TikToker Goes Country: Tayler Holder Talks New Music and Defying Perception

In an age where social media reigns supreme, it's no wonder that the stars on heavily-used platforms are becoming celebrities in their own right. Tayler Holder has over six million Instagram followers and a staggering 20 million followers on TikTok. After starting his own music career a couple of years ago, Holder is ready to make his mark with country music. While in New York City, he sat down with The Nash News to talk about new music and his desire for people to see who he really is.

Holder grew up in Dallas, Texas where country music was prevalent. "I listened to country music my whole life. Growing up and even till now. Every time I get into the car everyone's like 'Play Drake or play someone else.' I listen to country music and worship music, that's all I listen to," Holder shares. The singer also named Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Parker McCollum has his current favorites to listen to.

McCollum has proved to be more than a favorite of Holder's since the two have become friends and even wrote together. Holder was in Nashville during CMA Fest, where McCollum came to his rescue. "I was only supposed to be there for two days and I've known Parker for like a year and a half, he's one of my good friends. I ended up staying that whole week and I had no clothes," Holder recalls, "I was like homeless in Nashville. He took me in and said 'Come stay at my house.' He picked up a guitar and we started singing and caught a vibe." During that week, Holder also got to write with Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay. According to Holder, the project they collaborated on will be out soon.

During our conversation with Holder, it didn't take long to see there is more to him than what meets the eye. Holder admits that he found fame on TikTok by posting "hot guy" videos that quickly caught the attention of young teenagers. "I was like that cringe-y TikTok kid, and making that transition to an artist and musician, it did make it difficult for people to take me serious," he admits with a hint of vulnerability. He adds, "I'm excited for people to hear the country stuff we've been pumping out; we're just getting started."

He recently released his single "I Hope" last month, and promises there is a lot more where that came from.

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