An Inspired Chat with Taylor Miranda

We recently had the chance to connect with Taylor Miranda and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This Summer I tried stand up comedy for the first time as a challenge with my mom, and two of my brothers. We each created a 5 minute act and had the funnest time embarrassing ourselves at an open mic. It was a really fun creative exercise to both come up with an act and then perform it! It definitely brought me a lot of joy, and I would love to keep playing around with stand up as another creative outlet.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Taylor Miranda. I am a custom music songwriter, an americana music artist and a music teacher. I am passionate about all things songwriting, and making songwriting accessible to anyone who wants to try it out. Last year I wrote my first book “The Songwriting Breakdown” simplifying the art of creating original music. I love jumping genres and writing a happy commercial song one week and then an epic soundtrack song the next. But I think I might love teaching songwriting even more. I love watching things click for students as they embrace new techniques for unlocking the incredible ideas inside of them.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mom really demonstrated strong work ethic growing up, as well as trying new things. She was always working multiple jobs, learning new skills and starting new businesses. She demonstrated (and still does demonstrate) so much grit, as well as remembering her “whys” behind all the hustling. Her “whys” were her kids. She wanted to provide a good life for us and make it possible for us to pursue our interests. She also actively modeled the idea of going after what you want. She has always believed in us and told us to follow our dreams. Watching her go after her next project believing in herself, was and continues to be a great model to me that things won’t necessarily be easy, but all things are possible. 

When did you last change your mind about something important?
This will be diving pretty deep, but maybe it will be helpful for someone else to hear. In the past few years I changed my mind and left a religion I had been a devout member of my entire life. It was a really big deal in a lot of directions and it was a decision that took a lot of personal prayer and reflection to come to. It was hard to make this change and leave behind so many traditions, as well as the community I was so accustomed too. I also worried that people would think I was ungrateful or that I had lost my way. Going through this soul searching and stepping away really gave me a lot of perspective, and has helped me grow in my own relationship with God. I like to believe that most everyone is trying their best, and you just have to focus on finding what works best for you personally at any given moment in time, and run with that. 

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I don’t know if this is an industry lie necessarily, but I have been realizing that people that are doing well in their music careers are often a lot more generous than you would expect. I reached out to many songwriters and music educators in light of my book being released. There were so many people that I thought were maybe “too cool” or “too important” to get back to me, and many of those people did get back to me. And several people were incredibly generous with their time and advice. It blew me away. It has really inspired me for my own path forward. I think when you are in a good place with what you are doing in your life, your ego takes a back seat. You help those coming up. You genuinely try to provide value for others and give back. I had been given the advice “seek to help others and things will work out.” I didn’t know how to fully apply it to my music career before, but lately I feel like something has clicked. It’s less about what I can get out of things, and more about “how can I actually be of help here?” I want to be like those people who have been so generous to me. I am learning that genuine generosity is the epitome of what true success looks like. 

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I love the idea that I have music out in the world and now my book as well, as tangible pieces of my legacy. However, the things that are most important to me are the less tangible, connecting moments with my family and friends. I want my story to be that I was someone who really showed up for the people in my life. That I listened. That I made them laugh. That I supported them in the things that really mattered to them. I love the people in my life so deeply. I hope the story that I leave behind is that they truly felt and understood how much I cared about them. And I hope that deep love makes their lives better. 

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Cerissa Mangrum
Andrew Lane and Tommy Anderson
Adam Rallison

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