July 17, 2007 - Recently we chatted with Taylor Swift who talked about her debut album going platinum, a responsibility to be a role model to her younger fans and when she plans on going into the studio to record her next album among other things.

Taylor Swift

FES: Your self-titled debut album has been certified Platinum. What went
through your mind when you found this out?

Taylor: I found out about my album going platinum while I was signing autographs at CMA Music Fest in Nashville.. It was the coolest thing to get told that sort of thing in front of fans, simply because they're the only reason why my album went platinum. It was such an awesome feeling, and some days I STILL can't believe it!

FES: Going into the recording studio how many songs were written and how did
you decide which songs would make it onto the album and which ones would
not?

Taylor: I sat down with my record label and went through songs before we started recording. There were about 40 that we wanted to put on the CD. But we had to narrow it down. I wrote every song on the album, and that's another thing that I'm really thankful for. There were about 10 songs that we left off the first album that I can't WAIT to put on the second album.

FES: "Tim McGraw" is said to be about a summer love. How did you come about to give this song its name?

Taylor: After I wrote this song, I didn't think it was a hit. I didn't even think it would ever see the light of day. I completely forgot about it, until I was playing my record label president a few songs and my dad said "Hey, play him that Tim McGraw song you wrote" and with some hesitation (and a "You're probably going to think this is stupid" warning), I did. He loved it. When I first wrote it, the song was called "When You Think Tim McGraw", but whenever we would play it or talk about it, it just got shortened to "Tim McGraw".

FES: What did Tim McGraw say to you after you introduced yourself to him?

Taylor: He was so nice, and Faith was absolutely amazing. We were talking about how excited we were to be going on tour together. It was at the ACMs, so it was all happening really fast.

FES: What can you tell us about "Teardrops on my Guitar" that you haven't
already talked about?

Taylor: Drew called me. Like five times. I let those go to voicemail. Ha-ha.
Sometimes it's just too little, too late.

FES: How difficult was it for you to get inked to a record deal by Big Machine
Records and did you have to showcase for them at all?

Taylor: I had just left a development deal with RCA, so I was doing a showcase for a bunch of different labels. It was just me and my guitar, playing at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Scott Borchetta hadn't even started Big Machine at that time, but he came up to me after the show and said "I want you to wait for me.. I'm working on something." The way he said it convinced me that there was something going on that I probably would want to be a part of.

FES: it's been said your second album is due for release in 2008. Can you tell
us anything about this album and has the release date been etched in stone
yet?

Taylor: The release date isn't etched in stone, but I CAN tell you that I'm SO excited about this album. There is not shortage of songs, and there will be no sophomore jinx.  I've started to play a few new songs at some of my theatre shows when I get to headline. It's crazy how fast those recordings spread. I love how passionate people are about my new music.

FES: Your scheduled to perform on CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock
[which airs July 23, 2007, on ABC television]. Do you have any idea what
song(s) you will be performing?

Taylor: At the concert, I played "Our Song”,” Tim McGraw" and "Picture to Burn" but I think they're just airing "Tim McGraw". I can't wait to see it on TV!

FES: What went through your mind when you were asked to perform on this show?

Taylor: It was such an amazing feeling, because I have always considered that show to be a huge moment for any artist's career. Like a really good sign that you're doing the right things and you're on your way. I freaked out, as usual, and started screaming.

FES: Are there any other TV performances scheduled for 2007 you'd like to tell us about?

Taylor: We'll keep you posted, but there's going to be some stuff around the holidays.

FES: What are your tour plans for the remainder of 2007?

Taylor: I'm going to be on tour with Brad Paisley ‘til November, and I'm really happy about that. This tour feels like home! Then December and January is dedicated to recording album number two. I'm more stoked about that than you can even imagine.

FES: You've performed our National Anthem at NBA games, NASCAR races and NFL games do you ever get nervous before singing the national anthem?

Taylor: Hmm, It’s a lot of pressure, and it's a seriously vocally challenging song,  but overall I really love singing it. A lot of the time, I'll play my guitar while I'm singing it.. To me, it feels like that helps to turn it back into a song, rather than just a vocal performance.

FES: Do you feel a responsibility to be a positive role model to your younger
fans?

Taylor: Of course, I feel responsible. I think sometimes people in this position don’t realize that there is no on/off switch for being a role model. As soon as you put out a song, and one person likes it, you're a role model. There's no way to turn that off, and say "No, I'm not responsible for your kids".  You are. It's just a matter of whether you choose to embrace it, or ignore it. I personally love it. It really keeps you in line, and I like that. I’ve never been a partier, or anything like that, but knowing that there are thousands of little girls who have my album and watch how I behave is really a great thing for me. Every time I'm faced with a decision or a choice, I think about the 6-year-old girl in the front row of my concert, and what she'd think about it. Then I think about her mom, and what she'd think. I never lose sight of what's really important. To me, it's those girls.

FES: Is there anyone you would like to thank for the success you have achieved
so far?

Taylor: If you read the thank you section in my album booklet, you'll notice it's like reading a novel. I could never have done this alone, and there are so many people who've helped me out over the years. I'm really lucky to have a great team of people around me, and an amazing family.

FES: Where do you see yourself say five (5) years from now?

Taylor: In five years, I'll be 22. I'd really like to be starting to headline. I think that would be amazing. I'd love to have another platinum album, and I'd love to have won some sort of award (an ACM or CMA, I don't care). Five years is a long time, so who knows what might happen. I never thought all of this would happen in one year, so I can't wait to see my life in five!

FES: Do you have anything to say to your fans who read this interview?

Taylor: You're the best fans in the world.  I'm blown away every day by how dedicated and passionate they are. I look at the record sales every week, and things like my CMT Award, and I'm like "This is CRAZY. I love these people!” I really don't think there should be a wall between artists and fans. That's why my album is so personal. I think it's just better to be honest with people. Being vulnerable isn't always a bad thing, especially when it comes to expression. I love everyone on Myspace who's helped me get things moving. I'm just so thankful to everybody for helping me out the way they have.

Taylor Swift is from Tennessee and tours on a regular basis.

For more artist information log onto the official Taylor Swift Website.

To sample music visit the Taylor Swift page at Myspace.com.

Musician Interview by Michael Montes - Copyright © 2007 Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.