#MusicExchange: The young rise up with Tayla Hunter's new single
26 Apr 2022
18-year-old Cape Town-based singer-songwriter, Tayla Hunter, has unveiled the music video for her latest hit single What If featuring Lee Cole.
Image by Tshimo Molefe: Tayla Hunter
Hunter is steadily making a mark in the music industry with a string of hit singles, but it’s the success of her current track that’s undeniably getting her noticed.
The single has been climbing the charts for the past few weeks and fans will be excited to see the music video, which features the much-loved Lee Cole who also produced the single alongside Cosher Studios producer, Ben Howard.
I caught up with her this week…
What is your job description?
Well … Matric, does that count?
What does music mean to you?
Music is what feelings sound like.
My music is about…
Being a teenager, and like most of us, we don’t really know what we thinking from day-to-day. I write music based on my confusion and emotions and feelings on that particular day.
What is your motto?
“Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon, must invetibly come to pass.” - Paul J. Meyer
Fame is about…
Fame is a big word. If I were ever to become well known, I would use it to teach the youth that all dreams can come true.
Retirement will happen when…
How does a singer/songwriter ever stop?
I don't do…
“Joey doesn’t share food” – Quote from the TV show Friends
I would love to co-write with…
Not only co-write, but I would love to collab with Craig Lucas
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
An artistic person will always just feel it, an outing, a TV programme, a book or sometimes even just nothing.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
Recording! I love being in the studio, there are always creative ways to pass the time, seeing how far you can throw chocolate in your producers mouth!
The song you must do during every show?
At Last – Etta James
Any funny moments on stage?
I was 16, performing my favourite song, At Last and the PA system in the venue completely shut down, leaving me standing there frozen!
{{bizicn}} My heroes are…
My parents
Which living person do you admire most and why?
Olivia Rodrigo – she is my age and flawless. She worked so hard and I aspire to be a role model just like her.
What is your most treasured possession?
I’m 18, so my cellphone :)
It's your round; what are you drinking?
I’m striving to be a role model for kids, kids don’t drink :)
Dream gig to do?
02 Arena in London
What makes you stand out?
I do have somewhat of a unique personality, I love sarcastic humour and those around me know me that way.
Any nicknames?
Tay
If you were not a musician, what would you do?
I am planning on studying medicine next year, so I guess that!
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Emotional, caring, sarcastic, cray-cray, flowery
What are you streaming?
I can make you a list, but we will be here a while; Ariana Grande, Tate Mcrae, Elle May, Haile Steinfield, Lee Cole, Craig Lucas, to name a few.
Greatest movie ever made?
The Notebook
What book are you reading?
Shakespeare’s Hamlet
What song changed your life?
The cup song from Pitch Perfect!
Who do you love?
My family, my dog and my cats, all rescues… except my family, they obviously not rescued - haha.
What is your favourite word?
Bubbles
Top of your bucket list?
To travel anywhere!
{{bizicoon}} Your greatest achievement?
I’ll tell you if I get into medicine.
What do you complain about most often?
Everything, I’m 18!
What is your biggest fear?
Well that’s easy, spiders.
Happiness is…
My dog
On stage, I tend to…
Make funny faces and sweat.
The best life lesson you have learned?
Balance and consistency
What has been your favourite journey so far?
Please send me on one… maybe on a plane, I’ve never been on one.
Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?
I love to work with animals, when I get a chance I go to Fallen Angels. I do sponsor Fallen Angels and Raise n Rescue.
Wishes and dreams?
I want a Disney movie made specifically for me and I want to be the princess in a lilac gown - my favourite colour. But she only wears sneakers. No heels.
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