Interview: Taylor Sanders Puts A Spunky Spin On Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”, News In Progress

An interesting cover can catapult an artist into countless hearts and introduce them to a whole new audience, and there’s no doubt that you’ll find something to love about Taylor Sanders’ cover of “Jolene” by Dolly Parton! She describes her take on the song as being full of “country twang and beats that bang,” and it’s just as catchy as that tagline suggests. Much like Taylor’s original music, her version of “Jolene” is full of energy and sparkling confidence, stealing your heart in just a few beats.

“I’m so excited that people love the beat and the spin we put on ‘Jolene,'” Taylor tells TREMG. “I’ve always been a fan of Dolly, so to cover one of her songs was a treat and a no-brainer. The funny thing is that the description of Jolene kind of describes me, and I ain’t mad about it! Haha!”

Outside of her electrifying music career, Taylor is a new mom and a passionate advocate for skin cancer prevention, following her own experiences with melanoma. She works with The Melanoma Research Foundation and uses her platform to raise awareness on the condition and the importance of preventing skin cancer, which is so admirable. She’s a total powerhouse utilizing her talent in so many areas!

“I really try to be vocal on social media about my story, and it has influenced others to get screened for skin cancer and detect it early, which is my whole goal,” Taylor says. “It’s important to me because detecting my melanoma early helped save my life, but I also want to encourage prevention and safe sun practice!”

Be sure to keep Taylor’s advice in mind this summer, and find her cover of “Jolene” on your favorite streaming services now! You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and her website, and keep reading for more from our Q&A with this multi-talented artist.

Hi Taylor, congrats on your recent cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene!” What has it been like for you to release the cover and see how fans are reacting?

I’m so excited that people love the beat and the spin we put on “Jolene.” I’ve always been a fan of Dolly, so to cover one of her songs was a treat and a no-brainer. The funny thing is that the description of Jolene kind of describes me, and I ain’t mad about it! Haha! (auburn red hair, ivory skin, and green eyes)

Your take on “Jolene” adds a hip-hop beat, and your vocals really shine! How did you go about adding your own flair to such a classic song?

I grew up practicing to some big, belty voices like Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and Leeann Rimes, so I feel that singing style is ingrained in me. As for the beat, I love a song where you can break out into some choreography but still give that country twang. “Country twang and beats that bang” was my thought process, and my team brought the track to life with the infused hip-hop beat.

If you could have Dolly Parton cover one of your original songs, which would you choose and why?

“Firecracker” because Dolly has that spicy attitude too.

You released “Tennessee Love” earlier this year and its music video has over 160K views! What does the song mean to you? Is there a certain lyric you’re especially proud of?

Even though I was born in Kentucky, I spent most of my life raised in Tennessee. I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure of traveling all over to chase my dreams, but I found that something was still missing. I always return to Tennessee for that feeling of home, comfort, love, and belonging. “Where I always knew that I was meant to be. Back to my Tennessee love.” My Tennessee love is my husband, my newborn son, my family and friends, and the great things the state of Tennessee has to offer.

Do you approach the recording process differently for your original music than you do for a cover? How do you get in the right mindset to channel the song’s emotions?

With covers, I throw my personality into the song, and I like to play around with different runs or high notes I can add. Original music requires much more of a creative process. I start with an emotion and work with chords and melodies I’m feeling. Then, begin randomly saying the words that come to mind or think of a theme or a tagline, and build off that. I often think of lyrics in random places or times, like while driving or falling asleep.

You recently got to have a Listening Experience party at the CMA Building in Nashville, which must have been so fun! What was the night like for you?

It was exciting and great to get feedback on the album I’ve worked on over the past year. Plus, it felt good to perform again since it was my first time getting back on stage since giving birth to my son in December 2023. I had to work to get myself together, but I was proud of everything I could accomplish because I had full-on dance choreography in the show.

For anyone who isn’t familiar with your music already, which of your songs would you recommend to them to get a feel for who you are as an artist?

“Firecracker” is a fun, upbeat, danceable song with strong vocals.

In addition to your music, you’ve also been vocal about your experiences with skin cancer and helped others through your work with The Melanoma Research Foundation, which is incredible! What has it been like for you to raise awareness on such an important cause?

I really try to be vocal on social media about my story, and it has influenced others to get screened for skin cancer and detect it early, which is my whole goal. It’s important to me because detecting my melanoma early helped save my life, but I also want to encourage prevention and safe sun practice!

How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since releasing “Firecracker” in 2022?

With every release comes the feeling of accomplishment, but I grow every day. I grow in skill, mindset, and creative pursuits. The feedback from “Firecracker” let me know I was going in the right direction, and with each single that I release, I keep honing in on what I want to say and what people are digging.

What can your fans look forward to as we head into summer and the rest of the year?

I’m planning another single release and roll out the rest of my album. So more music is coming soon! I’m also planning a fall tour. Stay tuned for dates and locations.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?

My music video for “Tennessee Love” is out now, so make sure you all check it out, share it with your friends, and let me know what you think! I was seven months pregnant during the filming of the video, which is insane to think about now! Women sure are resilient, unstoppable beings!