Meet Lovetta, the alter-ego of Roanoke’s Taylor Dupuis. Her brand of indie pop music is emotive and opulent, decorated by tenderly raw, relatable lyrics and topped with feminine empowerment.
While it’s perhaps a stereotypical Midwesterner trait but Lovetta, who hails from Michigan, writes earnestly and with little restraint. With Lovetta, Taylor feels the freedom to confront her emotions and experience catharsis within her songwriting. She braves the exploration of themes of love (positive and negative — with everything in-between), empowerment, and self-discovery with an untamed and authentic approach. Her resilience shines through in her music and is reinforced with honest lyrics. Wearing her wild heart on her sleeve, she aims to encourage others to permit themselves to live —really live — as authentically and romantically as her music reveals her life experiences to be.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would describe my music as emotive, nostalgic, fun, melancholy, authentic, and relatable. I like to explore multiple genres such as pop and rock, to create something that feels familiar yet new.
What is your creative process like?
I’m not one to schedule time to sit down and write. I tend to write when inspiration hits me. I often go through seasons of lots of heavy writing, and then tend to direct my energy elsewhere for a while. I write about the things that inspire me. Other music, movies, conversations, emotions, stories, etc. I often times imagine the imagery and colors and vibe behind a song as I write it, so when it comes time to create a music video and do a photoshoot, and branding, it all starts with the song. From there I take it to my Producer, Pete Eddins, and we build the track from the ground up. As I’m writing the song I usually have an idea of the production I want behind it. Taking a song from your head into the studio is such a magickal experience.
What is the best advice you have been given?
Enjoy the journey. I have spent much of my life longing for things I didn’t have. Looking back, I realize those were some of the best times of my life. I’m working everyday to stay present and grateful, and enjoy the entire process.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
The freedom of expression and connection. Being an artist has provided me with the avenue to be my truest most authentic self. To be able to take my experience, my story, and my emotions, and turn them into something tangible. I love that being an artist allows me to connect to other people and creates a space for love and community among listeners and collaborators.
Are you creative in other disciplines?
I am! I am also a screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker. Making movies is another passion of mine. I also draw and paint when I have the time.
What was the last thing you dressed up as for fancy dress?
I was part of the 48 hour film festival here in Nashville, where there are teams of filmmakers that have 48 hours to complete a film. I dressed up and went to the award ceremony, where my team’s film won best film!
Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?
I have stuffed dog named Brown dog. He used to be brown, and soft, but my mom put him in the wash when I was little and now he’s gray, and really not soft.
Would you rather be the one in a movie who gets the hero/heroine or the baddie with all the good lines?
Baddie with the good lines for sure.
What’s your least favourite personality trait you like about yourself?
My indecision.
Which are cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?
Dragons 100% I love dragons
“I wrote Havin’ a Good Time when I was feeling particularly overwhelmed with life. Everything felt chaotic and I couldn’t seem to catch up with what was happening around me in my career, social life, and love life. I found myself daydreaming of the past and longing for things I didn’t have. Taking a moment to really look around I realized how lucky I was, and how much fun life can be even when everything around you seems to be crumbling.”