In the spirit of full disclosure and journalistic integrity, I should confess up front to a familial connection to Sunny Taylor. Although not borne of the same family, we have played mother to the same child.

       Well, my claim is someone less playful, having actually given birth to said child. But when Andie was about eight or nine, she became a rabid Sunny Taylor fan, so much so that we once stalked her at a steak house where those under 21 were prevented from entering. Sunny was very nice, provided a lovely greeting and an autograph, and we went home happy. Little did I know that this bit of hero-worship would ultimately blossom into a friendship, wherein little Andie would go hear her idol perform at Toast & Jam, and Sunny, along with her then-boyfriend Jason Berry, would pretend to be her parents between sets. I had no qualms with this bit of make-believe. I fancy myself a fairly cool mom, but I realize my limits. I donÕt play guitar, for example.

       A lot has changed since then. Andie is now about the same age that Sunny was then, and Sunny and Jason are married with two little girls of their own. With all of those changes, itÕs not too surprising that the opportunity to record has eluded her – until now. With a new album, Lock the Door and Leave, she releases her first new music in six years, and that time – which saw her move from a teenaged singer/songwriter to a grown woman juggling family and career – have provided new perspectives. And she has a determined need to share them.

       ÒIÕve gotten much more reflective over the last few years,Ó she says, Òand IÕve never been more hungry to write. I always try to squeeze in time to write, even if itÕs just ramblings. I do a lot of writing in the car. I know it sounds bad, but IÕve mastered writing while still watching the road. With cell phones, make-up, food and the many other distractions one indulges in while driving, jotting a few lines seems relatively harmless. That is, unless I drop my pen into the abyss which lies between my seat and the cup holders.Ó

       No longer focused on establishing herself or making herself more commercial, she now enjoys the opportunity to be herself. Those changes are clearly felt in Lock the Door and Leave.

       ÒI have a lot more freedom when I write and record now than what I had before. It feels good to write again instead of throwing away paper after paper because it may change my image or change what people think of me. I donÕt close out any idea because I fear it wonÕt be pleasing to the suits and ties. I write what I think, or what I imagine. It comes from God; it comes from experiences. ItÕs genuine.

       ÒI definitely felt seasoned being in the studio this time around. I wasnÕt afraid to speak up and mold the songs to my liking, but I was also mature enough to allow outside ideas to change the songs. You canÕt hold on too tightly to your songs, because you can miss out on them reaching their full potential. The most recent recordings feel more real to me than the not-so-recent ones. However, I only chose songs for which I still held a place in my heart.Ó

       While many who see her perform are treated to solo appearances at local coffeehouses and similarly intimate venues, the release party that heralded the arrival of Lock the Door and Leave, which took place at come2go on Baker Street, featured the full Sunny Taylor Band, a talented ensemble who played on the recording. The CD also features guest musicians who greatly enhance the finished product. Among them was another singer/songwriter, Rachel Davis, who provides perfectly complementary vocals.

                                    ÒRachel Davis was amazing to work with. She sings on five songs on the album. SheÕs kinda goofy, so we got along perfectly. She actually produced the song ÔNow I'm Found.Õ It was fun to watch her pull it together. All of the musicians I recorded with were so talented, it was sickening! No matter what combination of musicians I was recording with, it always felt comfortable, and we always clicked. I couldnÕt have asked for a better lineup.Ó

       While Lock the Door and Leave brings a new Sunny Taylor into public view, her home life continues to demand most of her attention. With a third child due later this year, she approaches her new album and subsequent performance schedule with an eye toward balancing those separate demands. Helping her to do so is her husband, once of Jettingham, a band who themselves saw success a few years back. It must help to have a mate who is a musician himself, right?

       ÒLetÕs get one thing straight,Ó says Sunny. ÒHeÕs not a musician, heÕs a drummer. Just kidding. ThatÕs a long-time running joke between us. His musical side was one of the reasons I fell in love with him. Turned out, he had many other great qualities that IÕve had the privilege of uncovering over the past seven years. Jason has always been understanding and supportive of my musical endeavors, although heÕs more of a spectator than a performer now.

       ÒIf itÕs possible for someone to grow out of their love for performing music, heÕs done it. People always ask if we would consider starting a band together. I try to talk him into it, but no dice. 'CÕmon honey! WeÕd rule the world together!'Ó

       For the time being, they can at least rule the roost together, and with a young family to raise Sunny seems happy to see what life has in store for her in the years ahead.

       ÒIÕd like to think IÕve got a plan for life, but most times, it goes a different direction and usually better than I couldÕve planned it. I know God has a purpose for me, whether itÕs just being a wife and mommy – which is no small job – or having a career in music on top of that. I really enjoy where I am now. Music will always be there, but babies are only babies for so long.Ó

       That clarity has not only resulted in a more mature and thoughtful collection of songs, but also a more centered attitude about what Sunny Taylor wants from her life – and from her music.

       ÒI wanted to be a star. However, what I viewed as success then was gauged by how the industry reps viewed me. Now, I am a star on my own terms. IÕve got a beautiful – and growing – family, I still love writing songs and singing, and sometimes other people like what I write and sing. Ah, success!Ó

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