Born on August 19, 1997 in Alvarado, Texas, Tayler Holder grew up in a family that valued hard work and perseverance. His love for music began at a young age, and he quickly developed a talent for singing and playing guitar. Tayler Holder has always been an entertainer. At just 3 years old, Tayler began competing in motocross, an interest that Tayler still holds to this day, but which is more of a hobby now. After finishing high school, Tayler moved to California to follow his dream of being an entertainer. He started creating content for Instagram and Musical.ly, and his popularity quickly grew on the platforms with his viral lip sync videos and daily lifestyle content.
With the online series DIRT, Tayler Holder then launched his acting career playing the main character Luke, who deals with love and addiction and draws on Tayler’s experiences with motocross. After joining TikTok, Tayler quickly grew to millions of followers on the platform, continuing to create viral content, Tayler releases new music and performs at live events and festivals across the country.
Today, Tayler Holder continues to create lifestyle content for his fans on social media, but he is now focusing a majority of his energy on his music career as things are quickly taking off for this talented singer-songwriter. Having moved to Nashville, Tennessee, has helped Tayler as he focuses on his country music career. In 2023, Holder was named Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year by Up N Country, a well-known country music outlet dedicated to promoting the best and brightest in the genre. He has recently become the most followed country music star on TikTok. Despite his success, Tayler remains humble and grounded, and is grateful for the support of his fans and family. He credits his Texas roots and his love of traditional country music as the driving forces behind his success.
Let’s start by discussing your music career. How has your love for music evolved over the years, and what inspired you to pursue a career in country music specifically?
Thank you for having me! My love for music has been a constant throughout my life. From a young age, I found joy in singing and playing the guitar, and it quickly became a passion of mine. As I grew older, my appreciation for music deepened, and I discovered the power of storytelling through songs. Country music, in particular, resonated with me because of its honesty, authenticity, and the emotional connections it creates. The storytelling aspect and the rich musical traditions within country music inspired me to pursue a career in this genre.
You have an impressive background in entertainment, from your early success on platforms like Instagram and Musical.ly to your acting career with the online series DIRT. How have these experiences influenced your music and your approach to connecting with your audience?
My experiences in the entertainment industry have played a significant role in shaping my music and how I connect with my audience. Platforms like Instagram and Musical.ly provided me with an opportunity to showcase my talent and build a following, which ultimately laid the foundation for my music career. Acting in DIRT allowed me to explore different emotions and draw on personal experiences, which I believe has made my songwriting more authentic and relatable. Through these various outlets, I’ve learned the importance of connecting with my audience on a personal level, being vulnerable, and sharing stories that resonate with them. It’s about creating a genuine connection and making music that people can relate to and find solace in.
You’re set to perform at the upcoming CMA Fest from June 6th to 11th. How are you preparing for these shows, and what can fans expect from your performances?
I’m incredibly excited about CMA Fest! I’m currently working on perfecting my setlist and rehearsing to ensure that I deliver an unforgettable performance. I want to bring energy, passion, and an authentic country music experience to the stage. Fans can expect a combination of my original songs and some classic country covers. It’s going to be a high-energy show that celebrates the genre we all love. I can’t wait to share this experience with my fans and connect with them in person.
As you continue to gain recognition in the country music industry, how do you stay grounded and maintain your humility amidst your growing success?
Staying grounded and humble is something that I prioritize and hold close to my heart. I credit my upbringing and my family for instilling these values in me. They’ve always emphasized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and gratitude. It’s also vital for me to surround myself with a strong support system that keeps me grounded. My fans and their unwavering support continuously remind me of the impact I can have with my music. Ultimately, I believe humility is key in maintaining authenticity and being relatable to my audience.
You’ve recently been named Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year by Up N Country. How does it feel to receive such recognition, and how does it motivate you to continue pushing forward in your career?
The recognition from Up N Country was truly an honor and an incredible milestone in my career. It’s immensely rewarding to see my hard work and dedication being acknowledged by a respected outlet in the country music industry. Awards like these provide validation and motivation to continue pushing forward and striving for excellence in everything I do in my career. My goal is to inspire and motivate others to pursue their passions, so this award serves as a reminder of that purpose and encourages me to keep creating meaningful music. I’m grateful for the recognition from Up N Country and look forward to continuing on this musical journey!
What is the most important element you are focusing on for your CMA Fest performance?
The most important element that I’m focusing on for my CMA Fest performance is connection. I want to create a meaningful connection with my fans and make sure they feel like we are one in sharing this musical experience. Through heartfelt lyrics and an energetic stage presence, I want to convey the message of hope, love, and resilience that country music is known for. My goal is to deliver an unforgettable performance that everyone can relate to and take something away from!
What is the best way to experience your performance at CMA Fest?
The best way to experience my performance at CMA Fest is by bringing an open mind and heart. I want my fans to join me in really feeling the music and connecting with each other. My hope is that everyone will be moved by the music, either through singing along or simply taking it all in. Let’s come together and create a magical musical moment!
What advice would you give someone who is just starting out in country music?
My advice for those just starting out in country music would be to focus on honing their craft, developing a strong foundation of skills, and having patience with the process. It’s important to keep pushing yourself and never give up, even when things get tough. Surrounding yourself with a good team of professionals is also key in helping you reach success in your career. Lastly, it’s important to be passionate about what you do and stay true to your authentic sound. If you stay focused on following your dreams, anything is possible! Good luck!
What is next for Tayler Holder?
I’m really excited about what comes next! I’ll be releasing a lot of new music in the coming months and continuing to perform live shows. I’m also planning on doing some exciting collaborations with other artists and creating more opportunities to connect with my fans. Ultimately, my goal is to continue pushing forward in the country music industry and inspiring others through my music. It’s an incredible journey that I’m grateful for, and I’m thankful for all the support along the way!