Actress and singer Dare Taylor joins us on Close-Up Culture to talk about her creative inspirations, screenwriting, producing her own music video, and more.
Hi Dare, welcome to Close-Up Culture. What triggered you to make Retail Therapy?
Hi, thanks for having me! I originally just wanted to write a feel-good song about the joys of shopping. For example, how you get giddy at the thought of a package sitting at your front door, but as I was writing it I wanted to integrate the idea of getting up out of your depression and getting yourself moving to do something nice for you! This is how the chorus “don’t get depressed, get dressed!” came to fruition!
How did you find the experience of single-handedly producing the music video?
It was an experience that I will never forget! I really enjoyed producing this one to learn what the job of producer really is and feels like. I sat in the booth with two others, Andre Paxton and Ethon Thompson, and we wrote the entire song in three hours. After it was finished, I started asking my friends for references on a director and Dale Fabrigar was the perfect creative fit! Luckily, he has a very dedicated crew that were willing to work with me on four different sets on four different days.
I also have a really great assistant, MissChrissyLynn, to help me with getting everyone’s lunch orders, and availability for the shoot and rehearsals. Personally, I think every actor should try producing their own passion projects, it’s not only fun to make your own art but I think the importance of seeing others on your sets opens your eyes. You see the people who are only there for a paycheck vs the people who love their job. Then you can avoid being one of the people who are only searching for fame and fortune rather than caring about the meaning of the piece.
What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?
Always cast your friends because they care for the project and how it performs. They are your ride or die, they are the ones who support you when no one else does, they show up early, and better yet will talk about your project to get you other opportunities. And always remember to do the same for your friends as well, all boats rise with the tide.
You are also a screenwriter. Can you tell us about any projects you’re currently working on?
I am currently writing and producing a short film called “Nice to Meet You.” My goal with it is to get it edited in the next few weeks then submit it to film festivals around the US and globally to spread a message of light, love and you never know what someone is going through.
What inspires you most creatively?
The people I am surrounded by, without them I would be stuck creatively. My two best friends helped me in the industry when I wasn’t a huge internet celebrity. Carlotta Champagne helped me move across the country from Florida, and helped me find a great apartment in LA! Then she introduced me to Codee Renne Cameron who helped me find an amazing acting class and community. I truly love people and helping inspire them with my projects, and not only including them in the project but helping my friends with their projects as well.
Have you been to anything else lately?
Lately, I’ve been laying a bit low on social media so I can build my own podcast studio and start tapping into that market a bit. I am huge into pop culture and I would love a platform where I can connect with other people on my thoughts about pop culture events without it being a “tea” channel. Plus I am revamping my space, so I can have a singing corner for live streams on tiktok. I really want to have my singing showcased a lot more on all my socials.
What are your ambitions and plans for the future?
I am planning on taking my film to film festivals, continuing to attend Cosplay conventions, starting up my podcast, continuing acting in big studio projects, making my own album and possibly touring with it, and so much more.
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