Meet Taylor Hughes | Country Artist & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Hughes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is an interesting topic because it can mean something different to everyone. Of course, “risk” probably has a negative connotation to most but to me it doesn’t. I think taking risks is necessary if you want to succeed in any business, especially the music industry. The music business is one that is always changing and full of uncertainty so I need to be able to adapt and work with whatever life throws at me. Sometimes that means changing my game plan last second or taking a leap of faith on something that isn’t set in stone.

In the past, I might have said I’m not a risk taker but then I look back at the decisions I’ve made in life and realize, that’s exactly what I am; a risk taker! My dream to be a famous country artist has always been a part of me and that seems pretty risky in its self. Picking up my entire life, moving to music city where I don’t know anyone, and throwing myself into a world full of talented people chasing a similar dream as me; that sounds pretty risky too. I won’t lie, taking risks is not something I take lightly. I like to process things, do my research, and make educated decisions on what I’m going to do but at the end of the day, nothing in this business is promised but that is a chance I’m willing to take.

I believe that God gave me this gift and I fully intend on using it to the best of my ability. There are ups and downs in this journey but I’d have to say more often than not, the risks I’ve chosen to take, because I believe in myself, have been worth while. They have led me to great opportunities, created lifelong friendships and great working relationships, have allowed me to do what I love, and connect with my fans through our shared passion of music and similar experiences. I’m willing to take risks in order to achieve my dreams not only for myself but for my family and those who have supported me along the way. Nothing great ever happened from someone staying in the safe zone and I have faith that if a risk doesn’t pan out how I’d like, that God will deliver in the end.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a country artist and songwriter from Lexington, Kentucky but I now reside in Spring Hill, Tennessee. My sound is heavily inspired by not only country music but also southern rock, blues, and soul. I believe what sets me a part from most is my truly unique voice. I’ve been told by countless fans that there isn’t a single artist they can compare me to, that when they hear me sing, they instantly know it’s “Taylor Hughes.” Being unique is so important in the business; you have to find some way to stand out because there are so many talented people out there! As I’ve grown as a vocalist, so has my songwriting. I’ve worked with some incredible writers that have helped me to develop my own style of writing and sound, allowing me to stand out in that aspect of the business as well. I’ve worked very hard to develop my craft and I think it shows.

I have been featured in multiple magazines, blogs, and podcasts. I’ve been blessed with multiple music award nominations and I have received several awards. Some that I have recently received that I am super proud of are the 2024 “Female Vocalist of the Year” and my new song “Jesus and Jail” was named ’24 “Song of the Year” in Kentucky at the 10th annual Lexi Music Awards. I was awarded 2023 Josie Music Awards “Multi Genre Vocalist of the Year” which is the biggest international independent music awards and the ’23 Lexi Music Awards “Country Artist of the Year” in Kentucky. I was dubbed as “Country music’s answer to Adele” in the Tennessee Star Magazine after releasing my song “High On Something” and I was so grateful for that. My vocals are something I work extremely hard on so getting these awards and recognition means so much to me. In the songwriting world, I have been blessed to have 5 outside artists cuts which is so rewarding. Knowing that someone wants to share what you have to say with their fanbase is amazing. I have opened and shared the stage with a number of great artists like Riley Green, Chase Rice, Alexandra Kay, Morgan Myles, Striking Matches, Angaleena Presley (Pistol Annies member), Jesse Keith Whitely, and more.

My journey has not been an easy one; there have been plenty of highs and lows like any career. What’s so cool about what I do is that the journey has only begun and I don’t plan on stopping! I have had to make a lot of sacrifices, plenty of late nights, long trips on the road, missing special events in my loved ones lives. The people I care about have had to make sacrifices themselves but I’m so incredibly blessed that they believe in me and are willing to be there for me no matter what.

This business has taught me a lot but I’m also still learning something new everyday. I have learned that not everything is personal, it’s just business. I have learned to build boundaries when needed but also to be open to the many opportunities that come my way. I’m grateful for learning that this career involves creating your own special community of like-minded, hard working, and inspiring people. Always surround yourself with others who believe in you and are there to cheer you on and be there when you fall.

