Taylor Austin Dye is a force to be reckoned with in country music, combining unflinching honesty with powerhouse vocals that leave a lasting impression. With the release of her sophomore album, Sick of Me, she takes listeners on an introspective journey, exploring themes of self-worth, personal growth, and the messiness of life’s struggles. From her poignant lyrics to her raw, emotional performances, Taylor’s music resonates deeply, reflecting her small-town Booneville roots and her evolution as an artist. Fresh off her Grand Ole Opry debut and with a highly anticipated tour on the horizon, Taylor continues to solidify her place in the country music scene as one of its most authentic and exciting voices.
Congratulations on the release of your sophomore album, Sick of Me. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this album and its deeply introspective themes?
Thanks so much! I’m very proud of this one. Sick of Me has something for everyone. The songs cover a range of themes—partying, heartache, loss, gold diggers, and self-deprecation. It came from a place of deep reflection. It’s about those moments when you’re tired of your own excuses and ready to make a change. Life can get heavy, and this album captures the messy parts of navigating self-doubt, heartbreak, and growth. The inspiration came from my own experiences and conversations with people who’ve felt the same way. I wanted these songs to be a little raw, a little uncomfortable, but also relatable.
The title track, “Sick of Me,” dives into themes of self-deprecation and the desire for personal change. How did you approach writing such a raw and honest song, and what does it mean to you personally?
Writing Sick of Me felt like a therapy session with my guitar. I didn’t hold back—I wanted it to be as honest as possible. The lyrics came out of a night when I was feeling stuck, frustrated, and ready to face my flaws. To me, this song is a turning point. It’s about admitting you’re not perfect but being willing to do the hard work to get better. Playing it live always takes me back to that vulnerable place, and I hope it does the same for listeners. Shoutout to Jamie and Natalia for being such incredible co-writers!
The album explores questions of self-worth and personal growth. Could you share what inspired these themes and how your journey has influenced the music?
My journey has been full of ups and downs, and I wanted Sick of Me to reflect that. Growing up in Booneville, you learn to be tough, but you don’t always learn how to be kind to yourself. A lot of these songs come from that struggle—trying to figure out if I’m good enough and what “enough” even means. Music has always been my way of processing life, so these themes naturally found their way into the album.
“Rest In Peace” was a huge hit, reaching the top of the iTunes charts and amassing millions of views. Did the success of that single influence your approach to Sick of Me, and if so, in what ways?
Absolutely. The success of “Rest In Peace” showed me how much people connect to good storytelling and heavier subject matters. It gave me the confidence to be even more open and raw with Sick of Me. I also learned the power of a strong melody and relatable lyrics, so I really focused on making every song on this album hit home emotionally. “RIP” and my first album reminded me that people want hard-hitting vulnerability in music, and that’s what I aim to give them.
The music video for “Sick of Me” has just been released! Can you share some insight into the visual concept and how it enhances the song’s themes?
The video is all about capturing that feeling of being trapped in your own head. We used a lot of dark, moody lighting and shot in a lonely hospital room to give it a sense of isolation. There’s this scene where I’m staring at myself in the mirror, which really ties into the theme of self-reflection. I’m running from the doctors, trying to escape myself. The video is raw and emotional, just like the song, and I think it adds another layer to the story.
Coming from Booneville, Kentucky, how has your background influenced your journey as a country artist, and do you see elements of that upbringing reflected in Sick of Me?
Booneville is a big part of who I am. Growing up there taught me resilience and gave me a deep love for storytelling and guitar picking. A lot of the grit and honesty in my music comes from those roots. In Sick of Me, you can hear that small-town influence in my lyrics and guitar work, particularly in “Poison In The Well” and “Little Miss Fortune.” It’s my way of carrying a piece of home with me wherever I go.
What has been the most rewarding part of creating Sick of Me, and how do you feel it reflects your growth as an artist since your debut album, Out of These Hills?
The most rewarding part has been seeing how much I’ve grown, both personally and as an artist. Out of These Hills was largely about finding my voice, but Sick of Me is about owning it. This album feels more confident and intentional. I pushed myself creatively, especially with songwriting and music videos, and it’s been amazing to see how it all came together.
If you could sum up the message or emotion you hope fans feel when listening to Sick of Me, what would it be?
I hope they feel seen. This album is for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves but kept going anyway. Life’s messy, but there’s beauty in the struggle. I want fans to know it’s okay to feel stuck or broken—as long as you keep fighting to grow, you’re doing just fine.
This album marks a milestone in your career with your recent Grand Ole Opry debut. What does this achievement mean to you to perform on such a legendary stage?
It was surreal. The Opry has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. When I was in school, I visited the Opry with some classmates. I walked across the circle and knew I wanted to play there one day. Finally, stepping onto that stage was surreal. It’s like standing in the footsteps of legends who paved the way for artists like me. I even got to meet Ashley McBryde for the first time, which was such a privilege. I felt so grateful and honored… it’s a moment I’ll never forget!
Having recently wrapped up your Sick of Me tour, how did it feel to share this project with audiences, and what can fans look forward to from your live shows in the future?
It’s been so cool hitting the road and sharing these songs live. My initial Sick of Me tour was a huge success, not to mention loads of fun. There’s nothin’ like the energy of a crowd singing along with you. Fans can continue to expect an emotional rollercoaster—rowdy moments, quiet ones, and everything in between. Of course, I always make sure to have my guitar with me, front and center.
You’ve shared the stage with incredible acts like Luke Combs and Keith Urban. How have these experiences influenced your performance style or your outlook as an artist?
Opening for legendary artists like Luke and Keith has taught me the importance of connecting with the crowd. They make it look effortless, and it’s inspiring to see how much heart they put into every performance. I’ve tried to bring some of that same authenticity and energy to my own shows.
You’ve recently signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. How has this new partnership shaped your music or songwriting approach for this album?
Signing with Warner Chappell has been a huge blessing. It’s opened doors for me to write with some of Nashville’s best, and I’m excited to continue filling my calendar. This album wouldn’t have been what it is without the help of so many talented songwriters. Their input and support have given me the confidence to take risks and trust my instincts. Shoutout to Ben and Bethany for making my Warner deal a reality!
Your fanbase, the “Ride or Dyes,” is incredibly loyal and growing rapidly. What role does your connection with fans play in your music and the themes you choose to explore?
My Ride or Dyes mean the world to me. They’re like family. Their support gives me the courage to be vulnerable in my music. Knowing they connect to the themes I write about—whether it’s heartbreak, resilience, or self-doubt—makes it all worth it.
As someone who has quickly risen in the country music scene, what advice would you give to other aspiring artists looking to make their mark in the industry?
Stay true to who you are. This industry can be tough, and it’s easy to get caught up in what others think you should be. But if you stay authentic and put your heart into your music, people will connect with it. Also, never underestimate the power of hard work and a good guitar
Sick of Me tracklist:
Sick of Me
Echo
Breakeven
Almost Oklahoma
Hurt My Feelings
Fake Ring
Poison In The Well
Little Miss Fortune
Pharmacy
As Long As You Leave
Nothing Left To Burn
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