…I’ve taken down music before I didn’t think was good enough or didn’t want people to hear. If it’s up, it’s because I stand by it.”

Is there something you wish you’d done differently when it comes to your social media platform?

T: “I sometimes wish I’d created my viral content under another name. But at the same time, you know, I’ve been able to build a business and scratch the storytelling itch and provide for my friends and family in a way that I couldn’t do with the music for a long time. So it is a part of me, and my journey, and I hope people can separate these two storytelling mediums I use as both creative outlets and to build my life on.”

What was the process behind writing your latest single?

T: “I wrote this song with Mike Mac and Jordan Baum (The 87’s) and the process was a little different than my norm because they had already started to build the track when I got there. We started talking about the record, what I’d already said and what I still wanted to say. I was like, “I’m not very good at love songs. Not positive ones anyway.” So, we set our minds on that, but it came out so honest…I think that’s what I love about it. The beat felt good, the track was happy, I had space to say a lot…and so, it was going to be a love song. But it was happening at the same time I was explaining why I hadn’t been great at that in the past. It was a happy little storm that turned into “Not My Type.”

What can new listeners learn about you from your music?

T: “A lot, I hope. My perspective, my heart, my struggles, my strength. And my humanity – the parts of me I’m not proud of. I think it’s good to see your heroes bleed. It means that reality that you idolize is not out of your own reach.”

What are a few things on your bucket list?

T: “I’d love to perform at a major awards show. That’s the top of the list, for sure. I’d also love to write and direct a movie.”

Stream ‘Not My Type’ now on all streaming platforms!

Photographer Credit: Gabriella Tanner

Alessia Shaw- Movie/Entertainment Editor– Alessia is a rising Junior in high school located in Southern California! She is an actress, writer and avid mental health advocate. Alessia loves writing in many forms, especially spoken word poetry. As her resume continues to grow, so does her love for the arts. She hopes to continue her acting path and attend a performing arts college in the near future.