Why Getting Dropped by a Record Label Was the Best Thing That Happened to Me — Taylor Henderson
Have you ever wondered what really happens after reality TV fame fades?
Taylor Henderson knows.
He became a household name as the X Factor Australia runner-up in 2013. He’s from Geelong, Victoria, and quickly captured hearts with his soulful voice and honest lyrics.
He went on to earn triple-platinum success, land multiple #1 singles, and even tour nationwide. His hits like ‘Borrow My Heart’ and ‘When You Were Mine’ took the ARIA charts by storm.
But what happens when major labels drop you?
And how do you rebuild a career on your own terms?
Here’s a conversation with Taylor Henderson, my podcast guest this week on That One Time with Adam Metwally.
Below are some of the key concepts we explored in the episode:
Practical tips to stay independent and still go big (learn how one strategy boosted his single to 3.9 million Spotify streams).
How a strict religious upbringing shaped—and challenged—his music journey.
The 6- to 8-week content plan that builds FOMO and spikes audience engagement.
Timestamps:
00:00 The Journey Begins: From X Factor to Independence
03:05 Navigating the Music Industry: Major Labels vs. Independence
06:07 The Transition: Lessons Learned from Going Independent
08:48 Building a Career: Skills Acquired as an Independent Artist
12:01 Early Influences: Music and Family Background
14:53 Breaking Free: The Impact of Religious Upbringing
17:54 Crafting Music: The Evolution of Songwriting
20:54 Reflections on Success: What Ifs and Future Aspirations
28:33 The Essence of Authenticity in Music
29:35 Strategies for Independent Artists to Create Hits
31:43 Navigating Music Rights and Ownership
34:01 The Importance of Pre-Release Marketing
36:14 Harnessing Social Media for Music Promotion
40:11 Building Hype Without Live Performances
43:39 Creating Engaging Content for Audience Connection
47:50 Measuring Success as an Independent Artist
52:37 The Journey of Independence
56:47 Navigating Turbulence and Finding Direction
1:00:18 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation
1:03:06 Reflections on Personal Growth and Relationships
1:08:05 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
It’s up on YouTube, Spotify, X and everywhere else.
✌🏼 SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY PURCHASING PRODUCTS WE LOVE:
💧 Vitadrop — Healthy Hydration & Vitamins (Sleep / Hydration / Focus & Collagen) — Use the code 'TOT' to get 25% off your purchase @ https://www.vitadrop.com.au/TOT
👟 Vivobarefoot — My favourite barefoot shoes that I wear everyday — Use the code ‘TOT’ for 20% off @ https://vivobarefoot.com/
🔫 Legacy — A men's health company with the most advanced at-home fertility analysis test. Understand your sperm health and freeze your youngest, healthiest sample today — Use the code 'TOT' to get 10% off your purchase @http://www.givelegacy.com/
🥗 Blueprint — Longevity supplements and meal solutions by Bryan Johnson — Use the code ‘TOT’ for 10% off your purchase @ https://friends.bryanjohnson.com/TOT
📝 Notion — My favourite note taking app I use for my business and personal life everyday — Use the code ‘TOT’ to support the podcast @ https://affiliate.notion.so/TOT
📵 Opal — Blocking iPhone app app I use daily - Follow the link to support the podcast @ (https://applink.opal.so/invite-friend?rc=EA66X&rId=AIriLLeGL0Nofh8MOpdNLEwgEF53&rNme=Admet)
