Hitmaker Tayla Parx Makes Us a Playlist for International Women’s Day

This is SOUND ADVICE, a weekly destination for playlists curated by Interview’s friends, enemies, and lovers. Over the past few weeks, we’ve gathered playlists from KenTheMan, Shygirl, and Oko Ebombo. This week’s guest is the musician, vocalist and producer Tayla Parx, the songwriting maven who’s been behind hits like Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” and Troye Sivan’s “Got Me Started.” In 2020, she released Coping Mechanism, an album of ballads about a painful breakup, but since then her tone has changed. Her single “Celebration Weight,” which dropped in November, is a buoyant track of self-love that precedes her third solo album coming in June. To celebrate International Women’s day, Parx dropped by to put together a playlist for the girls. Then, she answers our Sound Advice questionnaire, dishing on Grammy Snubs, studio snacks, and the secret to fabulous hair.

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Where do you dance? I dance anywhere, honestly. Shower, airport, down the street. I’m moving when there’s a good song on!

What song on this playlist, if any, makes you cry? I literally have a whole playlist called “songs to cry to” and a song I’ve included from there is called “Sally” by Gigi Perez.

Name your favorite artist no one knows about. I think it would have to be Hemlocke Springs or Quinnie currently!

Bluetooth or wired headphones? Bluetooth; I multitask way too much to be worried about a wire! However the wire is nostalgic lol.

At 12, you starred in Hairspray. What’s the secret to amazing hair? The secret depends on your hair mood! If we’re giving 60’s housewife, the secret is an unhealthy amount of hairspray, of course. We need STIFF. If we’re giving natural, the the secret is moisture! I’ll give both all in one week sometimes.

What’s your favorite movie needle-drop? Jackie from 2016!! I’m such a fan of the whole soundtrack.

You have three Grammy nominations under your belt. What’s the biggest Grammy snub of all time? I feel like the great Grammy snub of all time might be either Brian McKnight or Sia! Both have sooo many nominations but never won.

What’s your go-to studio meal? When I’m in London, it’s Dishoom. When I’m in L.A., it’s Cava!

What song reminds you of your childhood? Spice Girls – “Wannabe.”

What song makes you feel free? Bree Runway, “THAT GIRL.”

You recently launched Burnout, an initiative to encourage self-care among songwriters and musicians. What’s your self-care secret? My self-care secret is listening to my body and my mind. I used to be on fast-forward 24/7 to the point where everything else was overpowered by my inner voice. We don’t do that anymore.

Sunglasses inside, yes or no? Depends on your outfit. If it’s a part of the LOOK, by all means I want to see it in its entirety!

What’s your favorite album cover of all time? That’s not fairrrr … so I gotta give three. Maybe Miles Davis Bitches Brew, Rihanna’s Anti album, or Carole King’s Tapestry. Sorry, I had to give three minimum.