[ WM ] Tell us a little bit about your musical journey – how it all started?
[ Carly Ann Taylor ] I have been performing since I was 3 years old. Music has always been a lifeline for me. I grew up in a very dysfunctional household, and was adopted, accepted Jesus and had my life transformed at age 15. During my childhood performing was the only time I felt comfortable in my own skin and that I had a purpose in this world. I was not raised in the church or knowing anything about Jesus and the music scene I grew up in was very selfglorifying. I believe the Lord used music to give me something to hold on to as a small child.
My biological grandfather, Larry“ The Mole” Taylor, was a music legend. He was the original bassist for a band called“ Canned Heat” and they played at the original Woodstock in the 1960s. He was also a session and touring bassist for Jerry Lee Lewis, The Monkees, Tom Waits, along with many others. My great-uncle Mel Taylor was the drummer for The Ventures and a pioneer for surf-rock. Those were pretty big shoes to fill!
[ WM ] And how did this lead to leading worship?
[ Carly ] When I was 15 years old, I moved to California, was adopted and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. It wasn’ t until I accepted Jesus and had my life radically transformed that I was introduced to worship music and found my true purpose in life.
I began singing at church pretty much the moment I surrendered my life to Christ, and knew at that very moment this is what I was created for: to worship Jesus through song and lead others into His presence. I was created to be on the frontlines; to lead people into an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I eventually graduated high school and developed an even deeper passion for music and worship. I went to college and got my AA in Vocal Performance and then transferred to a 4-year University where I got my BA in Commercial Music Production, with an emphasis in voice.
College was my music industry boot camp. I wrote and self-produced an EP entitled Changing My Story, which pretty much sums up my entire testimony. Shortly after graduating, I accepted a role as the Youth Worship Leader at my home church. Although due to the hectic travel schedule as a signed artist I am no longer on staff, I still get to lead and be very involved in worship at my home church.
[ WM ] What advice do you have for other worship leaders and worship team mates?
[ Carly ] The advice I have for other worship leaders and worship teammates is to always lead from a place of conviction and authority! We should strive to lead from a place of overflow, so our Sunday worship should reflect
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