Emily Taylor

Artist: Emily Taylor

Three words to describe your sound: I have a different type of tone to my voice, deep rich overtones. If you had to compare me to someone, I'd compare me to Bonnie Raitt or Faith Hill. Kind of bluesy and jazzy with a little country.

You made a promise to give up a career in singing if you hadn't found success by your 25th birthday. You got signed a week before. How'd that come about? I was in L.A. close to a year but wasn't crazy about Hollywood. . . I wanted to be close to my friends and family on the East Coast. So I went to New York for close to two years, pursuing musical theater. My mom called me one day and said she knew that (local producer Jerry Duncan) was looking for new girl to work with. I loved New York and had to think about moving home but I did it. And this was right before my birthday.

What career would you have chosen if you hadn't hit the level of success you wanted? To be honest, I'm not sure I would've stopped (laughs). I have such a passion for theater and performing. I think maybe I would've gotten involved with advertising or possibly politics. Not that there's money in that either. But probably politics.

What songs do you like to cover? "When the Lights Go Down" by Faith Hill. I would even use that in auditions. I love to sing stuff by Sarah McLachlan. And I love "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt. She and I are similar vocally. I like to sing anything with a lot of soul.

What's the best part of performing live? Everything. For one thing, I don't get nervous before I get on stage. That's when I'm in my element. It's the best rush, and I don't want it to end, and when it is over, I'm exhausted. It's very hard to describe but I just love people and audiences. I was given this gift and feel like I have to use it.

Who would win in a fight: Faith Hill or Bonnie Raitt? Judging by their music and their hair, I'd say Bonnie Raitt.

You're opening for the Oak Ridge Boys. How did that come about? I signed with Jerry, and literally two days later I found out Jerry spoke with them and I'm just pumped about it. I thought he was joking at first. It's a huge unheard of first gig. It could lead to a number of possibilities. I hope I get to meet them. I promised a lot of people autographs.

- JASON COX, FLIPSIDE STAFF