Nashville power pop band Tayls’ “Nightmare” is an anthem for everyone fighting for what is right when so much in the world is wrong.
Stream: “Nightmare” – Tayls
“Nightmare” is a powerful reflection of the fear and anxiety that comes with having a partner or friend on the frontlines of fighting for change and equality.
There is no debating how scary the world is right now.
Things seem to be moving in reverse in a way that makes zero logical sense. For those of us who know what’s right from what’s wrong – this has been an extraordinarily hard time. Basic human rights, very simple things, are at stake. What we can do is fight together. What we know is that we are not alone.
Tayls’ new music video “Nightmare” lets us know we are not alone with a fighting message amplified by neon lights and passionate performances. Released back in mid-March, the East Nashville power pop band’s latest single is an anthem for everyone fighting for what is right when so much in the world is wrong.
In frontman Taylor Cole’s own words, “‘Nightmare’ is a powerful reflection of the fear and anxiety that comes with having a partner or friend on the frontlines of fighting for change and equality. It’s a haunting portrayal of the current political climate, especially lately where we live in Tennessee where we’re seeing attacks on basic human rights like access to abortion and gender affirming care for trans people. Drag shows also aren’t hurting anyone and those are under attack.”
“And in the wake of yet another school shooting, the response from some has been to arm teachers – as if that’s the solution to the problem. It’s a terrifying reality that we live in, and one that we can’t ignore. As I’m typing this, and thinking about it- the song is also about being afraid your loved ones may not come home from work or school, like our teachers and students now face everyday, without more gun reform.”
“Nightmare” begins with the lead singer of Tayls waking up from what can only be described as just that, a nightmare. Neon lights shine behind him before fading into a red and black aesthetic, fitting for the lyrics, as he sings out,
I don’t mind
When you go out alone
I don’t even care
When you don’t pick up the phone
The world is taking my baby away
Fading into the gray
I can’t stand it
I don’t know how to explain
The chorus breaks in with bandmates singing at his side, almost as if they’re one,
That, I’m so scared
You’ve been taken into the light
Does every nightmare come with this feeling?
Battleships in the street shooting everybody in sight
Does every nightmare come with this feeling?
I don’t wanna keep you, but I got to keep you alive
Does every nightmare come with this feeling?
I don’t believe in god but if he’s here I need him alright
Am I the only one aiming at the ceiling?
The way they are singing exudes so much passion and anger, yet it leaves us feeling heard. It lets us know we are not alone.
A longtime member of Nashville indie rock five-piece Creature Comfort (we premiered their song “Darkside” in 2020, calling them “a singular band with a sound that beats and glows like the radiant summer sun“), Taylor Cole and his then-roommate Greg Dorris formed Tayls out of a coalition of close friends and a vision to marry theatrical, high-energy rock, pop, and folk music (à la Queen or David Bowie) with honest and raw songwriting.
2018’s larger-than-life self-titled debut EP laid a strong foundation for the self-proclaimed “Friendship-Punk” identity that Tayls have continued to nurture and grow throughout the past five years. They released a seven-track covers album Kwar in Teens: A Covers Collection in 2020, followed by their debut album Have You Ever? I’ve Always, featuring popular singles “Have You Ever?” and “Scarlet Letter” in 2021.
Epic in size and scope, the band currently consists of Taylor Cole and Greg Dorris (lead guitar) together with Cole’s Creature Comfort bandmate Jessey Clark (bass) as well as Jo Cleary (violin), Michael Taylor (synth), Andy Heath (guitar), Mo Balsam (keys/vocals), and Atticus Swartwood (drums) – both of whom are also in Nashville pop-punk band Molly Rocket. “Nightmare” is Tayls’ second single of 2023, following January’s spirited anthem “Living Mistake,” which housed the hair-raising chorus lyric, “Nothing is as good as it seems, nothing is as good as your dreams. Nothing is the same as it used to be, not tryna be who we used to be.“
“Nightmare” carries a similarly urgent energy, albeit one channeled into an impassioned call for Trans Rights.
“Lately, with all the anti trans bills in Tennessee, I keep feeling more and more worried about my trans friends and our LGBTQ community,” Cole shares. “It feels heartbreakingly bleak.”
Waiting for your shadow to appear
Like a ghost at the door
I wonder if tonight’s the night
You never come home
There’s really nothing that I can say
I just want you to be okay
Come on baby
Please don’t go
Tayls sing the next chorus through illuminated windows begging to be heard,
‘Cause, I’m so scared
You’ve been taken into the light
Does every nightmare come with this feeling?
Battleships in the street shooting everybody in sight
Does every nightmare come with this feeling?
I don’t wanna keep you, but I got to keep you alive
Does every nightmare come with this feeling?
I don’t adhere to fear, but I don’t wanna fight
Am I the only one aiming at the ceiling?
As the song reaches its peak, the performances become more urgent. Begging to be heard and making it impossible to ignore,
What Does It Take?
For you To Come Back To Bed?
Come Back To Me, Oh?
If You Die Tonight, My Soul Will Never Come Back
If You Die Tonight, My Soul Will Never Come Back
If You Die Tonight, My Soul Will Never Come Back
Does Every Nightmare Come With This Feeling?
Am I The Only One Aiming At The Ceiling?!
Tayls explains to us that “Ultimately, ‘Nightmare’ is about connection – about reaching out to others who are feeling scared and alone, and letting them know that we’re here with them.” We think they did a pretty good job.
Stream “Nightmare” exclusively on Atwood Magazine!
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Stream: “Nightmare” – Tayls
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