Tayla Parx’s mixtape is relatable for anyone who can’t get over their ex
Tayla Parx is a three time Grammy nominated singer and songwriter who just dropped her first solo project called TaylaMade – and she’s only 23.
Apart from her love of music, she’s also made it to the big screen as Little Inez in the 2007 film Hairspray. As an actress, Tayla has also appeared in the television series Gilmore Girls, Everybody Hates Chris, Carpoolers, Bones, and Victorious.
Tayla finally decided it was her time to go out and make a name for herself as a solo artist, and that’s just what she did. We talked to her about her new mixtape, plus how she’s balances working for other artists while staying true to herself.
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What are you here to tell us about today?
Today I’m gonna be kicking it and talking about my new mixtape “TaylaMade.” It’s 20 tracks of songs and interludes that tie in the story I’m telling. I’m a pretty private person, so this is a different mindset for me and it’s equally as scary as it is exciting.
Why is it important to you?
TaylaMade is my little brain baby from the past two years or so. It explains a lot of different sides of me that most people would never know without listening to or having a real conversation with me. Details like the car I drive, where I hang, who I was with and what we did. It’s my first solo project, so there was a lot to catch people up on!
What’s been your favorite part of the process so far?
My favorite part of the process so far has been the feeling of freedom when I step into the studio and know that all I have to do is be myself. I’m always myself, but when I work with other artists, it’s filtered through me.
Have there been any times when you doubted or had second thoughts about this project? How’d you overcome that?
There’s been plenty of times where I thought about the pressure from within the industry because of my track-record as a writer. And then there’s the other side of needing to re-introduce myself as an artist and kind of start my career over again; similar to when I went from hopping from acting roles like Hairspray and Gilmore Girls and had to prove myself as a musician. I haven’t thought about it enough to doubt myself though, I always think people should bet on themselves and go all in every time. Being scared only means there’s more to prove, and that’s an exciting feeling.
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What song would you want on repeat at your funeral?
That’s a hard one. It’s a tie between “Butterfly” by Bilal ft. Robert Glasper or something feel good like “Lite Spots” by Kaytranada.
What’s one question you’re sick of getting?
There’s so many since I’ve been so private until now, but definitely the Hairspray questions. I wouldn’t say I’m sick of them, but I’ve been answering them for about ten years!
What would your circle of hell look like?
Hell looks like a few of my interludes. “Amnesiacs Anonymous” – that feeling when you can’t stop thinking about someone you’re trying to get over, and you’re only remembering the best parts instead of the full truth. Also “Forever Under 21”…Imagine trying to convince people forever that you can legally drink! Plus, they’re always so condescending when they ask because they totally think I’m lying.
What is your most treasured possession?
My custom lion necklace is my favorite possession. I thought I lost it in Norway one time and had to cancel everything to find it.
If you could be the baby of a celebrity couple, which couple would it be?
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s twins. Both of them.
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What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on the album! I’ll be traveling to some of my favorite places with some of my favorite people getting inspired. Also working on a few other creative ideas with my merch line “Trailer Parx” and you’ll also see me hopping back to acting in 2018. I think I’ve caught the bug again.
Photography by Niko the Ikon, TaylaMade Artwork & TK Anderson
