If Tayla Parx isn’t on your radar yet, you will have likely heard a song or two that she has written; Ariana Grande’s 7 Rings for one. With three Grammy nominations already under her belt, she has just launched her new album Many Moons, Many Suns – the first album the artist has released since making the move away from Hollywood, to Nashville, AKA Music City.
Parx has found a new chapter of creativity and inspiration in Tennessee. After spending two decades in Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter has returned to find solace and a fresh perspective in the heart of the South. “The biggest difference for me, coming from the South, is that it brings me back home,” Parx explains. “There’s a warmth, not just in the location but in the people and the culture.”
This warmth is palpable in Nashville, where the pace of life is slower and more connected to the community. Parx appreciates the balance between professional and personal time that she finds here – a stark contrast to the 24/7 studio grind that you’d find in places such as LA and New York. “Here in Nashville, sessions might be from 11 to 3 because people value time with their family and other aspects of life,” she says. “This balance helps in writing great music that connects with people.”
For Parx, moving back to Nashville has sparked a different kind of creativity. “As a songwriter, your songs reflect your life,” she says. “In LA, my life was less grounded. In Nashville, I’m learning to work tractors, take care of my goats and dogs and do other hands-on tasks. I wrote a song in my first week back about being fearless and running in the grass, reflecting on things I’d forgotten. My writing now is more grounded and reflective of my gratitude for these experiences.”
You can hear how the move has also influenced Parx’s sound and writing process in her new album. “I’ve started playing instruments again, which I hadn’t done much as a songwriter. Focusing on writing great songs on a guitar or piano has changed my melodies and lyrics, making them more storytelling-focused,” she explains. This newfound connection with her guitar can be heard first on the track Dream Hotel, but she also stays in touch with her pop roots throughout the album.
“The biggest misconception is that everyone here is just into country music,” she says. “While some traditions hold true, the South, especially Nashville, is evolving. There are pop writers and artists from various genres here now.” But Nashville hasn’t lost its country heritage, and the blend of old and new values is what makes the city a hub of creativity, with artists ranging from Dolly Parton to Paramore and Kings of Leon all known for building their careers there.
Tayla Parx is keen to share the charm of her hometown and has compiled a list of must-visit spots. If you’re planning a trip to the city soon, make sure to bookmark these recommendations...
Tayla Parx’s Guide To Nashville
- Where To Eat – “For a great meal, visit L&L Market. It’s a collection of local businesses offering everything from ice cream to Thai food.
- Where To Drink – “Woodland Wine Merchant has a fantastic selection of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines.”
- Where To Stay – “If you’re visiting, consider staying in East Nashville for its cool spots or Downtown to experience Broadway.”
- Where To Party – “Santa’s Pub is a dive bar with karaoke in a double-wide trailer. You can get drinks in cans, and they have Christmas lights all year round – it’s always a fun time.”
- Where To Find Great Music – “Just walk down Broadway, where live performances are always happening. There’s also a fantastic record shop in East Nashville called Grimey’s – definitely try to go!”
