Angel TaylorAfter listening to music from Angel Taylor, you will truly believe the singer is heaven-sent.  The 21-year-old singer and songwriter from California is a perfect example of how a simple love for music can transform into something much bigger.  

With her first album, “Love Travels,” released digitally on March 31, and the single “Make Me Believe” already selected as Single of the Week on iTunes, it is clear that this self-declared California homebody has got something special.  Taylor has travelled a far way from her musical roots, which sprung from gospel music in church.

“I started writing songs when I was about 14.  My sister was writing poetry at the time, and that was how the writing aspect came around,” explains Taylor (who is the youngest of five sisters). “I guess I kind of ‘copy-catted’ her a little bit! The piano thing happened in our church.  My mom would go to church to work in the summer, and I would tag along to go play around in the piano room.”

Taylor never took her musical creations on the piano as an indication towards her future as a singer. “It was so fun for me, putting together lyrics and piano. But I never wanted to be a musician just because I didn’t think it was feasible.  I was kind of set on being a third grade teacher, and I wanted to be that for as long as I can remember.”

As fate would have it, and to the delight of fans everywhere, Taylor is still writing lyrics instead of penning report cards. Of course, a piano was eventually situated in the Taylor household, and she started writing at home.  She still contains an open mind about her future, though. “I love what I’m doing right now, and I want to do my best at this, and see wherever it takes me. I’m always open to change if it doesn’t work out.” 

This easy-going attitude is reflected in the style of Taylor’s music.  Her distinctively smooth, soulful voice is accompanied by beautiful piano, soft orchestral effects, and a style that is possible to savour in any mood.  Every song in “Love Travels” contains an emotional attachment for Taylor, and the effect is one of personal lyrics that really connect to the listener.

“My inspiration as far as how the songs come about is all about emotional attachment. So when something happens to me in my life, I write about it.  I don’t even know if I would know how to write songs just out of thin air.  The majority of my record are things that I have actually experienced. My emotional attachment to the album is kind of risky in the beginning, because while I was working on it, I didn’t really know how people would take it because it’s so real and it’s so open.”

Taylor points out the songs “Chai Tea Latte,” “Maple Tree,” and “Not even Human” as being her diaries on paper. “If you want to know me, that’s what those songs are…me.” Their directly honest approach combined with the strength of Taylor’s voice are sure to grab people’s attention.  

While she loves connecting with people through with her music, Taylor still isn’t completley used to the attention that comes with performing. Performing alongside musical wonders such as two-time Grammy award winning British singer Adele, and singer-songwriter Brett Dennen has drawn much attention to Taylor’s talent.  Later she will hit the road with Brandi Carlile and Kate Voegle. “There have been a few times when fans will approach me and they’ll be like, ‘Oh, you’re Angel!’ I just think, ‘that’s weird,’” admits Taylor. “It’s kind of bizarre, and really nice. The people who usually wait outside of venues are the ones that mostly recognize me.” 

Musical talents such as Taylor still look up to other performers as influences. She cites crooner John Mayer as a huge musical influence. “I think a part of that is because I grew up listening to Christian music, and when I was first exposed to other music his sound was new and exciting to me. His music was the direction that I wanted to take, and I wanted to feel the passion the way that he feels it too.”

Passion is an aspect that is not lacking in Taylor’s album. The 12 tracks on “Love Travels” are more than diary entries that Taylor has set to music, they are living and breathing experiences that people can all relate to. “I didn’t really hold anything back, in regards as to what I was feeling. I mean, so far so good, and I can only hope that it will get even better. I love the music, and I loved the six months of recording.” 

What else does Taylor love? Three universal truths: ice cream, her family and shopping.  In terms of goals, Taylor is just like any other person.  Her honesty in her music reflects on her endearing personality. When asked about the next five years, Taylor has a simplistic approach that anyone could agree with. “I’ll be 26, wow,” she confides to andPOP. “I would like to be dating officially…and perhaps in the position where I am able to take a break from everything. I hope that there will be another record, and of course, I want to still be writing.” 






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