Original Writeup
3.15.2023

Taylor Sackson Releases Sway-Worthy Yet Affecting Single “Liz”

by wpengine

“Compositionally, it’s just one of those songs you’re gonna love instantaneously; from the subtle boom-boom-chick of the bass drum and snare to three-four of bass, and the breath-like rise and fall of the crescendos. “Liz” hints at emotional trauma while nodding to the triple-goddess, along with a scrumptious side of old-school country music. This musical dichotomy is one that you’re going to need to check out.”

Taylor Sackson filters the grandeur of Classic Rock, the storytelling prowess of Country, and the studio largeness of Nashville through the lens of modern Indie Pop. The now LA-based singer/songwriter cut her teeth in the Phoenix music scene throughout her teenage years. She lent her powerhouse vocals to several notable projects, which led to The Arizona Republic stating: “Taylor Sackson can wail with the best of them.” In 2021, she made the move to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time. 

“I’ve played shows to two people and I’ve played shows to 60,000,” Sackson explains. “I’ve learned to realize that music and performing are the root of who I am. It’s not just a thing I prefer to do in my full time, it’s how I function.”

Lyrically, she brings a young, modern perspective to classic songwriting tropes—friendship, love, and loss. Her ability to deliver vulnerable lyrics with a sense of innate confidence is on full display in her debut single, “Inertia”, where she sings: “I wake up in a puddle/I wring myself out/I sing to the radio/At least it listens to me.”

Throughout 2022 Sackson has performed at several notable events and venues—including Hotel Cafe’s Writers Block, Troubadour, and WFNM—and has been busy recording her debut album in LA.

“Liz” is a soothing heartbreak-ballad, with a gorgeous country-infused instrumental backdrop that could be likened to The Chicks. It features vintage-esq acoustic drum kit, a familiar steel slide, and bright, clean electric guitar that transport me back to late-night backyard parties from when I was a kid.

Lyrically, inspired by a poem By Christine Hallet, Taylor Sackson has really put a spin on things. Sackson’s chorus is on another level, letting vulnerability fall as easily as a petal off an overripe flower while pairing open-heartedness with poignant allegory. As “Liz” progresses, a lush and pure vocal harmony stack is introduced.

Chorus: 

“So who’s gonna hold me accountable now? 

I’ve buried that bone in the yard with my vow

And nobody laughed at my joke yesterday

And it hurts because I didn’t ask you to stay”

She speaks of summers painted with heat, and that feeling of the ghost of a person in your living space. Just enough to taste, but not enough to be satisfied. Even more hard-hitting was the line: “I felt you look at me through a dog’s eye”. This is shortly followed by the most shocking yet authentic “I changed the lightbulb while you shook the chair”.

Compositionally, it’s just one of those songs you’re gonna love instantaneously; from the subtle boom-boom-chick of the bass drum and snare to three-four of bass, and the breath-like rise and fall of the crescendos. “Liz” hints at emotional trauma while nodding to the triple-goddess, along with a scrumptious side of old-school country music. This musical dichotomy is one that you’re going to need to check out. 

“Liz” is a song written specifically about an important woman in my family. It generalizes grief in a way that I truly needed. I’ve lost many in a short period of time. There’s nothing harder to grasp than the death of someone so heavily embedded in your life and routine. I needed the words to express that feeling, and I still often find myself re-reading the poem when I need to cope.” -Taylor Sackson

Catch Taylor Sackson live and find out more at www.TaylorSackson.com

*************

What inspired you to write that lyric about being seen through a dog’s eye? That is such a creative perspective and really gets in the nooks and crannies of my heart.

The poem written is the entire song actually, I didn’t change anything about it at all! My aunt, Christine, shared it with me and I instantly heard its melody in my head. I couldn’t get home to my guitar fast enough.

The intro to your video says “a poem by Christine Hallett”. Can you share the poem below?

The lyric “through a dog’s eye” can be interpreted in so many ways, and that’s something I love about singing this song so much. The personification of moments experienced with someone you miss so much is always all around you. Through everyday experiences we are reminded of where life has taken us, CONSTANTLY. I have my own personal relation to the lyric, but the poet states that it’s through the eyes of the most loyal kind of friend

You mentioned that you have played for audiences both large and small. What is your favorite size audience to play for? 

I have played for 60,000 people and I have played for 1 person. I genuinely get on stage purely for myself, so I don’t care about the numbers. However, there is nothing like the energy that radiates from a crowd of thousands. It fuels me like no other. I love trauma bonding in mass quantities and bonding with thousands of strangers. I guess that makes me an extrovert?

As I listened to the song for the first time, I wasn’t sure if it was about love, or a lover, or death. But then when I got to the music video, I noticed the intro clip of what seemed to be a mother and daughter together. Can you tell us more about the woman ‘Liz’ was written about? 

The song is about whoever you instantly think about when you hear its words. I have a dear friend who I sing it to, and the poem was written by a woman also deep in grief from the loss of a best friend. It’s about whoever your gut tells you it’s about. 

Your lyrics are intriguing and entirely unique. I’d love to learn more about your process- How do you begin writing a song, and do words come to you easily? 

I typically word vomit when I write. I can’t afford therapy, so I have found relief in dumping my thoughts onto a page and navigating what it all means later. Guitars surround me in my little apartment, so I’m always picking one up and making something. I love to collaborate, which is greatly represented in the song “Liz”, however I typically write entirely alone, and I love to. 

Who are some of your favorite artists, musicians, and poets? 

My favorite artists include Pinegrove, The Beach Boys, Big Thief, and Black Sabbath. My playlists make people laugh. You’ll hear a Joni Mitchell song and then up next is MF Doom.

Work with us

The best way to build your band's reputation online without exhausting your indie budget.

Get Started