The music scene is buzzing with fresh voices, and one of the most exciting names to watch right now is Nova Scotia’s very own, Taylor Jensen. Taylor’s music is now available across all streaming platforms; she’s making waves and already stepping onto big stages. We caught up with Taylor to get to know her better, talk about her journey, what’s next, including her upcoming show, singles, and what fans can expect.
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Spotlight on Business: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Taylor Jensen: I’m from Inverness, Cape Breton, so here in Nova Scotia. I grew up just a five-minute walk from the beach. I spent most of my childhood at Inverness Raceway. My family has deep roots in the Harness Racing community, which was a big aspect of my life growing up and shaped me into who I am. My days were filled with fiddle lessons, playing with my cousins, picking blueberries, catching frogs, and making mud pies – all that good stuff. I’ve always had a wild, vivid imagination and loved to make up stories. I was always singing and dancing for anyone who would listen.
Spotlight on Business: What do you like to do when you’re not performing or writing music?
Taylor Jensen: I love painting; while in university, my minor was actually in studio art for a while before I decided to step away for personal reasons. I’ve always just needed a creative outlet, whether that’s scrolling on Pinterest for inspo, creating different visual identities and looks, or even using my hair as an artistic expression. Creating merch, designing single artwork, and content for releases is also something I enjoy. Seeing everything from my imagination slowly come to life. I also enjoy going to the gym–I was a personal trainer for a couple of years, so fitness has always been part of my life. Honestly, I just love making things, whether it’s art, music, or something totally random. I’m always creating in some way.
Spotlight on Business: What got you into the music industry?
Taylor Jensen: Honestly, I don’t really even know how to explain it. I kind of just fell into it somehow. Opportunities to perform came my way, and I took them, but at the same time, I think deep down I always knew that’s what I wanted to do. I never had a plan B. When I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a singer one day. I was not always confident in myself, and I still second-guess myself today, but at some point, I figured, if this is what I love most, why not just go for it? I didn’t know if I had what it takes to be a musician, but you’ll really never know if you don’t even try, right?
Spotlight on Business: You were juggling both university and trying to find your way into music – when did you decide to make music your career? Did you have a moment where you thought, I’m jumping in the deep end?
Taylor Jensen: I did have that moment. It was in January of 2022 when COVID was starting to come to a close. I had gone to Costa Rica for three months and had only brought a backpack, ukulele, and that’s when I realized what universal language music was. Everyone spoke Spanish, but when we sang and danced, music was a language everyone understood. I was never good at communicating when I was younger; I was awkward and shy, but I could always communicate through music, which helped me come out of my shell.
Not long after I returned from Costa Rica, my mom was diagnosed with ALS. One of the first aspects it affected was her ability to speak. My voice is my instrument, and I can’t imagine losing that. It really threw my life into perspective. I guess the combination of both Costa Rica and my mom’s diagnosis pushed me to make my final decision to focus on my music career. Unfortunately, my mom lost her battle to ALS a few weeks ago. It really makes you not take these amazing opportunities for granted and live life to the fullest, sing your heart out on stage and love a little harder.
Spotlight on Business: You have recently performed at a couple of festivals, Cavendish Beach Music Festival and Sussex Fundy Fest, just to name a couple. How have these helped you as an artist?
Taylor Jenses: I love getting up on stage and connecting with a live audience. I strive to put on a fully produced show one day, the way Taylor Swift created an entire storyline for her First tour. For now, I love being able to tell my stories through chatting between songs, having fun on stage, and being in that moment. I love meeting all the other musicians and music lovers at festivals and shows off stage as well. It allows me to share these songs I’ve written and meet people like yourself and your team to talk about the person behind them. I especially love all the little girls who give me hugs and look at me like I’m Taylor Swift. It’s those little moments that make me feel like I’ve truly made the right decision on choosing music – I want to give them the message to just “go for it!”
Spotlight on Business: The first time you heard your song on Spotify or on the radio, must’ve been super exciting! What went through your mind?
Taylor Jensen: It wasn’t that long ago when I heard my song on the radio for the first time. I know it’s been played, but I just never caught it. It was on 98.9 in Antigonish. Some family members called me and were like “I’m listening to it right now!” It was a full-circle moment but also a moment of disbelief. I teared up a little bit. I was proud of myself for how far I’ve come, not only as a musician but also for all the personal obstacles that I pushed myself through and for having the strength to be vulnerable and put these songs out into the world for others to hear. Life gets busy, and there’s always a new goal to reach, but I think it’s important to recognize how far you’ve come and celebrate those milestones.
