Taya
Rising artist Taya Elle is quickly making waves with her debut single “Don’t Love You”, a bilingual track that blends heartfelt vulnerability with irresistible melodies. In just a short time, the song has connected with listeners around the world, showcasing Taya’s raw talent. With influences ranging from Sade to Ariana Grande, and a creative journey shaped by both personal struggles and a rich background in the performing arts, Taya is carving out her own lane in today’s music scene. We sat down with her to talk about the story behind her breakout single, her creative process, and what’s next on her journey.
Indie Sound: “Don’t Love You” has been a huge success in such a short time! What’s it been like to see the track resonate with listeners so quickly?
Taya: Honestly, it’s been surreal. I released Don’t Love You just a few weeks ago and seeing it spread so fast, watching people connect with it, it feels like proof that what I’m feeling, other people are feeling too. That’s all I ever wanted with my music—to be understood and to create that connection.
Indie Sound: Your music blends both English and Spanish lyrics. How do you decide when to use one language over the other in your songs, and what does it bring to the overall feeling of the track?
Taya: I chose to use both languages because I love Spanish music and I also love English, and I thought why not bring them together? In America, and really all over the world, there are so many Latinos, so it was important for me that my songs also speak to them. Spanish is also a language I know personally, so it feels natural. It brings a different color to the track and gives more people the chance to connect with it.
Indie Sound: The emotional depth in your music is something listeners really connect with. How do you approach writing songs that feel so intimate and vulnerable?
Taya: To be honest, I just write what I feel. When I write, it’s like I’m writing a book and then turning it into a song people can sing and relate to. Everything I go through in life finds its way into my songs—it’s my safe place to open up, to say things exactly as they are, without filters. Writing is what frees me.
Indie Sound: Can you tell us about the process of working with Grammy-nominated producer Joe “Capo” Kent on “Don’t Love You”? How did his influence shape the final sound of the track?
Taya: Working with Joe was such a blessing. He really saw my vision and pushed me to bring out the raw emotion in my voice. He gave the track that richness and polish but also let me keep my identity in it. It was the perfect balance of professional and personal.
Indie Sound Magazine: You’ve mentioned artists like Sade, Sabrina Claudio, and Ariana Grande as influences. How do you incorporate their inspiration into your own sound, while also making it uniquely yours?
Taya: I listen to their music a lot, so I naturally take inspiration from it—Sade’s timelessness, Sabrina Claudio’s intimacy, Ariana’s vocal layering. I let those influences inspire me, but then I fuse them with my own story, my bilingual expression, and my emotions. That’s what makes it mine.
Indie Sound: Your music is deeply relatable—what are some personal experiences or themes that you draw from when writing your songs?
Taya: My songs usually come from love, heartbreak, and all the emotions in between. I’ve been through situations where I felt unseen or not enough, and writing about that helps me heal. It also gives me this hope that someone listening will feel less alone.
Indie Sound: Beyond your music career, you’ve appeared on Univision and performed in theater productions. How has your background in performing arts shaped the way you approach your music and connect with audiences?
Taya: I love everything related to art and stepping into the world with it. Slowly, people are getting to know me, and that makes me so happy. I truly believe this is my purpose—to bring people happiness and peace through my songs. Through music, I feel like I can paint a better world. I want to use my voice to do good in the world.
Indie Sound: What’s been the most rewarding part of your journey as an artist so far? Was there a specific moment when you realized this was the path you wanted to take?
Taya: When I stopped being a professional athlete—I had 24 medals but had to quit after back surgery—I realized music was my way forward. Writing helped me heal from the fact that I couldn’t be an athlete anymore. For a long time, I thought I was nothing without sports, that it was the only thing I had and it was taken away from me. I was angry. But now I understand it was a blessing—God was guiding me to the real thing. He didn’t want me to focus on sports, He wanted me to focus on music.
Indie Sound: You aim to create a “safe space” for your listeners through your music. Can you talk more about what that means to you and how you achieve that feeling in your songs?
Taya: The safe space I talk about is the music, the singing, and me. I want people, when they listen to my songs, to feel connected to me like I’m their psychologist in a way. I want my songs to give people answers to their struggles, to bring them joy at my shows. I think the world is missing free love and kindness without reason, and that’s what I want to give—to unite people with my music so that whoever listens will feel that unconditional love, that kindness, simply because we are all part of God, we are all brothers and sisters, and we need to care for one another.
Indie Sound: What can your fans expect next? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or performances you’re excited about?
Taya: Soon I’ll be releasing another song—that’s all I can say for now. But there’s a lot to look forward to, because this one is very vulnerable and exposes more about my life and my childhood. At first, I wasn’t sure if I should release it second, because it’s so intimate, but after my debut, people are curious to know who I really am. This new song explains that—it’s like I’m telling my story step by step, almost like a book.
Indie Sound: As you continue to grow in the music industry, what are your long-term goals or aspirations, both musically and personally?
Taya: Without a doubt, my goal is to reach as far as I can—there are no limits for me. I want to meet the whole world, because every person is a world of their own. At the same time, I want to hold onto my values and never forget where I came from—that’s the most important thing, because fame changes you, and I want to stay grounded and true to myself. Musically, I want to keep evolving and blending genres, and personally, I want to stay authentic while reaching as many hearts as possible.
Indie Sound: If you could collaborate with any artist—living or not—who would it be and why?
Taya: Tate McRae or Billie Eilish. Tate inspires so many young people, and her music connects with that generation. I’d love to be part of that—to help guide and inspire young listeners while making something amazing. And Billie—she’s so unique. She’s open, she shares her personal life through her music, and I feel that’s similar to my approach. Together we could create something powerful, something timeless that breaks boundaries.
Indie Sound: When you’re not making music, what do you like to do in your downtime?
Taya: I love creating—painting, writing poetry or stories. I also love fishing—it gives me so much peace. I like going to parks, working out, spending time with friends, and praying. All of those things keep me balanced.
Indie Sound: If you had to pick one song that you listen to on repeat, what would it be?
Taya: It would be Wildflower by Billie Eilish. I love everything it represents—the lyrics are so deep, and the rhythm of the song is insane. I even made a cover of it in three languages: Spanish, Hebrew, and English.
Indie Sound: What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through your music career so far?
Taya: I’ve learned that if I want something, I can make it happen. I always knew I had strength, but I didn’t realize how stubborn I really am, how I don’t give up even when things are really hard. So many people in my life told me they would have quit by now, but I didn’t. I’m here to stay. Starting my music career and seeing my first single blow up proved me right. It brings me joy and gives me peace knowing I chose the right path.
Watch the official music video for Don’t Love You here.
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