In this interview spotlight, we chat with Skyler about the latest project, influences, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and a stream of Carnival (featuring MacKenzie Bourg) below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I grew up in Virginia working on a petting farm and they were always playing country music. Hearing it so much and really getting into the lyrics made me fall in love with it, so after trying out the whole pop scene I decided to go back to my roots and started writing country music again.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I grew up being on stage as my dad is a singer back in my hometown of Virginia Beach, Virginia so from a very young age I knew that was what I wanted to do as well. I remember singing “Old Time Rock n Roll” by Bob Seger on stage with my dad at only 3 years old, and since I was always on stage as a kid it just feels like home to me now so I love being able to perform to people and have them love the things I wrote.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
That is a very hard question and I don’t think I could really pick out just a few people but I will try my best. Ed Sheeran, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Shawn Mendes, and James Arthur are some of my favorite artist that inspire me everyday but also adding new people to the list everyday. I do love listening to all types of music to keep my writing game strong.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific with your single “Carnival”? Creatively or otherwise?
The inspiration behind carnival is from seeing cute couples holding hands or winning the teddy bears for each other etc. at the local carnival I used to go to growing up. As a little kid I couldn’t wait to grow up so I could experience that kind of thing and that is where the main idea of carnival came from.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Happier” by Ed Sheeren, but then again I am pretty much always listening to that song, the lyrics are just so amazing
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
Well I honestly am so bad at keeping up with social media since I am like always writing but I try my hardest to go on when I have the time and just talk to and connect with my fans. From liking and commenting on their stuff to just having a chat with them in the DMs.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make this song and to everyone who is always out there supporting me because you all truly mean so much to me.
