Scarlett Taylor – Pink Bars

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) Tell us the story behind your latest single “Pink Bars.”

A) “Pink Bars” delves into the harrowing grip of addiction, painting a vivid picture of being trapped behind invisible bars forged by opiates and prescription drugs. This is a subject that has always been extremely important to me, especially in recent years with deaths that have personally affected my life. This song explores the illusion of choice and the suffocating cycle of dependence, as if you are trapped behind your addiction or pills (bars). Fun fact, this song was actually written ten years ago! My producer and I were looking through older material and this song has always been one we go back to, so we thought, why not re-do the production and vocals and release it? In recent years, we have both been personally affected by addiction taking the lives of people we love, so it made perfect sense to release it now. Addiction and overdose have heavily increased over the past few years and it’s so important that we talk about it through words or song. I like to write real and raw content; things that have affected me and so many others.

Q) In anticipation for “Pink Bars” you posted a promotional video created by Xavier Caudill (@xaviercaudillphotography). How did you come up with the concept for this short video and is it possibly part of a music video to promote the single?

A) The short teaser for “Pink Bars” is, in fact, part of a full-length music video that I will be releasing soon. I’m very excited about the full video – it captures the concept behind the song perfectly. Xavier and I combined religious-imagery with pill bottles, therapy and eventual death (body-bag and autopsy scene) to portray the effects of overdose, fentanyl and addiction. We also wanted to show how some medical professionals are so quick to prescribe harmful and sometimes addictive drugs that leave you hooked for life and/or wanting more. We are both very well-versed on the subject, so our ideas were quickly brought to life after finding a vintage church location to film. I had always had this idea for “Pink Bars,” and Xavier, a very talented NYFA LA Student, was totally on board. I am very excited for everyone to see the final product. I think it will really wake people up to the subjects previously listed. It is something I am extremely passionate about sharing and informing others about. “End Overdose” (@end.overdose) is a great resource as well.

Q) Since its release, what has been the reaction to “Pink Bars” from fans and listeners?

A) People love this song!! It actually surprised me a bit as it’s very down-tempo and dramatic/cinematic; it doesn’t quite have its own genre. However, I think my emotive vocals and the subject matter are very intense and something people can relate to. Although the song is about addiction, it could also be interpreted as other subjects such as a toxic relationship or struggles with depression, etc. Someone had even reached out to me about the teaser video and said they had lost their parents and boyfriend to addiction and that the video/song made them really feel something. I’ve gotten so many other messages from listeners saying they can personally relate to the song or know someone that has passed from overdose or struggles with dependence. It breaks my heart, and on the contrary, it also makes me feel fortunate that I can help others through the power of music. It’s really why I do what I do.

Q) Prior to “Pink Bars” you released “Reckless Love.” With both of these singles out, is there a potential full-length album in the works?

A) There is definitely going to be a full album or EP within the next year. Singles have been increasingly easier to promote in today’s music industry, so I’ve been releasing singles instead of full projects. However, with my six other projects, I do want to have a full-length project again soon. Concept albums are so awesome, especially when you have a story to tell.

Q) You also curated a pretty awesome Spotify playlist called Americana Trailer Park Trash, which was inspired by “Reckless Love.” What inspired your song selections for the playlist?

A) Thank you! When I was curating the Americana Trailer Park Trash playlist, I wanted to capture the gritty, raw, and unapologetic vibe that inspired “Reckless Love.” The song itself has this southern gothic, Americana-core energy that feels both nostalgic and rebellious, so I leaned into tracks that evoke that same spirit. I picked songs that felt like dusty highways, neon-lit dive bars, and stories from the backroads. “Reckless Love” is set in a trailer park in Vegas, so my track selections reflected that vibe.

Q) I also love the eclectic feel of the playlist. With selecting artists such as Elvis Presley and The Beach Boys, how many of those artists served a dual purpose with their connections to the cities that inspired “Reckless Love?”

A) First, I’m an absolute sucker for old music and film. I grew up listening to a lot of those artists, specifically around my grandfather. I quickly fell in love with the vintage-sound, vast harmonies, and intricate vocal and instrumental arrangements. Both of these artists were so influential in setting the American music standard. Elvis, with his raw, rebellious energy, connects to the southern grit and passion of “Reckless Love,” while The Beach Boys bring a nostalgic West Coast warmth that balances the playlist. Both artists serve as bridges between the rugged, untamed roots of Americana and the dreamy, sun-soaked feel of California.

Q) With the releases of new music over the past couple of years, are there any plans to tour or play any live shows?

A) Currently, I don’t have any plans for a tour. I am mainly focused on recording/releasing new music and promoting my recent releases. However, I would like to get back into performing live within the next year or two if there is a call/demand somewhere.

Q) If I were to take a look at your music collection, what would be the most surprising album or artist I would find?

A) You may be surprised in general – I listen to a ton of different genres. One minute I’m crying to Ethel Cain, the next I’m headbanging to Tool, and then I’m belting out a Broadway show tune. It’s quite eclectic. If you’ve ever been in a car with me while I’m on AUX, you’re welcome. Perhaps you’d be most surprised at the showtunes; a lot of people don’t know I was in theatre half of my life. I actually originally went to college to get my BFA, but withdrew my second year and moved to LA when I realized music was my true passion/calling.  However, that doesn’t stop me from listening and belting out some Broadway classics from time to time. [winks]

Q) What is the greatest piece of advice that you would give to those looking to release music independently?

A) Like Nike, Just DO IT! I always tell aspiring artists that everyone always starts from somewhere. You can’t care what other people think. Be confident in yourself and your art. Start releasing music and see where it goes. Work on something related to your craft every single day. Believe in your vision.

Q) Who is someone you would love to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Man, there are so many incredible artists I would love to work with. I suppose if I had to narrow it down, I would love to work with Ethel Cain, Spooky Black/Corbin, Lana Del Rey, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga and David Lynch. I also think it’d be really cool to do vocals for an electronic group like Rufus Du Sol or Elderbrook.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of your music?

A) Thank you, thank you and THANK YOU. Even one person’s comment or message means the world to me. I do what I do because of what it means to you. On a more serious note, please keep California in your thoughts and prayers as we are experiencing massive wildfires that are destroying so much of this incredible and influential city. I am very fortunate to not have been in the fire’s way, but so many others have lost everything. Please help if you are able https://secretlosangeles.com/how-you-can-help-la-wildfires/Thank you for reading and many thanks to Starry Constellation Magazine for this interview! More music and video very soon…Love, ST