We were lucky to catch up with Tailen Toliver recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tailen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I began learning my craft in 6th grade when I decided to become a recording artist. I was always around music growing up. Being that I grew up in church, I mostly listened to Karen Clark-Sheard, Vickie Winans and The Clark Sisters. Once I got to 6th grade though, I became enthused with Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson and the American Idol franchise. Watching the contestants from precious seasons on YouTube opened my eyes to a multitude of different genres. I remember cleaning up listening to Barbara Streisand’s “The Way We Were” and Vicki Sue Robinson’s “Turn The Beat Around” and practicing holding my notes and learning about the ins and outs of their techniques. During my later high school years, I joined choirs which helped strengthen my musical ear. I began listening to the greats such as Whitney, Aretha and Mariah; even listening to artists in other genres such as Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Bon Jovi. I wanted to make my voice as diverse as I could because I loved ALL music!
Tailen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I went into the music industry in 2020 during the pandemic. I was insecure about my voice prior to this and once COVID-19 came, I wanted to live out my dream and start recording just in case anything happened. I completed my first single, “Caught On You” in December of 2020 and released it in June 2021; followed by “Outta My Head feat. L.C” and “Home” in March and May 2022. I released my debut EP, “Outta My Head” being released in January 2023.
I believe what sets me apart from others is that I make music for those who want to have a voice and feels like they can’t. Growing up, I was told from family and peers that I couldn’t sing and this discouraged me. But I never gave up because God put music in my soul. I want people to know that you can do anything you put your mind to and that it takes work. God gave everyone a gift and he wants everyone to use them.
I’m so proud that I never gave up. I remember when I finally finished my EP, I cried at work because I pushed myself and did what I wanted to do. Making your dreams happen is not an easy task. But I had special friends who encouraged and sowed into me and my work. I will forever be grateful to them.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The best thing that society can do when it comes to support is supporting your local artists especially those in different genres. The hardest thing for independent artists is the support they receive. We advertise, we go live and we engage with our audience; but for some reason, most of us don’t receive the support we should get from our communities. Especially for black artists in other genres other than R&B and Rap. Break down the box that artists are put in and create a bridge.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I believe the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that you can explore your options. As a vocalist, I don’t put myself in one box. I love R&B, Gospel, Rock, Pop, Country and Blues. I love these genres and I put them into my music. As I continue to make music, I will continue to diversify my music and show people that these genres are not for a certain group of people, but for all people to enjoy and relate to. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tailentoliver.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tailenxsings?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailen.toliver/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/singertailen
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tailentoliver
- Other: https://linktr.ee/tailentoliver?fbclid=PAAabzL-H7O4adESouQcGIqzCiTQO0PrA7HXX6uC87bvKC0TEkPO3mpwLDiDg_aem_AdLZTvI3qfydGAlZ-DoY0RBYtp0ChuSgL0u6oXq7VI2yci95ETJ8GT0-bu4t2VKQGgc
Image Credits
Distinctive Portraits Krystal Mason