Alexis Taylor’s Latest, Seeing Ghosts
Huntsville, Ontario native. “Both my parents are songwriters and have always been very musical. Music is a part of me — it has always been in my blood.” How has growing up in a family that’s involved in the music industry influenced your career and helped you build a strong foundation in music?
Growing up with two very musical parents has undoubtedly played a huge part in building a strong foundation in music for me. Not only have my parents always provided inspiration for me from early on, but they understand first hand the desire to try and follow your dreams. It’s really cool to be able to connect with both of my parents on that level, which I rarely get to experience with other friends and family. It has also allowed me to ask them for guidance and advice on all things music — regardless of if it’s for songwriting, performing, or even the recording process. They’re my biggest fans and I’m beyond lucky that they support my crazy country music dreams!
On your very first trip to Nashville, you decided to move to Music City. How has the city changed over the years since you moved?
It’s crazy to think about how much Nashville has changed since I first visited, let alone since I first moved there! It feels like every other day Nashville adds another building to their skyline. From Music Row to Midtown, it seems like there are new buildings popping up everywhere. Not only that but so much of the downtown Broadway scene has changed too — especially in the last few years. Every time I go downtown, it feels like something else is under construction, with old bars making way for new bars… it’s definitely an ever evolving city! But it will always have it’s southern charm and small town feel to me.
Earlier this year you were part of a global mission to Guatemala. Missions help ongoing hospital building, community food delivery, and more — along with spreading the word of Jesus. How can fans contribute to your upcoming missions?
Yes! Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to be a part of yet another missions trip to Nebaj, Guatemala with a group of people from my hometown. During our time there, we contributed to the ongoing construction of a hospital, a project that began in 2018 and continues to make progress based on donations. These missions trips are really impactful and transformative, not only for the communities we serve but also for everyone involved. Not only do we find the needs within the community and try to meet those needs while we are there, but we also try to focus on food delivery, and spreading the message of hope and love through Jesus. What’s even cooler to see is that so many people already know and love Jesus, even when they have so little and have experienced so much hardship.
Anyone who wants to contribute to upcoming missions can offer support in several ways — through prayer, donations, or by sharing my fundraisers that I typically post on my social media. Financial contributions directly help fund essential resources like building materials, food supplies, and medical equipment. For those interested in getting involved or learning more about how to help, please keep an eye out for updates on my social platforms or reach out to me directly! I’m committed to going on at least one mission trip each year, whether it’s to Guatemala, Mexico, Canada, or wherever else God leads me. But none of these trips would be possible without the unwavering support of my fans, friends, and family — I’m truly grateful for everyone’s ongoing support!
If you want to check out our last missions trip to Guatemala, watch my latest vlog here.
Covering the Papa Roach — Carrie Underwood song, “Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark),” with two of your favorite bands.
The song is about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. How do organizations like MusiCares help raise awareness of the high rates of mental health issues about industry professionals?
Organizations like MusiCares play a crucial role in raising awareness about the high rates of mental health issues among industry professionals. I found out about them specifically during Covid, as so many people were out of jobs on Broadway and unable to make ends meet. Not only do they provide education but also addiction recovery programs, therapy grants and direct support. They shed light on issues that are often overlooked and rarely discussed within (and even outside of) the music industry; such as financial instability, constant travel, and the pressures of social media/public scrutiny … All things that no one really thinks about when you think about the life of a musician. I feel like organizations like MusiCares remind us that while music can be an amazing way to connect, the people creating it might sometimes need support and understanding to truly thrive in this business.
One of your favorite songs, “Goes Without Saying,” is from the new Post Malone album, F-1 Trillion.
The album features country artists such as Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, and more. Do you have any other favorites from the album and why?
That’s such a tough question! I honestly don’t think there is a single song on Post’s album that I don’t like! I’m pretty sure I played the entire album on repeat non-stop for at least the first two weeks after it was released. “Goes Without Saying” is definitely a favorite but I also think “Yours” is one of my favorites too.
It was written by Malone, Ashley Gorley, Louis Bell, Taylor Phillips, and Charlie Handsome and the song makes me tear up every time I hear it! It has such beautifully written, heartfelt lyrics that touch on the bond between a daughter and her dad, who is reflecting on the bittersweet moment of giving her away on her wedding day. I think this song hits me so hard because I can’t help but picture my own dad giving me away on my own wedding day. “Yours” really captures all the emotions (and then some!) and is a beautiful reminder of the bond between a father and daughter. It’s one of those songs that you listen to and you can tell it was written straight from the heart.
