Taylon Hope – Picket Fence

By starrymag | February 6, 2024

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sounds as true authentic country. I love telling stories in my songs and take a lot of influence from 90’s country music.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Some of my biggest influences are Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Lainey Wilson and Morgan Wallen.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Picket Fence.” 

A) I had the idea for “Picket Fence” before a write I had with Lance Carpenter about a year ago. I knew I wanted a special type of love song and Lance and I decided to make it about growing old with the one you love and building that beautiful picket fence around the house and the life you’ve built together.

 

Q) What kind of fan response have you been receiving to this track? 

A) This song is something I dream about having myself one day and have been so happy to hear others relating to and loving this special song that’s close to my heart. I’m so thankful for all the continued support and love on “Picket Fence!”

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) I was honored to have Kevin Deems film and direct this music video for me, and I was so happy with the end result. I wanted the video to be me on a beautiful farm, filmed in Franklin Tennessee, telling the song’s story while focusing on the picket fence representing final happiness and forever with that special person.

 

Q) Lance Carpenter lent a hand with the writing of “Picket Fences,” but what is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I love Lance. He is an incredible person and songwriter, and I’m honored to know and work with him. I like to start with a melody or singular idea and start filling in the words while playing guitar or piano. I always start by writing my songs with the chorus. It gives a strong basis and a good main idea to the song I am writing.

 

Q) Smith Curry also handled the production on the song; however, how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

A) I was so honored to have Smith Curry and Mark Lonsway produce and engineer this song for me. I love them and love working with them. I would say I have a say in the production, I love to put in my own ideas with how I hear the song in my head after writing it. It’s amazing to work with people who see your vision and make the end result better than you could imagine!

 

Q) With “Picket Fence” out now, will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) Yes! A new EP is currently in the works for this year. I am so excited to put this project out. I am now eighteen years old and in college and feel like over COVID, as I’ve gotten older, I have grown so much as a writer, and I am so happy with the songs that I have to be on this new project. I feel like they represent my sound and who I wanna be as an artist! I am so thankful to get to write with the incredibly talented writers I do.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I have been blessed to play at some venues I have always dreamed of. I am a recording artist at The Listening Room and The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. It is so incredible to play at these iconic places that I respect so much. I have been honored to play at The Grand Ole Opry House and The Ryman Auditorium here in Nashville. I had dreamed of playing these venues for as long as I can remember, and it was such an incredibly surreal feeling to sing original songs on those stages. I love singing in my home state of North Carolina, and I can’t wait to travel more this year in 2024!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future? 

A) I would love to collaborate with Reba someday on a song. She is someone I have always looked up to in her music, style, writing and personality and, of course, she’s a fellow redhead!

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) Right now, I am loving Lainey Wilson. I love her style and sound. I think her writing is incredible and she gives modern country a traditional sound and I love to do that with my music.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I love doing my own social media. It is a cool way to interact with my fans and meet new people. It has benefited me as an artist to promote my music, update people on upcoming shows and new music and gain a fanbase of amazing supporters.

 

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

A) I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who is a fan or supporter of my music for being there and supporting me in my music. God has blessed me with amazing family and hometown support and many amazing people along the way. You all are amazing and I’m so grateful! I hope to visit you all in a town near you soon and meet you all. I can’t wait for new music in 2024 and to see what’s to come!