Because she is approaching about a year and a half since her last single release, Taylor Hughes knew when she made her return, she needed to firmly kick the door back open, and with her new single release, “Jesus and Jail,” the Kentucky native did exactly that.
After noticing a void in outlaw-style tunes by female artists, Hughes jumped to fill it with her newest effort, a country-rocking tunes chock full of heavy guitar licks intertwined with a blues-inspired vocal and a thumping backbeat. Set for release on June 30th, the song is available for pre-save now.
We caught up with Hughes to talk all about “Jesus and Jail,” as well as her recent award nominations and wins, staying busy on the road, new music and more!
Pro Country: Your last single, “High on Something,” has become your most-streamed single on Spotify. How encouraging was the response to that song and to see your stream count go up with each release?
Taylor Hughes: Seeing my streaming numbers increase with each release has been super encouraging for me as an independent artist! Every release is always a big step in my career, and the hope is to get the fans even more excited for the next project that comes out. “High on Something” was a song I was nervous to release because it was different than anything else I’ve written before, but the fact that the fans have responded so well to it is an incredible feeling, and it lets me know they’re along for the ride and want to see different sides of me as an artist. That song has been charting in the top 100s on Texas internet radio too, which was a huge surprise for me, but one I’m so grateful for.
PC: Your new single, “Jesus and Jail,” is your first release in about a year and a half. With that layoff in mind, how much were you looking forward to having new music to release again as release day for “Jesus and Jail” was approaching?
TH: I have been looking forward to releasing new music for a while, and I know my fans have been patiently waiting as well. I never intended on having this big of a gap in my song releases, but life happens and plans change. Releasing new music is always a super exciting part of my career, so I’ve been chomping at the bit to get this new song out into the world. There’s a lot of things that must happen behind the scenes before the song can be released, so the fact that it’s finally happening is such a fantastic feeling. I’m anxious for fans to hear what I’ve been working on!
PC: Why did you feel that “Jesus and Jail” was the right follow up single to “High on Something” and the right single to make your return with?
TH: “Jesus and Jail” is a song I’ve always wanted to release. We wrote this song pre-Covid, so I have been holding onto it for a while! “Jesus and Jail’ is one of my favorites, and it was such a fun one to write. I felt this song was the right song to release for several reasons: first being that my fans really love this song when I play it live. When my fans have such a positive reaction to a song and they ask when I’m releasing it, it’s kind of a no-brainer to make the decision to record it! Secondly, I believe that “Jesus and Jail” is a signature song for me and my brand. It’s edgy, fun, unexpected and something I’m truly passionate about. After releasing a power ballad, I thought it would be a good idea to bring the fans something upbeat and rockin’.
PC: Can you take us in your head and in the room and talk about how “Jesus and Jail” came together?
TH: I’m a big fan of outlaw country music, especially Johnny Cash, so when I came across the line “I live like Johnny Cash, somewhere between Jesus and Jail,” I knew there was a song there. “Jesus and Jail” was a song idea I held onto for a bit though, because I knew that I had to find the “right” person to write it with. That’s why I eventually brought the song idea to my good friend and co-writer, Krystal King. I started to brainstorm ideas for it and had the first verse written the day I came into the writing room, and when I mentioned it to Krystal, she was all about it. It was one of those songs that I was so excited to write that when we started laying pen to paper, it came together fast. There were so many ideas and inspirations to draw from: the lifestyle of outlaw artists before us, and even some things I experienced in the past. My style of music and songwriting are a little more edgy than some women in the country music scene. The “outlaw” genre is heavily dominated by male artists, and I wanted to write a song that could almost be an “anthem” for the outlaw women out there; many that I call great friends of mine! I wanted this song to be a voice for those ladies and to basically say, “watch out fellas, outlaw country isn’t just for the boys. Us badass women are here to stay.”
PC: In just six months this year, you’ve been nominated or won several industry awards, including the Appalachian Arts and Entertainment Awards, the Lexington Music Awards and the Josie Music Awards. What does that recognition from within the industry mean to you at this early stage in your career?
TH: Being nominated and winning some of these awards in the early stages of my career is a huge blessing and one I don’t take for granted. I’m a workhorse, and I put everything I have into my music. There are a lot of sleepless nights, long weekends on the road, and big events in my personal life that I’ve had to miss in order to give my career and my fans my absolute best. A lot of sacrifices have been made on not only my end, but also my loved ones to ensure that I can be successful. The recognition lets me know that I’m doing something right; that I’m making those who believe in me proud. I truly love what I do and believe it is my purpose in this life. God has given me a gift, and every day I try to do my best to use it in an impactful way. My heart and soul are in my music, and I don’t do this just for me, it’s for my family, friends and fans that have supported me along the way. These awards and nominations also push me to be better and to keep working hard. I think there is always room for growth, to learn more, and to become a better version of yourself.
PC: Your performance schedule through the summer has been quickly filling up. How much are you looking forward to being active on the stage and bringing “Jesus and Jail” on the road?
TH: This year has been crazy busy, and I am so thankful and excited about it. I’m starting to hit the festival scene more with my band this summer, and it’s been a dream! Being able to play “Jesus and Jail” with the band for the fans is an exhilarating experience. I’m so used to playing it at my acoustic shows, so when the whole production comes together, it’s an incredible feeling. I love being able to promote this song on the road, because my new fans are getting a real sense of who I am as an artist, and my current fans are thrilled to hear and see this next chapter in my career. There’s something about being on stage, singing my original songs and seeing the fans having a great time that makes me feel alive. It’s like I always say: the stage is my home!
PC: Along with your tour schedule, what do you have planned for the rest of 2023?
TH: This year is packed with shows, and I’m so happy to not only hit the road, but to be playing in so many new places! Along with my full touring schedule, I’ve been writing a lot more for me and some other artists. It’s crazy to think that while I’m working on this next release, I’m also working towards my next project. I plan to release more music before the end of the year, building my team more, and collaborating with other artists and brands. I’ve got a lot of plans, but I can’t give them all away just yet!
PC: Is there anything you’d like to add?
TH: “Jesus and Jail” is a song I’m so passionate about and one I believe in. I’m thrilled to be bringing my fans new music, and I hope they’re excited to hear it! It’s been a long time coming, and I’m very thankful that my fans have continued to support me on this journey. I can’t wait to see what the rest of 2023 has in store for me!
Pro Country 
Leave a comment