19 Feb 2015 On the rise: Searcy teen pursues her dream

by Erica Goodwin

Like honey fresh from the comb, Taylor Eaves’ soulful sound has all the goodness of the South.

One of her four master tracks titled “Makin’ Other Plans” asks the question, “What’s so wrong with takin’ it easy?” In the busyness of life in today’s society, it’s easy to miss the little moments that make life wonderful.

The youngest of three girls, Taylor grew up listening to her dad play guitar and watching her older sisters take piano lessons and singing into hairbrushes. Taylor says she always wanted to be like big sisters Heather and Aly, who are seven and five years older.

“When you’re little, you want to be like your older sister(s),” she said. “If it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t be interested in music today. They had a big influence on me.”

Taylor’s passion for music blossomed at 13 as she learned to play guitar and piano by watching YouTube videos. Then, at 16, Taylor had a heart-to-heart with her mom Denice about pursuing a career as a country music singer.  

“The music industry is very competitive and can be scary, but I realized that if I never put myself out there, I’d probably regret it for the rest of my life,” she said. “Mom has been so supportive, and she’s worked so hard to help me achieve my dream.”

The conversation prompted a whirlwind experience for Taylor in launching her into the country music scene. From securing financial backing to recording four master tracks in the biggest recording studio in Nashville, Taylor says it’s been a surreal experience.

“I’ve had the opportunity to do so many things I never imagined I would have,” she said. “Flying to Nashville in a private jet and recording the songs with the most talented musicians in Nashville has been so incredible. No matter what happens, I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.”

After a long day of recording her four songs, Taylor had the opportunity to see one of her inspirations from the second row of the Grand Ole Opry.

“Carrie Underwood was one of the performers that night, and I was totally star struck,” Taylor admits. “She is one of my two favorite artists — Taylor Swift is the other. I listen to pop music to keep up with what’s happening there, too, but country music just makes my heart beat.”

And her heart raced on her 17th birthday last September, as she got a surprise gift — hearing one of her songs on the radio for the first time.

In addition to pursuing a career in music, Taylor continues to maintain a 4.0 GPA, take college classes, play soccer and cheer at Searcy High School varsity sporting events. Plus, she already has her sights on Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

In the meantime, Taylor occasionally performs live and recently opened for country music artist Jared Blake at a fundraiser for the WISE Coalition. The mission of the organization is to prevent and reduce underage drinking and substance abuse in White County.  

With nearly two years of legwork behind them, Taylor, Denice and the Eaves family are waiting to see what happens next. They are “cautiously optimistic” about her future as a country music star. For now, Taylor is taking life one day at a time and remaining thankful for the blessings she’s been given.

“Taylor is extremely driven,” Denice said. “She strives to do the best in everything she does.”