Tayla

http://www.taylamusic.com/CCM.html - Jim Cumbee

Not even yet old enough to drive, Tayla Hodges recently released her debut album. The Washington state teenager began singing at a young age and wrote her first song four years ago as well as the 10 other tracks that comprise Footprints.

Geared toward a younger audience both thematically and musically, the album hits its mark. From the opening track, "So Alive," with its Stacie Orrico-esque programming and digitally stacked background vocals, the influence of modern pop production is evident. Tayla's solid vocals work well within the context of the music as she sings on a variety of topics from the rescuing nature of God to sexual purity.

Tayla shines most in her upbeat, more pop flavored tunes such as the title track, "Footprints." Based loosely on the poem by the same name, the chorus has a perfectly crafted hook. "Hideaway," a track every teen could relate to, exhorts the wounded listener to not hide him/herself and boasts some of the best songwriting on the record. "Make Some Noise" has a killer bridge melody that (unfortunately) becomes a more typical youth group sounding worship song.

Although she has some room to grow as a songwriter and vocalist, the talented and focused Tayla is one artist it will be exciting to watch do that growing! Footprints is a great pop album for every young female teen in your life.

Kate McDonald - CCM Magazine

Actual Artical via jpg:

http://www.taylamusic.com/Journal.html


Text:

Hodges is a model of dedication and direction.

What started out with her desire to become a singer has come to a very early fruition. She has had her first CD released this month, an enormous dream come true for this 15 year old girl.

Tayla, a freshman in High School has been singing since she was four years old and even from that young age, she knew she wanted to do something big with her voice.

Everyone who heard Hodges sing, whether it was her choir teacher or people at her church, agreed that there was something extraordinary about her singing.

While still in elementary school, Hodges began to take voice lessons to perfect her voice. "I felt God wanted me to sing and I believe my voice is a gift," she said. "I want to use it for Him."

With the belief that she was created to be a singer, she trusted God would provide the path to see her dream fulfilled. "When I was in fourth grade, I started writing my own songs," Hodges said. "I've been writing them ever since."

In December of 2006, a family friend with a professional recording studio in Arizona contacted Hodges and asked if she'd come with her dad to record her songs. "We were down there for a week, recording for eight hours a day," she said. "It was the best experience!"

Her CD, "Footprints," released by SonicPhish Productions, features 11 of her original songs. The songs range from contemporary rock, to hip-hop and a bit of Latin.

With a clear, strong voice that belies her age, Hodges sings about hope, truth, eternal life and grace. Her voice resonates with passion and her words hold deep wisdom and empathy.

Her mission is to help people see that there is a purpose for their life and that no matter what their circumstances are, God has a plan for joy.

"I really want to be able to reach out to other teens," she said. "Lots of teens are struggling to find out who they are and going through difficult times. I want to encourage them and I want people to know their hope is found in God.

Amy Codispoti (Journal Reporter) - Lake Stevens Journal