Taylor Grey’s Balancing Stanford Classes and a Singing Career
Remember that bangin’ music video we premiered back in Feb? That was Taylor Grey, a major sweetie who’s balancing psych classes at Stanford and a music career. We met in sunny Beverly Hills and asked her how she possibly keeps up with everything. This girl proves the hustle is worth it.
When did you know you wanted to pursue your music career?
I have had a passion for music ever since I was little. I would dance around with plastic microphones, write songs in my Lisa Frank notebooks, and join all the school musicals. School and music have simultaneously been true passions in my life.
You go to Stanford. What kind of classes are you interested in?
I find myself drawn to the human brain. I’ve always trusted myself to follow and fall into what I’m interested in and I have ended up in many classes that involve the mind and the brain, whether that be psychology or biology courses. People just fascinate me, I guess.
What are the challenges of being a musician and full time student at the same time?
I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty difficult. I think the hardest thing is the discomforting discrepancy when your mind is fully committed to both passions in your life, yet your body cannot keep up and there just aren’t enough hours in the day. However, it is a balance I wouldn’t trade in. It is a blessing to be able to be a part of both worlds — education and music. Something I find amusing is that in October of last year, I went on tour with The Summer Set for a couple weeks during my midterms. Not only that, I was beyond sick. Just crazy sick. So here I am during the days, skyping into class, writing my papers, and at night performing my heart out with what little voice I had, and after the show, studying again. I remember telling myself, if I can get through this, I can do anything.
What are some tips for girls that are pursuing their dreams/careers but are still in school?
Well, first I would say “yay, stay in school!” But I would encourage them to keep working hard. You’ve already got a great head on your shoulders if you’re valuing education, so keep doing you. Things will take longer, but don’t be discouraged by that. Things worth having can take a while, I think.
What’s the most exciting part about working on your music career?
Getting to share it with people! I love connecting with people so when someone says they relate to a song of mine or I see someone singing lyrics to a song I wrote, it is surreal. It feels like a giant hug and I adore that.
What do you do to stay grounded and calm when you feel like you have too much on your plate?
Sometimes I like to just go off the grid for a little bit. I go on walks or drives and listen to music. I watch Netflix like no other. I go to the gym. And I chill with my friends or facetime my friends that live far away.
What kind of experiences went into the writing your upcoming album?
One of the craziest experiences I had was writing a song called “Miles Away.” It was the last song added to the album. I was in the middle of recording all the tracks and I had a day off, so my executive producer, Josh Abraham, set me up with a very accomplished writer, Sean Walsh. And because he was such a successful songwriter, I was under the impression this would be a real collaborative session and a big learning experience for me.
It definitely was a learning experience, but not in the way I expected because when we met he basically told me he wanted to see what I can do, this was all me. And I was like “Whoa okay, it’s game time Taylor.” We also had only two hours so double the pressure. So, we picked one of his tracks and I wrote the song to it. The song was written and recorded in those two hours, and I loved it so much I asked to put it on the album.
What is your favorite song off your new album and why?
I think my favorite song changes depending on the day it is or what mood I’m in, which I kind of like because hopefully it implies that my music is pretty versatile. But the single “Space Case” is a very important song to me lyrically. It’s not about a boy or love or heartbreak — although, believe me I write about those things a ton. It’s about something bigger (quite literally as I’m talking about space). It is semi-autobiographical, but it is meant to be applicable to any young girl or boy who has dreams and ambitions that may not be believed in initially. It’s for all the people who keep their head dreaming up in the clouds and their feet working on the ground.
What are some necessities for the girl on the go?
I’m such a nerd, I carry my backpack with me at all times, but I would say to always keep a phone charger, a water bottle, and sunglasses handy.
What are some of your favorite makeup products that keep up with your crazy schedule?
The POREfessional Agent Zero shine powder by Benefit Cosmetics has been a lifesaver because it fits in any bag and also has a full-on makeup brush for application. It’s a little expensive, but it’s worth it for me since it lasts for a long time and is so easy for on-the-go touch ups!
You travel back and forth between school and LA all the time for work. What’s your go-to airport outfit?
Sweats all day! However, most of the time I need to hop off the plane and go straight to a meeting or class so my usual outfit includes yoga pants, Vans, and a hoodie.
Photos by Maddie Cordoba
Makeup by Kira Nasrat
Hair by Jaycee Mnirajd
