With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?

I was working at my restaurant job on the very last day before the shut down in Ontario. Things had been getting less and less busy about 2 weeks leading up to that time and I was completely in the dark because I don't really watch the news. (I do this for my own mental health in order to keep negativity out of my space and it really helps to stay in a positive place). I ended up having a ton of gigs and festivals cancelled that I was really excited about for 2020 and everything has definitely dramatically changed the momentum I had with my career.

How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?

This year for 2021 would have looked VERY different if the events of 2020 hadn't happened. I was riding a lot of great momentum early 2020 and everything had to change and plans had to pivot dramatically so I am not sure where I would have been by 2021. I do know that I have put off releasing my debut album that has been in the works the last two years because I was planning to do a Canada and USA tour to promote it and was really looking forward to a huge launch event which still is unable to happen so the delay is still there because I refuse to change the plans I had for it and I'm a person who loves IN PERSON interaction being such a people person and online shows just are not the same so I want to do things right and am waiting for that opportunity so hopefully in 2022 we can make that happen.

What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home? How are you supporting your mental health through all of this?

I have done a lot of songwriting, netflix binge watching, cleaning/organizing my apartment and have a couple side jobs that I have always done from home. I have a planner sticker shop on Etsy called SimplyyGlamDesigns where I also do freelance graphic design work.

I have of course been very active on my social media, working on my podcast "Unapologetically Bree" and spending more quality time with my family and loved one's. I have also done a lot of reading and self development during the last year and a half. I did an entire 6 week spiritual healing course towards the end of 2020 that completely changed my life and has been a huge turning point for me on an emotional level and also with my mental health.

Mental health is a cause very dear to my heart and is something that I deeply prioritize so I have been doing a lot when it comes to that. It has definitely been a struggle during the last year and a half so meditation and a regular fitness routine are essential for me and my mental health. One thing I did this year early 2021, was join my girls Madison and Vanessa who run Phases of Fit which is an incredible fitness and nutrition program that is completely personalized to me and my goals. I couldn't handle gym's constantly being closed and my anxiety doesn't allow me to workout with a mask on and the gym I was a member of refused to accommodate my health condition so I had to find another option and it was actually the best decision I made and has made working out from home so much easier for me.

As things are reopening & restrictions are lifting have you booked any new gigs? Tours? Etc? If your region is still under restriction, how are dealing with the Covid third wave?

I am hoping things will come up soon. I haven't had any in-person performance opportunities yet this year. I have done a few online shows here and there and I definitely did a lot more of them early 2020 and I was lucky enough to be able to do two drive-in festivals last summer 2020 which was an incredible opportunity despite world events. It seems there aren't too many in-person shows happening in Ontario yet despite places across the USA booking a lot of shows and festivals but I am hopeful that I will be able to do more as things open up here - unfortunately Ontario has been one of the most locked down places in the world it seems so I am praying that things can get back to normal soon. In the meantime my focus is promoting my latest single "Kryptonite" and planning things for 2022.

Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?

I want everyone to stay strong, stay brave and stay unapologetically YOU. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something because you can do anything you put your mind to but you have to believe in yourself and do the work. Hard work pays off and self care should be everyone's number one priority. When we can heal ourselves and our past traumas - magic can truly happen!

Bree Taylor

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Artist of the Day | BREE TAYLOR

ARTIST OF THE DAY

17.08.2021

BREE TAYLOR