Talent, Tunes, and Turning Heads at NYU: Taylor Shore Takes Off

An authentic singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and performer at the core, Taylor Shore would like to introduce herself. Balancing edge with elegance, New York University freshman Taylor Shore offers a musical experience that resonates far beyond catchy hooks. Her “gritty but pretty” vulnerable lyrics, melding genres, and catchy melodies have been a trademark of her career. At the young age of 18, Taylor is not just another singer-songwriter in a sea of hopefuls—she’s carving out her own lane: creating her own management label while scouting talent in NYC. In 2023, she released her first single, “The Price,” on all streaming platforms. Last year, she released “Bye Then,” and she is currently working on music projected to release in the coming few weeks.

What first inspired you to pursue music, and how did you get started?

I’ve been writing for forever. Before I could even read, I would hum along as I read my books. In third grade, I co-wrote my first song with my best friend. She went to USC for music and made me think, “maybe I can do that too.” I have been writing since then, but I didn’t know it was going to be a career—I always thought I would go to school for business—but then I realized I could make money and sustain something in the arts. I was first inspired by theater. That was my initial musical outlet. I just appreciated expression and eventually realized it wasn’t my passion as much as maybe songwriting and artistry.

How has your sound evolved since you first started writing and performing?

Now that I’m not at home, I can be more blunt and mature with my lyrics. My sound is constantly evolving because I’m always doing something new. I learn from other musicians and instrumentalists whenever I’m in class at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, also known as CDI. Last semester was the most change I’ve experienced. Collaboration here was transformative compared to working with the same people from my hometown, but I needed that little bit of change, and that change brought on more trust in myself and my strongest music.

You describe your sound as “gritty but pretty.” How did you develop that style?

That sound definitely comes from utilizing a lot of harmonies, which is where that “gritty but pretty” sound comes from. I love to have background vocals, and additional harmonies in order to make a sad song or intense song more beautiful, creating a more developed sound. I can’t trademark it. I met someone who said that: Zola Simone. I always felt this was the kind of music I wrote, but once I met Zola and other musicians at a singer-songwriter speed dating event with BMI, I finally had a wealth of other people tell me what my sound is like. I love to write more deep stuff that sounds polished, pretty, and harmonic.

Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your music?

I was always inspired by Lizzy McAlpine. Some of her melodies pull in that dynamic way because she started in theater. I’m also inspired by people like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Kate Bush. Inspired by their lyricism. And Ashe. A lot of her music is deep, but it’s hype, and it hits.

Your lyrics are deeply personal—how do you approach songwriting, and what themes inspire you?

I approach songwriting pretty sporadically. There isn’t a ‘let’s sit down and get things going moment.’ I usually write something once a day, little melodies—sometimes focusing on lyrics or poetry and other times melody first. Last night at 11 pm, I wrote a little poem, “I don’t know why I’m bitter when I’m the one who broke your heart.” Another line I wrote this morning was, “Blue eyes and a buzz. You made me go feral.” It’s an outlet for your feelings, journaling, and coping. A lot of these lines are metaphors or nondescript, expressing myself more creatively and subtly. I’m inspired by my personal life and, on occasion, storytelling.

Your first single, The Price, came out in 2023. How has your sound or approach changed with Bye Then and your upcoming EP?

My first song was very much a kid in high school wanting to put something out. I made “The Price” for a short film, “Grief is the Price of Love,” which is less based on my personal artistry but rather a story about how grief is the price you have to pay for love. I wanted to do film for a while, such as creative directing, and work on music videos, so the song is based on plot. But that song is not me. It was just for fun. “Bye Then” is much more me, and since “Bye Then” my lyricism and production are a lot better. After reflecting on this song, I learned that there are many things I can improve, especially my storytelling. The next song I plan to release, titled “Another Man’s Mom,” is much more direct and honest. I wrote it when I got to college about my experiences with men in high school. Now I am lucky enough to work in really nice studios with high-quality instruments and high-quality producers.

Can you give us a sneak peek into your new EP? What stories or emotions are you trying to capture?

The way I’m going to promote it is this: “Have you ever dated a manchild?” I don’t want to return to that feeling and take care of myself and someone else.

Do you have a favorite song you’ve written, and if so, why?

