The Star News - January 14, 2005
[My Transcript] On the way to stardom: HHS student moves to town to advance her music career By Tena Lee Staff Writer | Staff photo by Tena Lee
[My Transcript] On the way to stardom: HHS student moves to town to advance her music career By Tena Lee Staff Writer | Staff photo by Tena Lee
As a six-year-old growing up in the small Pennsylvania town, of Wyomissing, Taylor Swift often mimicked the moves of her teen idol, LeAnn Rimes. As she grew, Swift's fascination with country music also blossomed, inspiring her to write a slew of songs, take professional voice lessons and learn to play the guitar. And now, at the tender age of 15, her passion has brought her to Hendersonville and some believe the verge of stardom. Swift, who moved to Hendersonville with her family last April to pursue a career in the country music industry, comes with an already-impressive resume and at least one big name behind her. Her list of accomplishments includes singing the National Anthem at the U.S. Open in 2003, performing at the Blue Bird Cafe, and being featured in a national advertising campaign for Abercrombie & Fitch. She was also featured recently on Good Morning America, and had a song she penned included on a CD compilation for Maybelline. Swift will perform this weekend at the opening ceremony of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. Perhaps one of the biggest indications of just how high her star could rise is who her manager is. The name may not ring a bell, but the name of his one other client surely will: Britney Spears. But before you think mega-manager Dan Dymtrow plans to "do it again" with Swift, think again. Although she considers the pop music diva a friend and respects her talent, the Hendersonville High School freshman is clearly focused on becoming a country music singer/songwriter. "When you write a song and sing it, it's so much more personal. It's really a personal connection added to the song when you write it," said Swift. Think Jewel with a twang. In her tussled braids, low-riding jeans and razor thin physique, she looks taylor-made for Aber crombie & Fitch, but does she have what it takes to be a soulful songwriter? Sony Music Publishing's Senior Director of Creative Ser vices and Production, who recently signed Swift, seems to think so. "She is a fine, fine songwriter and a good guitar player," said Arthur Buenahora who admitted that he has never signed someone as young as his latest client. "If anyone can be that good that early, it's scary how good she will be," said Buenahora who also signed curly-locked country music newcomer Dierks Bentley. "Someone like Taylor Swift doesn't walk in your office ever, and when they do, you better do your best to work with them." Buenahora added. "She's a star." Swift, who has penned over 100 songs already, admits that at 15, she writes about what's on the minds of most 15-year-old girls 15-year-old boys. "There's so many things about love that inspire me," she said. "If a guy's going to be mean to me, there's definitely going to be a song about it." Besides setting her sights on stardom Swift admits she's not unlike most girls her age. With some of her buddies clutching newly acquired driver's licenses, the youngster enjoys "just riding around with her friends often just to Wal-Mart and back Once considered "uncool in Wyomissing for her love of country music, Swift said she feels right at home here in Hendersonville. "It's a small town without the small-town attitude," she added. "I've just been accepted here. It's really nice." Her mom Andrea and dad Scott, who recently took top honors in the Jr. Chamber's lighted boat parade this past December, agree that the move has been good for the whole family which also includes Swift's 12-year-old brother Austin and her cat Indy. Besides physically being where she needs to be to make her dreams come true, Swift is excited about writing alongside some of the best songwriters in the industry at Sony Publishing. "I just feel so lucky that I've found what I love to do so early," she said. "And I'm going to run with it if I can."
PHOTO 1 CAPTION: With the help of her cat Indy, recent Hendersonville resident Taylor Swift practices for a performance at the U. S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas this weekend. Swift, 15, moved to Hendersonville last April to pursue a country music singing/songwriting career.
PHOTO 2 CAPTION: Stars campaign. The national advertising campaign featured up-and-coming newcomers from Hollywood royalty like actress Sissy Spacek's daughter to surfers, snowboarders and musicians like Swift
