Doreen Taylor – Happily Ever After

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) Your new album is called Happily Ever After. Where does the title come from?

A) It is the title of one of the songs on the album, but it also stemmed from a deeper meaning of finding my authentic voice amidst this crazy world and being content to live “happily ever after” finally doing things my way.

Q) What is it about the album that you think fans will be connecting to?

A) My last album Magic came out in 2012 and although I have released several successful singles since then. This is my first full album in almost four years! I finally made the liberating leap from country music to adult contemporary/pop music and it really has opened up my songwriting in a way I never thought possible. My new album really focuses on fusing powerhouse vocals and haunting melodies while incorporating elements of retro and modern popular music. Pulling from several styles, including R&B, soul and pop, it targets an audience craving high quality, eclectic musicianship that is very hard to find today. I really think they are going to connect to not only the passion of the lyrics, but also the wide array of musical colors and textures. My goal is to bring back the spark to those that feel the music industry has abandoned them.

Q) Will there be videos to go along with every song or just certain ones?

A) I want to make the songs accessible to everyone so I have decided for this album to create a lyric music video for each of the eight songs on the album. I am also presently working with an extremely talented director on the east coast to create a full production music video for my first single “Over,” which is set to film in early October. I’m very excited to get back out in front of the camera again!

Q) What was it like working with music legend Larry Gold on the album?

A) In my opinion, Larry Gold is the true definition of a musical “legend” and I am totally honored to have been able to create my new music with him. Larry has worked with almost anybody who’s anybody in the musical world over the past forty or so years such as Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Lana Del Rey, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, et al… just to name a few. For him want to make music with me is the greatest compliment I could receive as an artist. He is so down to earth and I love that he will tell you like it is. There is no BS. Larry will tell you when something is working, but also when something isn’t. The bottom line is I know I can trust his opinion and take what he says and make it even better. He is from the old school mentality of when music was created in studios with talented artists, live musicians, great producers, full string arrangements, good songwriting, etc. and Happily Ever After was created in the same old school way.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to Happily Ever After?

A) I am not sure I can predict what exactly will resonate the most with listeners. I just want them to feel the same passion that I felt writing and creating these songs. I hope they leave wanting to listen to it over and over again, finding new meanings and emotions each time they listen. My ultimate goal was that the album has something for everyone.

Q) How do you plan on celebrating the album release of the album on October 13th?

A) I’ll probably be working since I have a huge concert coming up on the 21^st in Philadelphia (only a week later). Unfortunately, when you are a successful, independent artist, there is very little downtime to relax or celebrate because you are always hands on; working on the next big thing. I plan to properly celebrate the release after the concert on the 21^st at the VIP after party, toasting the new album with all my family, friends and fans who are coming out to support the show! I can’t think of a better way of celebrating it than with the people who have been there supporting me all along!

Q) How did you come to partner with Boys & Girls Club of Camden for upcoming performance at Skybox?

A) I have always gravitated towards organizations that help children and I have been a strong public advocate for the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County for quite some time. I teamed up with them in 2015 for my Christmas single “My Christmas Wish” where I filmed the music video with the kids at the club and physical sales of the single benefited them. I was also awarded the 2016 Inspiration award at the 2016 BGCCC “Be Great” Gala. They do great work and I am proud to be able to help support them in any way that I can.

Q) What song(s) on Happily Ever After are you most looking forward to performing?

A) I think that the two songs that are going to bring the house down on October 21^st. One will be “Over” for the sheer magnitude of the music and lyrics. That song is my favorite on the album and I know that passion will transfer over to my live performance. I am also excited to perform “Unstoppable” live. That song was inspired by my dear late friend Joe Frazier who taught me so much about never giving up and keeping the faith. I will be performing a very special tribute that night for Joe to honor of him. I just hope I can make it through without crying! His former manager, some of his boxing colleagues and some of his family are expected to attend the concert so that will also be a very moving moment for me.

Q) Since you are a part of social media, are you excited to receive the instant album fan feedback from fans?

A) It’s definitely exciting, but it is also a little scary. You never know what kind of public response you are going to get about anything ever, but I just keep making the best music that I can and stand by it. Not everyone in this world is going to like everything. That is just part of the business, but I firmly believe I have given the best of me in this new album so win or lose, I am happy.

Q) Is there anything else you want be sure fans know about Happily Ever After?

A) Just sit back, listen and enjoy!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter?

A) Thank you. It sounds cliché, but none of this would happen without you. I hope you all enjoy my newest work and I am looking forward to creating a lifetime of more music for you!