Taylor Hewitt
Atlanta, GA | Established. Jan 01, 2016 | SELF
Music
Press
Issue #19.10 :: 10/03/2007 - 10/09/2007
Pop princess
She didn’t make the cut for ‘American Idol,’ but that
audition still introduced her to the future. Now Aiken’s Lauren Hartley may be the nation’s next star.
BY ERIKA BOLIN
AUGUSTA, GA - Lauren Hartley is only 19 years old, yet she already travels with “a team” devoted to building her budding singing career. Larry Fridie, one of Hartley’s posse members (and her manager), said as he escorted the star-in-waiting in for our interview, “Hartley is the whole package. She can sing and dance. I do not work with just anyone.”
Hartley blushes obviously, still adapting to being the small town “It” girl.
She is sweet and girly with a slicing edge of urban, just enough to give her appeal to both sexes. Think Lara Croft in rhinestone-studded overalls and a dance troupe behind her.
“I actually have my license in cosmetology and now my family co-owns a hair salon. I had to make a decision and I have always wanted to sing. My dad is a singer. After I auditioned for ‘American Idol,’ [my direction] changed,” she beamed.
Actually, she was auditioning for the auditions for ‘American Idol.’ The show had a small Aiken-based pre-trip to the actual audition tapings.
Destiny decided to reap a bit of good old-fashioned havoc on her dream. Hartley explained: “I had a kidney stone and I just kind of stood there because [at the time] I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I just had wild pain.”
Needless to say, the performance did not get her invited to the next level. But even in her depleted state, she shined enough to receive the first taps upon her shoulder from her fairy godmother.
Larry Fridie was at those auditions. He introduced himself and the two stayed in contact. After another chance meeting, Fridie decided to invite Hartley to sing at the James Brown birthday celebration in downtown Augusta last May.
It was the first time Hartley had ever performed in front of a large audience. “There were about 9,000 people all around, I think. I was scared, but I think it is easier to sing in front of that many strangers than in front of two or three or worse — family,” Hartley said of the life-changing experience.
Fridie, a seasoned entertainment player, saw Hartley could deliver the goods. He then asked if she would go to Atlanta to see about recording.
Fridie introduced her to Kenny Kold. At just 20, Kold has already been behind remixes of Ludicris and Outkast. He worked with Hartley and the result is her five-song EP, “Rock Tha Dance Floor.” Of its sound she said, “It’s pop, but with hip-hop.”
Hartley is inspired by Beyoncé and Christine Aguilera. “We are getting my show together right now. I have a background in dancing, too. It will have a band and five to six dancers and we will be ready to go.”
As if sensing the inevitable comparison to Britney Spears — with the dancing choreography and pop-princess packaging — she added, “I’d like people to see me as a good role model. I do not do drugs or drink. And being able to put together a good live show is really what my goal is right now.”
Enter to win a copy of “Rock Tha Dance Floor” at metrospirit.com.
- metro spirit augasta georgia
Discography
Stundtastic CD Impact Date May 3, 2011
Rock Tha Dance Floor CD2008
Photos
Bio
Influenced by Usher, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber; Taylor Hewitt, 20, boldly takes NEXT for Pop Superstardom. His new single "Get Lit", is an energetic, uptempo cut designed to get fans out on the dance floor. This ordained smash hit, produced by Pompey (influenced by Missy Elliot, Timberlake, Rodney Darkchild Jerkins), incorporates elements of POP, Hip Hop rhythm, beats, plus just enough iconic 808 rhythms to seduce fans to get up and groove!
"I wanted a song that all the kids, clubbers - college age and adults - all over the world would feel and want to grab their friends, hit the dance floor and GET LIT!", says Taylor. "I hope to see GET LIT parties hosted by radio stations.”
Hewitt, who is a producer, performer, songwriter, vocalist and musician, laid down vocals that incorporate an intense melodic rhythm. His performances are uptempo, full of energy and incorporates the crowd. On ballads, Hewitt pulls the audience into his emotional performance using both his vocals and delivery.
As part of his show, Taylor shows off his talent by performing with several instruments. From beginning to end Hewitt's goal is to have the audience jumping, singing, having fun and simply Getting Lit.
Socially conscious, Hewitt has performed at the Ryan Seacrest Studios in the Children's Hospital of Atlanta. Taylor is committed to giving back. Homelessness, Breast Cancer Awareness, Music Cares for Schools are his areas of interest.
Managed by former James Brown, The Godfather of Soul manager Larry Fridie, Mr. Fridie stated, "Taylor has that Superstar IT factor. He has a line of hit songs that the kids just love. It's now time the world experienced Taylor Hewitt!"
The song GET LIT was recorded at XRO Studios and Mastered by Grammy award-winner KennyMIx at the World Famous PatchWerk Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Hewitt stated he wanted to give radio and his fans state-of-the-art produced recordings.
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