Your latest song, “Seeing Ghosts.” What was the inspiration behind the song?
The inspiration behind the song “Seeing Ghosts” was actually my husband! He’s a huge inspiration behind a lot of my songs these days! But I got the idea for “Seeing Ghosts” when I was driving downtown one day and thought I saw his car, even though I knew he was out of town for the weekend for work. It even had Ohio plates, just like the ones he had! So I did a double take and literally made a U-turn in the middle of the road and followed the car — kind of embarrassing! It took me speeding after the car and pulling up behind him at a stop light for me to realize it wasn’t actually him, and he was still out of town. I was so sad, I thought maybe he came home to surprise me but it was just some random stranger .. who probably thought I was super creepy for following them all throughout town! So the idea for “Seeing Ghosts” initially stemmed off of that, and then the lyrics took about six months of rewriting and then rewriting some more before I actually got them to the place where they are now. It’s probably one of my favorite songs that I’ve released so far, both lyrically and musically!
What is your creative process when recording a song?
My creative process when recording a song typically starts with the bare bones of the song. Before stepping into the studio, I like to have a strong foundation, whether that’s a rough acoustic recording of the song or a solid demo. Once in the studio, it’s all about building the song layer by layer. A lot of times, the drums are recorded first, or at least some type of rhythm, then guitar. At this point, I usually record what is called a ‘scratch vocal track.’ A scratch vocal track is a vocal recording that is typically a place holder and used as a guide for the musicians, producers, and sound engineers. It’s not intended to be the final take of my vocals. But then we can add the bass guitar, and any other key instruments. Depending on who I’m working with to produce the song, I either record vocals after all the instruments are completely recorded already, or sometimes there will still be a few instruments missing and I will sing to the track as is. Recording vocals is probably the most time consuming part of it because I am a bit of a perfectionist as to how I want my voice to sound. Plus, there are always so many layers of vocals to any given song, such as upper and lower harmonies, any ad lib phrases I want to add, or any doubling of my vocals which can add a fullness to vocal recordings.
After the vocals are done, the song finally starts to feel real! I will then work closely with the producer and engineer to fine tune the sound, or fix anything that might seem off, while paying attention to every detail that brings the song to life. Things like adding instrumental hooks, shifting timing, or experimenting with effects can be unplanned but sometimes make for the best ideas! Not long after that, I will have a mixed and mastered version of the song sent to my email and I will listen to it on my phone, then my car, then my studio speakers in my house to compare. If all goes well and there are no more changes to be made, I will then pick a release date and send it off into the world! It can be a long process, and sometimes it can get frustrating when your song doesn’t always turn out like you want it to the first time around, but hearing the final product always feels incredibly rewarding.
2025 is less than two months away, what new releases are coming?
I already have some exciting plans in motion for new releases in 2025! I currently have it narrowed down to four songs that I have chosen to record next, but I haven’t decided which one will be released first. So you’ll have to watch out for updates on that! But I am thrilled to be headed back to the studio in the months ahead, and making new music! There’s something magical about taking a song from a simple acoustic idea to a full band recording. Every studio session feels like a new opportunity to grow as an artist and learn more about the production side of music as well. It’s been especially rewarding to take the things I’ve learned and showcase them in my songwriting lately. The more I learn about the production of music, the more I am able to create my own tracks and beats instead of limiting myself to writing music on my guitar or my piano. So it’s been a really unique but worthwhile experience! I can’t wait to share my new music with you!!
“Anywhere beside the ocean will forever be my happy place.” Going on crazy adventures around the world with your husband. Which spots are on your couple bucket list?
This is such a tough question because there are so many amazing places we would love to visit! My husband wants to visit Ireland, but he’s also eager to go back to Scotland as well — last year, I surprised him with a trip there as his Christmas gift, and it was such an incredible experience. As for me, it seems as though my travel bucket list is ever growing! Greece is at the top of my list for its stunning landscapes and thousands of islands, and I’d love to explore the culture of Germany and Spain as well. I also am totally okay with any tropical destination too! There’s just something about the combination of sunshine, beaches, and turquoise waters that feels like the perfect escape to me! Being able to travel is such a gift that I don’t want to take for granted, especially with my husband! I really feel like every trip adds a new layer of perspective and inspiration to my life, and allows us to make some pretty awesome memories too!