Born on August 19, 1997, in Alvarado, Texas, Tayler Holder grew up in a family that valued hard work and perseverance. His love for music began at a young age, and he quickly developed a talent for singing and playing guitar. Tayler Holder has always been an entertainer. At just 3 years old, Tayler began competing in motocross, an interest that Tayler still holds to this day, but which is more of a hobby now. After finishing high school, Tayler moved to California to follow his dream of being an entertainer. He started creating content for Instagram and Musical.ly, and his popularity quickly grew on the platforms with his viral lip-sync videos and daily lifestyle content.

With the online series DIRT, Tayler Holder then launched his acting career playing the main character Luke, who deals with love and addiction and draws on Tayler’s experiences with motocross. After joining TikTok, Tayler quickly grew to millions of followers on the platform, continuing to create viral content. After collaborating with members for years, Tayler joined the Hype House for a short period in 2020. Since then, Tayler has continued to release new music and perform at live events and festivals across the country.

Today, Tayler Holder continues to create lifestyle content for his fans on social media, but he is now focusing a majority of his energy on his music career as things are quickly taking off for this talented singer-songwriter. Having moved to Nashville, Tennessee, has helped Tayler as he focuses on his country music career. In 2023, Holder was named Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year by Up N Country, a well-known country music outlet dedicated to promoting the best and brightest in the genre. He has recently become the most followed country music star on TikTok. Despite his success, Tayler remains humble and grounded, and is grateful for the support of his fans and family. He credits his Texas roots and his love of traditional country music as the driving forces behind his success.

Interviewer: Tayler, thank you for taking the time to speak with Influential People Magazine. Let’s start by talking about your journey into country music. How did your love for music and your Texas roots shape your decision to pursue a career in this genre?

Tayler Holder: Thank you for having me! Growing up in Texas, I was surrounded by country music, and it became a big part of my life. I remember listening to artists like George Strait and Garth Brooks with my family, and their music resonated with me. As I discovered my own passion for music, I naturally gravitated towards country. The storytelling, the melodies, and the emotions in country music really spoke to me, and I knew it was the genre I wanted to pursue.

Interviewer: You initially gained popularity on social media platforms like Instagram, Musical.ly (now TikTok), and YouTube. How did you leverage these platforms to kickstart your music career, and what role did social media play in your journey?

Tayler Holder: Social media played a crucial role in my career, especially during the early stages. Platforms like Instagram and Musical.ly allowed me to showcase my singing and guitar skills to a wide audience. I started by posting lip sync videos and daily lifestyle content, which quickly gained traction and helped me build a following. Through these platforms, I was able to connect with fans who shared my love for music and who supported me as I transitioned into pursuing a music career. Social media provided me with a platform to share my music, engage with fans, and ultimately gain exposure in the industry.

Interviewer: You also ventured into acting with the online series DIRT, drawing on your experiences with motocross. How did your acting background and personal experiences influence your music, and how do you balance these different creative outlets?

Tayler Holder: Acting in DIRT was an incredible experience for me. It allowed me to tap into my emotions and draw on my personal experiences with motocross to bring the character of Luke to life. The series explored themes of love and addiction, which are universal and relatable. Through my acting, I was able to express emotions and tell stories in a different way, which undoubtedly influenced my music. I believe that all forms of art are interconnected, and my acting background has definitely shaped my songwriting and performance style. Balancing these creative outlets can be challenging at times, but I view them as complementary. Both acting and music allow me to express myself and connect with my audience on a deeper level.

Interviewer: After gaining millions of followers on TikTok, you joined the Hype House for a short period in 2020. How did this collaboration impact your career and what valuable lessons did you learn from the experience?

Tayler Holder: Joining the Hype House was a unique experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to collaborate with other talented creators and expand my reach even further. Being part of a collective like the Hype House taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. I learned that by working together and supporting each other’s content, we could all grow and achieve greater success. It was also a valuable lesson in adapting to different creative styles and finding ways to bring our individual strengths together. Overall, the experience allowed me to connect with new audiences and broaden my creative horizons.

Interviewer: You recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to focus on your country music career. How has this relocation impacted your artistic growth, and what inspired your decision to make Nashville your home base?

Tayler Holder: Moving to Nashville has been a game-changer for me. It’s the heart of country music, and being surrounded by the rich musical history and vibrant community has been incredibly inspiring. Nashville has provided me with opportunities to collaborate with talented songwriters, producers, and musicians who understand the genre and its traditions. It has also allowed me to immerse myself in the country music scene, attending live shows, and connecting with fellow artists. Being in Nashville has accelerated my artistic growth and opened doors for me that I couldn’t have imagined elsewhere.

Interviewer: In 2023, you were named Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year by Up N Country, a prominent country music outlet. How did it feel to receive such recognition, and how do you stay grounded amidst your growing success?

Tayler Holder: The recognition from Up N Country was truly humbling and an incredible honor. To be recognized as Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year among such talented individuals in the country music industry was a dream come true. It’s moments like these that make all the hard work and dedication worthwhile. However, staying grounded is crucial to me. I attribute my groundedness to my upbringing, my family, and my Texas roots. They remind me of where I come from and keep me focused on my passion for music. I also have an amazing support system, including my fans, who constantly remind me to stay true to myself and the music I love.

Interviewer: As the most followed country music star on TikTok, how do you leverage the platform to connect with your fans and share your music? What role do you think social media will continue to play in the future of the music industry?

Tayler Holder: TikTok has been a fantastic platform for me to connect with my fans and share my music. I use it to showcase snippets of my songs, behind-the-scenes footage, and fun moments from my life as a musician. It allows me to engage with my audience in a more intimate and authentic way. Social media, in general, has transformed the music industry by breaking down barriers and creating direct connections between artists and fans. I believe it will continue to play a crucial role in the future of music, providing artists with platforms to reach global audiences and share their creativity. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this digital revolution in the music industry.

Interviewer: Finally, what can we expect from Tayler Holder in the near future? Any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?

Tayler Holder: I have some exciting things in the pipeline! I’m currently working on new music and will be releasing more singles in the coming months. I’ve been collaborating with some incredibly talented songwriters and producers, and I can’t wait to share the results with my fans. I’m also planning live performances and shows, so keep an eye out for announcements. It’s an exciting time in my career, and I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received so far. I can’t wait to share what’s next with all of you!

Interviewer: Thank you, Tayler, for giving us insights into your journey and your music career. We wish you all the best for your upcoming projects and continued success!

Tayler Holder: Thank you so much! It’s been a pleasure talking with you. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story, and I’m excited for what the future holds. Thank you to all my fans and supporters as well. Stay tuned for more music and exciting things to come!