Sloss Fest may have been a nightmare for some music fans and concertgoers this summer, but for Taylor Hunnicutt it was an opportunity to shine. As one of the few local acts on the Seasick Records Stage to not get shuffled around or rained out due to the inclement weather, Hunnicutt—backed by an all-star cast of some of the city’s best young players, including members of Little Raine Band and Early James and the Latest—rose to the occasion to play for the disgruntled hometown crowd in what she calls a “performance I’ll always remember” and “probably the best time I’ve ever had on stage.” So much so, in fact, that Under The Radar magazine gave her a glowing review in their festival recap, stating, “From one Southern voice to another, as far as emerging artists go, none stood out more than local performer Taylor Hunnicutt, making her major festival debut,” which was no small feat given that she was up against two of her own Southern music idols in the form of Margo Price and Jason Isbell at the two-day event.
But Hunnicutt is no stranger to big stages. In fact, as part of the rotating cast of performers for Black Jacket Symphony, where she regularly plays the role of Stevie Nicks for their Fleetwood Mac tributes, she’s repeatedly held her own at larger venues, effortlessly slipping into character as another one of her favorite singers and influences, and a role that has helped her develop confidence as a singer and artist in her own right.
Combining great stage presence with a commanding and raspy vocal delivery, Taylor has slowly been making a name for herself around town with her signature bluesy style and country rock vibe, and has gained the notice of audiences everywhere from Iron City and The Nick to open mic nights at places like Little Italy’s Pizza and Pints in Five Points, as well as on Birmingham Mountain Radio. Having just released her first solo EP, Flower in a Drought, Hunnicutt, along with boyfriend/bandmate Daniel Raine and songwriting partner Ryan Sobb, is poised to take the Magic City—and surrounding areas—by storm in the coming years and is an artist to keep your eyes (and ears) on, which is something she takes great joy in.
“I’m so proud to be a part of what is going on in Birmingham right now,” she says. “From the young upcoming musicians, to the older staples of the scene, everyone is hustling. We’re all trying to make our home bigger on the map and it’s beautiful.”
Photography Liesa Cole
Produced by Stan Bedingfield
Shot on location at Studio Goodlight
Hair and make-up by Brittany McNaughton and Team Forecast
Photo styling: Drea Zacharenko
Writer and curator: Lee Shook.
Art direction: robin colter.
Butlery: James Erik Young
