Ian: With your new single “Goodbye” arriving today, 29th of July, what made this the right song to introduce listeners to your next chapter?
Taylor D: I felt like Goodbye was the perfect introduction because it really represents where I am now, both as a person and as an artist. My first EP was all about falling in love, seeing the world through rose tinted glasses and embracing those fun, pop-girly moments. I was only 17 at the time ‘Fan Girl ‘ EP was released so i was quite innocent. This song is the complete opposite. It’s about knowing your worth, walking away from what no longer serves you and accepting that sometimes endings are exactly what you need. It felt like the most honest way to say goodbye to that old era and welcome listeners into this new one.
Ian: You’ve described “Goodbye” as being about letting go of people who drain your energy and make you question your self-worth. Was writing the song a form of closure, or did it help you see those relationships differently?
Taylor D: I think it was a bit of both. Writing the song definitely gave me a sense of closure, but it also helped me realise that not every relationship/friendship is meant to last forever. Sometimes people come into your life to teach you something, even if it feels cruel and once you’ve learned that lesson, it’s okay to move on. Looking back now, I don’t feel anger , I just feel grateful that I found the strength to choose myself.
Ian: The single is taken from your upcoming EP, due out in October. How does “Goodbye” fit into the bigger story the EP tells?
Taylor D: The whole EP explores what happens after the fairytale ends. It’s about heartbreak, self-discovery, healing and becoming stronger through difficult experiences. Goodbye is almost like the turning point, it marks the moment where I stop looking backwards and start looking forwards. It sets the tone for the darker, more emotional side of the EP .
Ian: Your music balances indie pop with rock influences. How has your sound evolved on this new release compared with your previous work?
Taylor D: I’ve definitely leaned further into the rock influences this time around. My first EP, released at a young age , 17, was very bright, polished and pop driven, whereas these new songs feel more raw and emotionally charged. I still love catchy melodies, but I’ve allowed myself to experiment with heavier guitars, darker production and bigger dynamics. It feels like a more honest reflection of where I am creatively today.
Ian: The title “Goodbye” is simple but powerful. What does saying goodbye mean to you now, and do you hope listeners take something different from the song based on their own experiences?
Taylor D: For me, saying goodbye isn’t about quitting, which I’m sure some people will think it’sme giving up . It’s about choosing peace, protecting your energy and knowing when it’s time to let go. I hope listeners hear their own stories in the song because everyone’s version of goodbye is different. Whether it’s a relationship, a friendship, a job or even an old version of yourself, I hope people take away the message that walking away can sometimes be the bravest thing you ever do.
Ian: Songwriting often comes from personal experiences, but there can be a fine line between vulnerability and privacy. How do you decide what parts of your story to share through your music?
Taylor D: I always write from a genuine place because I think that’s what connects people to music. At the same time, I don’t feel like I have to explain every detail. I like leaving space for listeners to interpret songs in their own way. If sharing part of my experience helps someone feel less alone, then it’s worth being vulnerable, but I also keep certain things just for myself.
Ian: You’ve got some exciting live dates coming up, including Beardfire Fest at The Workman’s Club in Dublin on 15 August and Loud Women Fest at Fibber Magees on 29 August. How are you preparing to bring these new songs to the stage?
Taylor D: I’m really excited because these songs have so much energy live. Myself and the band Cian, Bob and Thomas have been working hard in rehearsals to make sure the performances capture the emotion but also bring that bigger rock sound to the stage. I can’t wait to see how audiences react because these songs were written to be felt just as much as they’re heard.
Ian: Live performance can completely change the way a song feels. Has playing “Goodbye” live revealed anything about the track that you didn’t notice while recording it?
Taylor D: Absolutely. Recording is such a personal experience, but once you perform a song live it almost belongs to everyone in the room. I’ve realised how empowering Goodbye feels when people connect with it. What started as something deeply personal has become something really uplifting, and that’s been amazing to experience.
Ian: Looking back at where you started as an artist, what do you think the version of yourself who wrote those first songs would make of the music you’re releasing today?
Taylor D: I think that pop girl would be surprised !! When I wrote my first songs, everything was about romance and dreaming about love. I don’t think I realised then how much life experiences would shape my songwriting. I’ve become more confident, more honest and much less afraid to write about difficult emotions. This music feels like real growth, both personally and creatively.
Ian: With a new single, an EP on the horizon, and festival performances lined up, it feels like an exciting moment in your career. What are you most looking forward to over the next few months, and what do you hope listeners will take away from this new era of Taylor D?
Taylor D: I’m honestly just excited to finally share this chapter with everyone. I’ve lived with these songs for a while now, so seeing people hear them for the first time is really special. I’m also really looking forward to playing the festivals this summer with the full band and connecting with new audiences. More than anything, I hope If even one person listens to these songs and finds the strength to choose themselves, then I’ve achieved exactly what I wanted.
UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS
2nd August HMV Dublin
10th August The Sound House
15th August Beardfire Fest workman’s Club
29th August Loud Women Fest Dublin Fibbers
5th September Sin é
Words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic
Photo credit – Dominika Lipińska