A Quick Chat with Taylah Little
Congrats on the release of “If I Forget”! Can you tell us the story behind the song – what sparked it, and what does it mean to you personally?
I originally started the song years ago with the chorus and just an idea of someone being my rock. I imagined what it would feel like to really lean on someone and I came up with the idea of someone singing my words when I couldn’t. I now am in a relationship for the first time where I am experiencing this, so it really felt like the right time to release the song and share it with people.
This song was born out of longing for a love that not only holds but is held. It is about imagining a relationship where two people can meet each other with tenderness, even when life is messy and heavy.
The lyrics talk about the courage of vulnerability and letting someone see all of you, not just the polished parts, and discovering they want to stay. It’s about the moments when words fail, when you can’t show up the way you hoped, and the grace of having someone who can sing the words for you until you find remember the words again.
Your sound has been compared to Amy Winehouse – soulful, raw, and full of character. Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they shape your style today?
Yes! Amy Winehouse is a huge influence for me vocally. I love any female vocalist with powerhouse voices especially Adele. I love the blend of intimate songwriting and deep soulful vocals and I hope that’s what stands out in my music. I am also really enjoying the soulful and catchy vibes of Olivia Dean lately.
You’ve got that vintage soul vibe with a Gold Coast twist. What’s the creative process like for you – are you more of a late-night writer or a “coffee and sunshine” kind of songwriter?
I am definitely a late night writer. I often hear a tune in my head at night, jump on the keyboard and write melody, lyrics and structure all at once. I usually go back to it the day next day or 2 and clean it up. When I am about to jump into the studio I look for what else I can hear for the band to really flesh it out but it’s a very simultaneous process. I try and follow through with it when the song first comes to me so it sticks to the original feeling as much as possible.
Speaking of coffee… what’s your go-to café on the Gold Coast when you need a caffeine fix or a little songwriting inspiration?
Yes I love getting up late and starting my day with a café coffee. I often go to Emerald Lakes and sit by the water.
The Gold Coast music scene is thriving right now, what’s your favourite local venue or gig memory so far?
I have recently performed an original show with my full band at Den Devine and absolutely loved it! I have also done an acoustic show there recently and been a part of the James Alexander jam sessions on Sunday nights. It’s got a great vibe to collaborate and enjoy some time with other amazing and supportive artists.
When you’re not making music, how do you unwind? Are you a beach-at-sunset person, a vinyl-collection-on-repeat person, or both?
I love getting in the ocean to reset, listening to lots of different kinds of music, reading and going to gigs when I’m not playing myself.
If you could headline any Australian event or festival, which one would it be – and what would your dream set look like?
Working as a musician I am constantly jumping from one stepping stone to another. Eventually I hope that leads to a set at Laneway and even better a twilight set at Splendour once it comes back.
If “If I Forget” had a music video mood board, what would it look like?
If I Forget is about deep love and the kind that can truly hold you so I think it would feel warm and loving. Like soft golden light at sunset, being hugged in the rain, loving polaroid photos. The colours would be yellows and pinks warm but very calm. It’s the feeling of someone showing up for you when you’ve forgotten how to show up for yourself.
And finally, what’s next for you? Any upcoming gigs, future releases, or dream collaborations we should keep an eye out for?
Yes you can catch me at Doo-bop weekly doing solo, duo and trio shows. I also post a lot of gigs on my Instagram (taylahbrittanylittle). I am also really excited about a new song I am releasing in November called Thought You Were The One. It’s a heartbreak song about releasing the dream of being with someone and fully letting go. It’s a really raw song but I feel like its my catchiest so far so I can’t wait to share it.