Meet Taydem Shoesmith, a rising star in the music industry who has been captivated by the power of melodies since a tender age. As a young girl, Taydem’s father serenaded her every night, igniting a fire within her that would shape her destiny. Immersed in the harmonious embrace of her father’s lullabies, Taydem discovered solace and kinship in the art of songwriting during her freshman year of high school. Yet, like many budding artists, she initially hesitated to unveil her musical creations to the world, fearing the harsh judgment that often accompanies vulnerability. However, as time unfurled its enigmatic tapestry, Taydem realized that her thoughts and emotions resonated with others, compelling her to share her artistic gifts with unwavering courage.

Taydem’s musical repertoire defies categorization, effortlessly traversing the realms of singer-songwriter, pop, and alternative genres. With the release of her debut single, “Are You Clapping?,” she fearlessly delves into themes of self-acceptance and empowers listeners to embrace their authentic selves, impervious to the forces that seek to mold them into something they’re not. Drawing inspiration from luminaries like Michael Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Billie Holiday, Sabrina Carpenter, and Camila Cabello, Taydem’s musical stylings are a seamless fusion of diverse influences, resulting in a sound uniquely her own.

But Taydem’s artistic pursuits extend beyond the realm of music. Acting, too, has claimed a firm grip on her creative spirit. In 2020, she made her dazzling acting debut in the short film “In the Dark,” captivating audiences with her raw talent. Since then, she has effortlessly assumed lead roles in multiple films, effortlessly embodying characters and breathing life into their narratives. Furthermore, her multifaceted genius has found expression in crafting soul-stirring musical compositions for films, including a mesmerizing theme song for a short series.

For Taydem, music transcends the boundaries of mere entertainment; it is a lifeline, an inhaler that rejuvenates her spirit when the burdens of life threaten to suffocate. In her own words, “Music is my inhaler when life makes it difficult to breathe.” This profound connection to her craft fuels Taydem’s relentless pursuit of artistic excellence, as she continues to create breathtaking compositions that resonate with hearts around the world. Keep an eye out for this rising star, as she unfurls her wings and soars to incredible heights, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of music and art.

Can you describe your experience as a singer/songwriter and how you came to be a musician?

Honestly since I’m a very new artist, as of right now I don’t have a lot of experience as a singer/ songwriter. I started writing lyrics around my sophomore year of highschool, and it actually started off as a diary. I just needed a place to write down my feelings and struggles. When I went back to reread my diary entries they made me think they could be good song lyrics. They were very cheesy lyrics at first but after so many years I think I’ve finally improved a little bit! I started focusing more on my music this past year, which led me to releasing my first professional studio made song “Are You Clapping?” I’ve always loved music, and to actually get the chance to create my own song still feels so unreal. So my start to becoming a musician has really just begun, and I’m excited to learn more about it!

Can you walk us through your creative process when writing a song?

I’m not sure I have a set process when it comes to writing a song. Sometimes I just get a random idea in the middle of the night. A lot of the time though, I start off writing as if it’s a diary entry. I write how my day has been and how I’ve been feeling recently. I’m not trying to be creative or clever, I just try to be real. Then I read back over what I’ve written, and that’s when I try to make connections or comparisons, and figure out the main theme I want to write about. For me it’s all about finding the main theme or message I want to get across, and then I can build off that.

How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback when it comes to your music?

Well if I’m being honest, it’s never great when you hear negative feedback about your work, but it’s essential for growth. Those critics are what make me better. People who give you that feedback are really important because they are looking at your work with fresh eyes and ears. They don’t have as much bias as you do with your work, so I’ve definitely learned to hear out the criticism. It’s gotten easier as I’ve heard more because I realize it’s not personal, it’s their opinion. I can either find their opinion useful or ignore it, either way you have to listen to be able to learn.

Can you give an example of a project where you worked collaboratively with others in the music industry?

Since I haven’t actually done much in this industry yet I don’t really have an example. But this was my first time creating music with producers, and that was a new challenge for me. I was used to making music on my own, so I didn’t really know how to communicate my ideas and thoughts about what I wanted from the song. The producers really helped me and guided me along the process, so I was very grateful for them.

How do you stay current and relevant in the ever-changing music industry?

Right now I’m just trying to get started. I’m not sure I can stay current and relevant at this stage. I’m just trying to build my foundation, and work more on my skills before I start worrying about all of that.

Can you name some of your biggest musical influences and how they have inspired your own music?

This question is always so difficult to answer because there are so many artists I love and have influenced me. Growing up I listened to a lot of Michael Jackson so of course he has had a major influence on me. Not only are his vocals great but his dance moves are iconic and his ability to entertain a crowd was amazing! I’ve also been a big fan of Billie Holiday. Her voice is so unique and captivating. She was kind of the reason why I got more into jazz music. More recent artists that have influenced me are Sabrina Carpenter and Camila Cabello. I’ve really liked seeing the growth in Sabrina Carpenter’s music. Her and Camila Cabello have played around with different sorts of sounds and vibes in their songs, which is something I would also want to do.

Can you describe a time when you faced a creative block and how you overcame it?

Creative block is the worst, especially when you want to sit down and work on something, but there is just nothing coming out. I don’t have a specific story, but generally when this happens I just have to step away. Even if I want to work on it, I’m just going to force things, so it’s better to give myself a breather. I go outside on a walk, talk to friends, maybe even try new foods or something. Life is full of things that will inspire you, and if I’m away from those things for too long then my creativity has nothing to feed off of.

How do you ensure that your performances are engaging and memorable for your audience?

I actually haven’t performed my song yet. But I’ve thought about this before, on how I would create a good performance. I would think one of the most important things for me in that situation would be to have fun. If I’m having fun with it then the crowd will feel and feed off that.

Can you discuss your experience with recording and producing your own music?

Recording in a professional studio for the first time was really nerve wracking. I did not want to mess up or feel like I was wasting their time. But inevitably I did mess up haha! It was a bit embarrassing for me at first, but you’re not supposed to go into a studio thinking you’re going to be perfect. It’s not a live show, there’s a reason why they record and edit. I really learned a lot from the whole experience. Talking with the producers was so cool because they were such creative people. It’s always fun to talk and work with people who love music as much as you do!

How do you balance the artistic and business aspects of being a singer/songwriter?

I’m not sure I’ve really had to deal with that yet thankfully. But I’ll just take it one step at a time and learn as I go I guess. I’ve got a lot of support from family and I’ll hopefully be able to take advice from those around me.