Born in the scenic coastal town of Santa Cruz, California, singer-songwriter Taylor Rae has swiftly made her mark on the Americana music scene with her debut album, "Mad Twenties," released in October 2021. The record went on to become a fixture on the Americana Radio charts (AMA/CDX) for 31 weeks, marking the longest duration for any independently released album in 2022. The single, "Home on the Road," which truly embodies her “Soul & Roll” sound, remained in the Top 10 of the Americana Music Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks.
The positive response to "Mad Twenties" catapulted Taylor Rae onto a series of nationwide tours, performing to sold-out crowds alongside luminaries like Sierra Hull, John Craigie, Pokey LaFarge, as well as headlining shows with her own band. One of the unique aspects of the album is its fusion of various genres, which has allowed Taylor Rae to captivate a wide range of audiences across the country.
Henry Carrigan of No Depression described Taylor Rae's musical prowess, noting, "Taylor Rae’s edgy vocals slide easily from tender to tough, from a gentle whisper on folk ballads to soaring shouts on the blues and blues-rock striders. The album introduces a singer fully in command of her vocal gifts and a songwriter who enfolds her lyric sensibility in haunting musical sketches."
Taylor Rae is not just an engaging solo artist; she is also a dynamic performer with her accomplished five-piece band, making her an act to watch in the Americana music scene. Her music effortlessly traverses a spectrum of emotions, enchanting listeners with honest vocals, compelling songwriting, and endearing storytelling abilities.
ABOUT MAD TWENTIES:
Taylor’s Top 20 Americana Music Album Chart debut, MAD TWENTIES, is the culmination of a gently chaotic decade lived with fearless determination, and Taylor shows a sophistication and maturity beyond her 28 years with this collection of 12 originals. Produced by William Gawley, the project runs the gamut from gentle, acoustic Folk to Led Zeppelin-tinged Rock and roadhouse Blues, while also incorporating Jazz and psychedelic influences. The single off of the album, “Home on the Road” remained in the Top 10 on the Americana Music Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks, while the album remained in the Top 50 for 31 consecutive weeks.
No Depression says that “The album introduces a singer fully in command of her vocal gifts and a songwriter who enfolds her lyric sensibility in haunting musical sketches,”; It is an apt description for a largely chronological concept album. Taylor’s incisive lyrics cover a broad emotional landscape, describing a blossoming – then withering – romance in stunning confessional detail. The gently rolling opening cut, “Window,” inspired by a psychedelic experience, affords the first inviting glance into the real-life relationship on which the majority of songs are based, while the sweetly romantic first single, “Fixer Upper,” offers a dreamy optimistic view forward. The paths of touring musician and romantic partner converge in the free-ranging, B3-laden “Home on the Road,” an Americana Music Chart Top 15 single. Taylor’s vocal prowess for searing Blues/Rock is demonstrated in the electrifying “Forgiveness.” Other highlights include the raw, edgy vibe of the politically charged “Never Gonna Do” - a brief but compelling detour from the album’s autobiographical element. The collection closes out with “Taking Space,” a darkly bittersweet epilogue to the love story. “Recording the album was very cathartic; it reflects my own personal journey of self-actualization, awareness and growth,” admits Taylor. “It’s easier to look back on this journey and relationship with gratitude now.”