I want my fans to know how important they are to me and how passionate I am about music. I want to always deliver my best and give it my all because they deserve that. If it wasn’t for their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want to use my love of music to connect with people through our shared experiences, to entertain and allow fans to have a great time, and use the gift God gave me in the best way possible. 2023 was full of incredible moments and I can’t wait for what 2024 has in store for me. I hope my fans are ready for more touring, new music, new projects that will allow us to connect even more, and who knows what else!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was coming to visit for a week there are a lot of places I would want to take them! I know the typical thing to do is to go to Broadway but I like to take people to places they may have never heard of and that are more “local” spots. We would first start by visiting The Fainting Goat coffee shop in Spring Hill. They have the best drinks and one in particular that’s a big hit is the “Stapleton Latte.” Then we would head to downtown Franklin. There are so many cute, independently owned stores that sell anything from clothing, to jewelry, spices, coffee, and cocktails! We would make a whole day of shopping and grab dinner at either GRAYS On Main or Culaccino. Of course, we would grab dinner at the other one the following night. GRAYS has upscale southern cuisine and live music Thursday through Saturday and Culacinno has the best Italian food around. After dinner we would hit my favorite bourbon bar, O’ Be Joyful. If you love specialty made cocktails and are a bourbon/whiskey lover, this is the spot!

Another place I would take them is to The Factory which is just a few minutes down the road from downtown Franklin. The Factory has a fantastic cocktail bar that sits in the middle of the building. I highly recommend the espresso martini. We would grab donuts from Five Daughters which are always a hit with out of towners…because they’re amazing! After wondering the shops there, we would grab some tacos from Mojo’s Tacos.

Of course, if you come to the Nashville area, you have to see some live music! I would take them to see a show at The Ryman, The Grand Ole Opry, and then some smaller venues like GRAYS, Kimbros, and 3rd and Lindsley. What I love about Nashville is that there is music everywhere you go, 24/7. There’s also plenty of other exciting things to do like Preds games, Titans football games, shopping, you can go and design a custom hat at one of the several hat bars on town. The list goes on and on. I always recommend people check out all the incredible spots outside of the typical tourist attractions…except Miranda Lambert’s bar, Casa Rosa, you have to go there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I will be the first to admit that I would not be where I am today in my career without the help, belief, and encouragement I’ve received from my family, fans, friends, and teachers/coaches. Every single one of them has helped shape me in some way or another so it’s so hard to pick one person to give a shout out to! But since I have to pick, I will give a shout out to my parents and my husband. They are my biggest supporters and often my rock when I’m feeling discouraged or lost.

Like I mentioned earlier, I have dreamed of being a country music artist since I was a little girl. Though I didn’t truly start pursuing it till I was in my late teens, my parents have always encouraged me to chase my dreams and pushed me to be the best that I can be. They have put countless hours into traveling from show to show with me, running my sound, selling merch, promoting me, the list goes on and on. They have invested in my gift by helping me pay for lessons, making sure I have the equipment I need, and more. They come to every show that they can and always are there to lift me up, cheer me on, and of course teaching me to remain humble no matter where I’m at in my career.

My husband also deserves a huge shout out. It truly takes a special person to be in a relationship with an artist. Our schedules are all over the place, we miss countless important life events, late nights, etc. Though it can be difficult, he understands that sometimes sacrifices have to be made. He believed in me so much that he was willing to leave his hometown, friends, and family to come with me to Nashville so I could pursue my dreams. He pushes me every day to be my best, to stay true to who I am, and to be confident in what I bring to the table. It can be hard being away from family so he continues to be my rock to ensure that I can do what I love every day.

Website: www.Taylorhughesmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorhughesmusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FTayHughes_Music

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorhughesmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZPhD12xLCpMZRUcDDFNjpw/featured

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0lUTE6qzOxQBCjbEKzAjOP?si=78fMiE1OSwSpKg_RzwS5Cw https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorhughesofficial?_t=8bRbRVWbtba&_r=1

Image Credits
Hank Jr Productions Pictorious Imagery Janet Reynolds Photography