Spotlight on Business: What song was it?
Taylor Jensen: It was “Over.” Which, ironically, is such a funny song for me because I wrote it in about fifteen minutes when I was pretty fired up about a situation. It was right after the Juno’s had been in Halifax, a guy I had been seeing said he didn’t want to see me anymore because I was a singer. It got me thinking about all the times I downplayed myself in life, or when someone said I was being dramatic, or I was being too out there. I’ve made myself very small in the past and I was like, “No more!” Be overdramatic, be ambitious, but most importantly, be who you want to be. The right people will stand by you.
Spotlight on Business: In your career thus far, I know you’re still young. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your professional and music journey?
Taylor Jensen: I have two: to be yourself and to be authentic. When I first started in the music industry, I didn’t think being who I was, was enough. You see big-name artists on stage, being so outgoing and full of energy, it’s amazing! I thought I had to be this loud, outgoing person when, naturally, I’m pretty quiet and introverted. I decided to take a step back and rethink the narrative I’d told myself.
I’ve since learned that I don’t need to wear a mask and let down the walls I had built, not only as a musician but in general. The more authentic I am, the more authentic my music is, and the more authentic I become around people. I feel so in tune with myself now, and I can’t imagine being any other way.
Spotlight on Business: You are very talented, and we believe your decision to pursue your music career was definitely the best decision for you, but is there ever a time when you’ve thought, maybe this isn’t the right direction for me?
Taylor Jensen: Thank you!! and at least once a week! I wish I were kidding!
Spotlight on Business: What keeps you moving forward?
Taylor Jensen: I had to strip out all the other noise and ask myself, “Why are you doing this?” and I always answer the same way. I love storytelling, I love writing songs, and I love sitting in my room, strumming on my guitar and allowing the creativity to flow.
I’m a writer and a songwriter, and I love being able to put my creativity out there.
Spotlight on Business: What kind of advice would you give a young performer who’s looking to get into the music industry?
Taylor Jensen: I would say to dip your toes in, even though it can feel scary at times. Put yourself in rooms where you may not believe you belong. Take chances, put yourself out there, and always be true to yourself.
Whatever’s meant to be will happen, but never be afraid to ask for help. It can be intimidating to ask for advice, but we all started off with this dream and love for music, and I think it will always come back to that.
Spotlight on Business: As both a songwriter and a performer, is there one you prefer over the other?
Taylor Jensen: I love performing. When I don’t have a guitar in my hands, I feel free to move around the stage. I’ve never really been to many big concerts; the past festivals are some of the biggest I’ve been to. I enjoy watching local artists at the smaller venues, and I really fell in love with that aspect of it. I get a crazy high from being on stage and connecting with concert goers.
Spotlight on Business: As a country singer, are there any other genres of music you like?
Taylor Jensen: This one’s a little surprising. I love hip-hop. I weirdly find a connection between hip-hop and country, where it’s just straight story telling. I’ve always loved a really good bass line and drumbeat. I love dancing, and it’s so easy to dance too and workout as well!
Spotlight on Business: If you had the opportunity to do a duet with anyone else, any genre, and any singer, who would it be and why?
Taylor Jensen: Kacey Musgraves has been my biggest influence. I feel like some of her earlier work and my work have some similarities. I fell in love with her when her song ‘Follow Your Arrow’ came out. I don’t even remember how old I was.
I would also love to work with Riley Taylor. He’s just a phenomenal songwriter and a great person, and he’s someone who’s just authentically very true to himself.
Spotlight on Business: What’s left for 2025? What other things do you have on the go?
Taylor Jensen: My newest single, ‘STRANGE’, just came out August 1st,!! I’m opening for Ria Mae at Maxwell’s Courtyard, I am playing Giantstock in Merigomish August 31st, and then I’m flying to Kelowna BC for my first CCMA’s where I’m playing a showcase called ‘Diamonds in the Rough Stage.’ I’ll also be doing my first Nova Scotia Music Week showcase in Yarmouth in October. I’m really excited about that one.
Taylor may have been born and raised in a quaint town of 1200 people on the Coast of Cape Breton Island, but this songstress has found her voice and spot in the country music scene, writing and performing ‘End of the Road’. We believe that this Sappy Cowgirl is an artist to watch with no plans on stopping anytime, so keep your eyes out.
by Krista Legge-Wakeley