Recently, the Chicago-based record company, and subsidiary of Dupée Productions, Level Next Music, contacted me promoting Taylor Mallory, a pop/soul artist on the Level Next roster. 

Taylor is a fun young talent with some great experience, and the right team behind him to help him get where he’s going. 

Along with the initial information emailed to me was a YouTube video link to Taylor’s most recent release, “Sunni’s Outside.”  I listened to the song and watched the video.  I felt like the content of the song, and the video imagery, had a smooth sincerity that told a carefree, slice-of-life love/friendship story.  I enjoyed it.  “Sunni’s Outside” was refreshing amongst the multitude of other releases I’ve experienced on YouTube as of late.

In addition, I was able to catch up with Taylor long enough to ask him a few interview questions.  The transcript of the interview is below, and don't forget to watch/listen to "Sunni's Outside" (embeded at the end of this post)

Interview with Taylor Mallory:
Who are you?
I am a pop-soul singer, songwriter, composer, and entertainer who's passion is in performing and rocking crowds.

What kind of music do you create/perform?
The type of music I create is a mesh of pop and soul music.
   
Where are you from, and where did you get your musical start?
I am from Decatur, IL which is known as the soy capital of the world.  However, I reside in Chicago.  I first started singing when I was 5 years old with a contemporary gospel boy band called "The B.O.Y.S." At the age of 13, I started creating my own music when my mom bought me  a  BOSS 4-track digital mixer, a Dr. Rhythm drum machine, a 61-key Casio keyboard, and a multi-recording software called Cool Edit Pro.

How long have you been involved in your craft (years)?
In total, I have been singing and performing for about 15+ years.

What is your current album/project/tour that you’re promoting and what should people know about it?
Currently, I have a single on iTunes called "Sunni's Outside". I also just released the music video for "Sunni's Outside" through my label Level Next Music. We used the video release as a vessel to raise shoes to donate to Soles4Souls, a shoe charity based in Nashville, TN.

What has been your best musical accomplishment to date and why?
My biggest musical accomplishment to date was getting one of my songs placed on the E! Network's reality show "How Do I Look" with my production team Dupee Productions.  In addition, I am very proud of the music video too - It was a lot of fun and hard work.
   
What is/was one of the hardest things to deal with or overcome as an artist in today’s music industry?
Since the industry is so over-saturated there are a million and one artists trying to make their dreams come true.  I would say the hardest thing for an artist to overcome is experiencing rejection, the lack of recognition, and finding a team of supporters.

What were some of the steps in your progression toward becoming a full-time musician?
I first started out interning at Dupee Productions and learning from a lot of great musicians such as Rich Patterson, Ivan Dupee, Kareem Wells, and other staff members.  During my college years, I had the opportunity to see how musical performances were coordinated and how to put on a great show.

What is your best piece of advice for other musicians/artists who are looking to make a full-time career in music?
My best piece of advice to anyone considering a career in music is to do it for the love of music and not for the love of money or fame.  You will go far if you work your craft.

How can people find you online and listen to your music?
They can find my current single "Sunni's Outside" on iTunes, Amazon and levelnextmusic.com. I am also available on all social networks.  They are as follows:

Facebook:
facebook.com/TaylorMalloryFanPage

Twitter:
twitter.com/taylormallory

YouTube:
youtube.com/taylormallory
youtube.com/levelnexttv

Label:
www.levelnextmusic.com

Posted By:  Nick Venturella