Taylor Bennett is of the most buzzing new artists coming out of Chicago and he is still in High School. Taylor has had two sold-out shows within the past year and he is hoping to add one more to that list on May 24th. We were lucky enough to get an early preview of Taylor’s Mainstream Music at Jugrnaut this past Thursday and we definitely liked what we heard. With the new project dropping tomorrow (5/4), we decided to catch up with Taylor to talk about the difficulty of balancing school and a music career, Mainstream Music, college and more. Check out the full interview below.
What was your thought process on naming the new mixtape, Mainstream Music?
At a time in music when the ‘underground’ and ‘mainstream’ seem to exist side by side, I felt like I wanted to be able to represent both sides. I’m underground to an extent now, but with the Internet who’s to say my music won’t be mainstream this time next year?
Will you be working with the same producers that worked on the Taylor Bennett Show?
We really switched things up this time around and turned to a new group of producers. For Mainstream Music we got a solid collection of producers including Monte Booker, Brall Beats, Muzzy, Satchel Stokes and of course Saint The Good Boy, who has produced a lot of my newer work.
What are some of your early favorite tracks on the new project?
“New Chevy” with King L that we released this week through SPIN is definitely one of my favorites and has gotten a good reception so far. Honestly, I’m just really proud of this project as a whole, I can’t wait to get it out to the public.
Will you be approaching the show at Lincoln Hall any differently than the sold-out shows at Reggie’s?
No, not really. We as a team have done a good job approaching shows and at this point I think we have it down. I’m rehearsing at the Music Garage almost everyday after school so performing at this point is kind of like second nature or something, I love it.
You brought out Spenzo at your last show at Reggie’s. Any more surprises in mind for the show at Lincoln Hall?
Well we have a dope lineup with Joey Purp, Kami De Chukwu and Logan but as far as surprises, they wouldn’t be as exciting if I told you now!
It’s pretty impressive what you have been able to accomplish all while in High School. Will you be dedicating all your attention towards music once you graduate or will you be attending college?
I appreciate that. I’ve always kept my eye on going to college and had been looking at places around the state like Bradley and whatnot but at this point I feel as though the best thing for me to do is focus on making music. Most people don’t realize I’ve been in school, which makes getting to the studio and everything that much harder, so I’m excited to have some freedom to really get going in this.
Be sure to check back tomorrow (5/4) to download your copy of Mainstream Music.
