Podcast Summary: Almost Live... Nashville with Tony Mantor
Episode: Taylor Blackwell's Music and Path to Directing
Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Tony Mantor
Guest: Taylor Blackwell – actor, musician, writer, director
Overview
In this episode of Almost Live… Nashville, veteran producer Tony Mantor sits down with rising multi-hyphenate Taylor Blackwell. The conversation explores Taylor's evolution from childhood actor to musician, her creative process, her inspirational mentorship with Burt Reynolds, her recent leap into directing, and her ongoing passion projects—both musical and filmic. The episode is rich with insights for aspiring artists as Taylor discusses the balance of creative ambitions, learning to lead, and the drive toward bigger stories and platforms.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Taylor’s Artistic Roots and Dual Passions
[02:55–04:10]
- Taylor started as a child actor at age five but has always been musically inclined.
- Began seriously considering music as a career in her late teens, leading to notable success as the frontperson of her band, The 10th.
- COVID-19 slowed her band’s momentum but underscored her passion for multiple creative outlets.
- Quote: “I’d say I’m an actor first and foremost, but all my creative outlets feel so intertwined for me that it’s hard to pick a favorite.” — Taylor Blackwell [04:10]
Mentorship by Burt Reynolds
[04:27–06:22]
- Grew up in Jupiter, FL, and attended the Burt Reynolds Institute.
- Reynolds became a major mentor: “He was like an uncle and a friend and a teacher and a big cheerleader for me.” — Taylor [05:13]
- His stories and belief in her had a lasting impact on Taylor’s perseverance and approach to storytelling.
Transitioning from Acting to Creating
[06:42–08:52]
- Taylor relishes the increased creative control of writing and directing her own projects.
- Gained confidence and recognition as a filmmaker only after years of self-funded, small-scale projects and persistent effort.
- Now enjoys opportunities where her skills as both director and actor are acknowledged: “It’s nice to have people who are now hopefully giving me money to make things…” — Taylor [07:53]
Aspirations and Artistic Goals
[08:52–09:23; 21:46–22:10]
- Loves “coming-of-age” stories and wants to direct such features.
- Ambition to be a showrunner and tell the stories of artists.
- “I want to be a showrunner. I’d love to tour at some point as a musician at least once in my life and to make more things that I’m excited about.” — Taylor [21:46]
The Judy Tenuta Biopic: Genesis and Process
[09:23–14:03]
- Motivation was part admiration, part personal challenge, and the opportunity to play accordion on-screen.
- Impressed by Judy’s dynamic personality and vocal uniqueness.
- Judy Tenuta’s family was very supportive: “They were very supportive of the project and liked the film.” — Taylor [10:34]
- Film covers Judy’s life from girlhood through her early career, highlighting her journey toward finding her voice.
Parallels Between Art and Life
[11:26–14:14]
- Taylor related Judy’s journey to her own search for creative and personal confidence.
- Deep immersion in research—and conversations with Judy’s friends and family—shaped her performance.
- “When I was approaching writing this movie, her actual voice was so important for me to capture…” — Taylor [11:48]
Lessons Learned in Directing
[14:30–15:32]
- Playing dual roles as star and director was transformative.
- Sought to embody courage and set a positive tone on set.
- Learned the importance of letting go and letting the collaborative process reveal itself: “Going through this journey of making the film, I am learning more and more to let go. And it’s still an ongoing process…” — Taylor [15:10]
Ego, Validation, and Next Steps
[16:12–18:03]
- Screening her film was deeply validating: “I felt it was the best thing that I could have created at that time. So it’s nice to look back at something without regret.” — Taylor [16:28]
- She hopes recent successes will open new creative doors, though the journey is just beginning.
Musical Ventures: The Second Album as a Storytelling Vehicle
[18:09–21:16]
- Taylor is working on a second album with her band, leaning into indie folk-rock with punk and musical theater undertones.
- The new album is structured narratively, “kind of like a musical…an indie rock type of musical.” — Taylor [18:55]
- All songs written by Taylor; her band is closely involved.
- Hopes to stage the album in a live, performative way where band members act out parts: “I want to…stage it as a musical…where each member of my band is going to be stepping out and giving a little tiny acting performance…” — Taylor [20:49]
Personal Values, Advocacy, and Creative Passions
[22:10–23:57]
- Beyond music and film, Taylor is passionate about animal and human rights and has been vegan for years.
- Actively supports Mercy for Animals and believes in plant-based eating for health and ethics.
- She values drawing, reading, and connecting with people.
Connectivity and Openness
[24:34–25:32]
- Taylor encourages fans and industry peers to connect with her on Instagram (@themusicalmushroom), YouTube, and TikTok. Also open to film festival invitations.
- Quote: “If that interests you at all, please come along for the ride and reach out and follow along. …I am interested in people and the human experience and best portraying that through my art and creating positive change.” — Taylor [25:54]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On creative identity:
“All my creative outlets feel so intertwined for me that it’s hard to pick a favorite. I truly love them all.” — Taylor Blackwell [04:10] - On mentorship:
“He was my teacher till the end of his life. …I had the belief of such an incredible actor and person behind me.” — Taylor Blackwell on Burt Reynolds [05:12; 05:56] - On creative control:
“I sometimes crave it in situations where it will never be granted to me, where I’m the actor on someone else’s set.” — Taylor Blackwell [06:46] - On biopic motivation:
“She had so many colors to her and was obviously such a fun performer and so dynamic…” — Taylor Blackwell on Judy Tenuta [09:57] - On growth as director:
“It was important for me to be a director that seemed really in control and made my cast and crew feel really at ease.” — Taylor Blackwell [14:56] - On artistic ego:
“I had a good…healthy ego watching it, where I was proud of the work that I had done and also the team had done.” — Taylor Blackwell [16:23] - On collaboration:
“That’s the joy of collaboration. When it’s good, it can be really, really good.” — Taylor Blackwell [19:52] - On artistic mission:
“I am interested in people and the human experience and best portraying that through my art and creating positive change through my art.” — Taylor Blackwell [25:54]
Important Timestamps
- [02:55] – Taylor discusses beginnings in acting and eventual turn to music
- [04:27] – Relationship with Burt Reynolds as mentor
- [06:42] – Shift to writing and directing; seeking creative control
- [08:52] – Aspirations: coming-of-age stories, being a showrunner
- [09:33] – Genesis and process behind the Judy Tenuta biopic
- [14:30] – How making the film affected her growth and leadership
- [16:12] – Reflections on viewing her own completed work publicly
- [18:09] – Next projects: second album and another short film
- [18:45] – Creative direction and style of upcoming album
- [20:49] – Plans to stage album as a musical with performances
- [22:10] – Advocacy for animal rights, vegan lifestyle, and creative passions
- [24:34] – How listeners can find and connect with Taylor
- [25:54] – Final reflections and encouragement for listeners
Final Thoughts
This episode offers not only a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry through Taylor Blackwell’s personal journey, but also valuable lessons in artistic perseverance, creative evolution, and the importance of supportive mentorship. Taylor’s openness about her ambitions, setbacks, advocacy, and creative process makes her story relatable—for dreamers and doers alike.
Where to Find Taylor Blackwell:
- Instagram/TikTok: @themusicalmushroom
- YouTube: Taylor Blackwell
- For film festival or collaboration inquiries: tayblackwellmail.com