kristen taylor shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi kristen , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Honestly, it depends on the day of the week! The first half of my week, I work at a coffee shop, so the start of my day is all about slinging coffee in our little trailer and getting into that fast-paced rhythm. It’s energizing in its own way, connecting with people and starting the day on my feet.
But on my off days, my mornings slow way down. I usually make my way to the kitchen and fix myself a good breakfast, then ease into the day with journaling. Getting my thoughts onto paper first thing has been a game-changer—it helps me process, reflect, and start the day with intention. After that, I typically spend some quiet time in the Word, grounding myself spiritually before the rest of the day unfolds.
Whether I am working or not, journaling has become a non-negotiable for my morning routine. It’s always the first thing I do or think about. I’ve also committed to staying off my phone for the first hour to hour and a half of the day, which has made a huge difference in my mental clarity. Giving myself that space in the morning helps my brain wake up slowly, without the noise of the world rushing in.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kristen Taylor — a singer-songwriter based in Central Texas. I make music that lives at the intersection of vulnerability and empowerment, drawing inspiration from the real, raw moments of life: heartbreak, healing, joy, and self-discovery. My songwriting style blends emotional storytelling with indie-pop influences, and my mission is to create songs that make people feel less alone in their emotions.
Beyond music, I’m also passionate about creative community. Whether it’s leading worship, collaborating with other artists, or even starting a Bible study for fellow creatives, I believe in using my gifts for connection and purpose. Most recently, I released a song called bluebird — a really special piece that came out of a friendship formed through shared pain and healing. Right now, I’m working on an album that will be out in June of 2026.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
As a kid, I always had this deep love for music and expressing myself through writing — even if it was just writing my emotions in a diary. It’s always been my source of therapy. I remember watching American Idol with my mom, dreaming I could somehow swap places with the person on the screen, singing on a stage. Most days, you could find me in my room with my karaoke machine on, dressed up in some costume, putting on full performances like I was already living that dream.
But somewhere along the way, the world crept in. I started playing sports and chasing things that felt more “practical.” I was told I had to follow a certain path to be successful — be a certain way, do the “right” things. And that dream of becoming a singer-songwriter started to feel farther and farther away. Still, that little girl with the microphone and big imagination never really left. She was just waiting for me to come back to her.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
For a long time, I was made to feel like being emotional or vulnerable was something to be ashamed of — that those traits made me weak or made me “too much”. Whether it was through past romantic relationships or friendships, I often felt like I had to bottle up my feelings to be accepted. But everything shifted when I started writing music that was raw and authentic to who I really am. I stopped trying to water myself down, and instead, let my pain speak through my lyrics.
What surprised me the most was how people responded. Listeners didn’t see my vulnerability as a weakness — they connected with it. That connection helped reframe the way I saw myself and my emotions. I realized that my sensitivity is actually one of my greatest strengths. It’s what makes me a good writer, a deep thinker, and someone who can create art that truly resonates. Writing from a place of truth has been one of the most healing and empowering decisions I’ve made.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
For the most part, yes — but it’s a layered answer. I’ve worked hard to make sure that who I am in public is a reflection of who I truly am on the inside. I’ve learned that vulnerability is strength, and I try to carry that into my art, my friendships, and my presence on social media.
But I’m human, so naturally there are pieces of me that are more tender, sacred, or still in-process — those aren’t always broadcasted. I think we all need spaces where we can be seen without performance. But, I never want there to be a huge gap between who I show up as and who I really am. That’s why journaling, prayer, and quiet time with God help keep me grounded in the truth of who I am — so that when I do show up publicly, it’s coming from a real, rooted place.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I think praise can be powerful — and sometimes really important — especially for artists. It can encourage us to keep going when things feel uncertain. But at the end of the day, I think art should be made first and foremost for the artist. For me, creating is healing. It’s how I process life, emotions, and everything in between.
Over time, I’ve realized that the only validation I truly need is from God and myself. My spirituality has completely reframed the way I approach creating. I’m not making music just to be seen — I’m creating in partnership with God, using the gifts He’s given me for something greater. That’s what keeps me grounded. If no one ever praised me again, I know I’d still create — because it’s for Him, and it’s for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kristentaylorb
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kkristentaylorr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kkristentaylorr/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kkristentaylorr
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kkristentaylorr
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1JO970Mxu0U8Jo1RuSiXUc?si=DjSMwEMiRQq9Xp6iUnYQWg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kristen-taylor/1710480150
Image Credits
Faith Tepoel
Lauren Grover
Reilly Pagel
Sam Hamilton
