Country music star Taylor Sanders bares her soul on her new single, "Other Side." A testament to the human spirit's enduring strength, the song is a deeply personal reflection of her journey through adversity. Having endured the loss of her mother, a miscarriage, and her own battle with skin cancer, Taylor Sanders transforms pain into power, offering a message of hope and strength.
"Other Side" captures the emotional weight of her struggles while offering listeners a sense of empowerment and encouragement. With her authentic lyrics and soulful melodies, Taylor invites us to confront our own challenges and find solace in the promise of brighter days ahead.
In this interview, we delve into Taylor's creative process, her motivations behind "Other Side," and her commitment to using her platform for good, including her advocacy for early skin cancer detection. Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of an artist dedicated to sharing her truth through music.
Would you say writing “Other Side” was difficult, cathartic, or both?
Writing "Other Side" was cathartic, as it offers hope for what lies beyond. Personally, I have found that when I sink into negative thoughts, focusing on positive affirmations and faith—even when not genuinely feeling positive—can be empowering. There is a certain strength in proclaiming positivity and holding onto hope for the future.
Of course, you also had the help of Terran 'T-RAN' Gilbert, the Founder of 22Visionz, as co-writer. How did that dynamic work then, considering this song had come from very personal experiences?
The collaborative vision with Terran ‘T-RAN’ Gilbert was to craft an inspirational piece, drawing from both of our experiences to infuse the theme of triumph, given our shared history as overcomers. T-RAN is a phenomenal writer, producer, and visionary. The exchange and synergy of ideas between us have been a cornerstone of our approach to all of our projects, fostering creativity and depth in our work.
In a doubtlessly bitter way, suffering can surely bring us wisdom. What valuable lessons do you wish to impart to listeners?
I am currently navigating a healing journey that has been more prolonged than I wish to admit. Yet, I am actively dedicating myself to improving my mental and physical well-being. I remind myself that the only way to get to the other side of pain is to go through it. I grant myself the space to acknowledge and work through all my emotions, taking each day as it comes. Time waits for no one. Time goes on. So, I ask myself, what am I going to do with my time here on earth? Time is a precious gift, and our legacy is shaped by how we make use of it, as exemplified in 2 Samuel 21:15.
Faith is very important for you, and it’s helped get you through tough times, so what would you say to people who are maybe unsure or are struggling with their own faith at the moment?
Diving deep into my faith and immersing myself in the study of God's word has been crucial in unraveling my thoughts. The battle for understanding has been intense, as the enemy constantly strives to lead us astray. Fear spreads like wildfire, but so does faith, and there is always going to be evil around the corner to test and attack our faith. Evil never takes a generation off (2 Samuel 21:15-22).
Through my church group sessions, I’ve learned that our weapons come from our worship (2 Samuel 22). God calls and conditions us to lead. We may not know why we are going through certain pains and sufferings, and it may feel like the worst timing to us, but I believe I am being molded and prepared for a greater destination than I could ever dream of.
My determination to remain steadfast in faith is not just for myself, but to set a compelling example for my son and others. I believe that our actions today will reverberate in the lives of the next generation.
Let’s talk a bit about who you are as a musician right now and where you feel your sound is headed. Talking about your sound. Country is, of course, a huge part of that identity as a musician. How do you feel about where the genre is right now?
My sound is a cool mix of country, pop, and hip-hop. With T-RAN and the 22Visionz team, I can blend classic country with modern flares, especially because I am a dancer and love incorporating full dance choreography into my live performances. I’ll always be a small-town southern belle, no matter how big I go. I often refer to my music as a concoction of “country twang and beats that bang,” a playful nod to the unique and energetic sound that I strive to create.
The music video looks like the experience was fun to shoot. Tell us about your experience!
Shooting "Other Side" at Ocean Way Studios was an exhilarating experience, given its iconic status and the fact that many of my musical influences have graced its halls. Having the opportunity to film there was truly special, and it’s always great to team up with my manager/video director, T-RAN, and the 22Visionz production team to make history on our video projects.
Plus, my 7-month-old baby boy was present at the shoot, which brought me immense peace of mind. As a mother, being separated from him for extended periods is challenging, so having him by my side during the filming was both comforting and heartwarming.
And lastly… What’s up next for Taylor Sanders?
Exciting updates are on the horizon as I gear up to release new music and unveil upcoming live performance dates. Stay tuned for more details to be announced soon! Thank you for your continued support and for tuning in to my music!