I’ve been collaborating a lot with my friend, Gus Ralston, who is also in CDI. “I Wish” is a farewell song that we wrote together, about a relationship that wasn’t working out. I love it so much. The first few lyrics are insanely blunt, definitely, some Phoebe Bridgers influence there. I wrote, ‘First night, big city, found you in my room. Bite my neck and bide my time. You’re bruised.’ We’re also playing together on March 13th at Nublu Classic and other upcoming events.

You’ve played everywhere, from Musikfest to the Wells Fargo Center. Do you have a favorite performance memory?

In high school, I was a part of a modern band program called Modern Music Makers (M3). My favorite performances were with this program, especially my first big solo set in 2022. I finally had the opportunity to perform again after the COVID-19 pandemic. That was the moment I was like, ‘oh, I needed that to hype myself up again.’ It was a real validation of my artistry. What added so much value to my time spent in M3 was that we couldn’t choose who we worked with. The director auditioned us and then curated bands, so working with contradicting opinions and different music tastes taught me to be a strong mediator and leader. It was my first real music industry experience and I was on stage weekly. I wouldn’t be where I am today without M3 and the director, Kevin Longwill, who I consider my mentor.

What’s the most rewarding and the most challenging part of performing live?

It’s a reminder that I can be my own artist. Performing live is validating, especially considering how much time I put into writing and rehearsing.

But at the same time, it’s challenging. There’s a challenge on my physical body because I tend to be very expressive and love movement on stage. I wore these tall ass heels at my last performance, and by the end, my legs were numb. I couldn’t sleep because of all the effort on my body and the hype from the performance. And I can get sick from stress, so I try to really take care of my vocal cords, sleep schedule, and eating habits.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a performance?

Mentally, I’m a perfectionist, so the more prepared I can be, the more helpful I will be. For example, if I have a show in a month, I need to have my setlist, melodies, and everything ready. Preparation helps me mentally put everything together. Physically, I prioritize my sleep, no dairy (especially on the day of the show), and mindfulness. One time, at a venue, I said there was a vegan member in my band so that they could bring me something without dairy.

You’re not just an artist—you’re also involved in social media branding and marketing. How do you balance the creative and business sides of the industry?

I’m always learning. Trial and error, trying and maybe failing. You kind of have to fail at some point to figure it out. I started to learn and care about branding and marketing by helping other artists do it. I have fun studying and researching social media algorithms, which has reminded me of how important it is to have a brand, combining my creative and business-oriented minds. I don’t want to have to rely on someone to do it and figure it out for me. I love content. I love film. I love romanticizing the idea of something. And when people look at my Instagram, hopefully, they see a cohesive energy, with the best moments from music videos to montages to upcoming shows and branding campaigning.

You’re working on your own management label. What inspired that, and what’s your vision for it?

All in the works right now, and I’m learning alongside the artists I collaborate with. Last summer, l followed and messaged some people in my program (before meeting them in real life) because they seemed super cool. I thought to myself, ‘damn, I’d pay to see these people live.’ Some of my friends are the most talented writers. I really believe in them. I want to help them get excited about releases and creative branding and create content schedules and book shows around New York. Artists are always very busy and we need someone to help us settle down and get organized. The label is more of a collective, with a bunch of different people involved: photographers, producers, songwriters, etc. So much of NYU is about collaboration. I want to experiment and help with everything that I can.

How do you see independent artists navigating the industry today, and what advice would you give to emerging musicians?

Collaboration is so valuable. The best songs I’ve written are always with other people. I mean if someone says they’re doing something alone in the industry, they most definitely have a team behind it. Constantly making, constantly doing, and constantly meeting people is my best advice.

What’s your ultimate dream for your career?

I aspire to do many things, but one of my dream careers is to be a songwriter. I’m currently writing a lot in a feminist punk band I’m in (with my best friend fronting the band) which has really emphasized how much I love writing for other people. If I closed my eyes and pictured myself twenty years from now, I’d be doing work similar to Amy Allen (who recently collaborated on Sabrina Carpenter’s newest album: “Short n’ Sweet”.) She does so much behind-the-scenes work in the industry, writing all of these top hits and helping Sabrina finish her projects. I want to work and help sustain the careers of other artists while still putting out my own music and even go on tour eventually. I foresee myself working in many aspects of the industry. But for now, you can find my music under the name “Taylor Shore” on all streaming platforms and follow my Instagram @taylorellashore for updates on my future shows.