Taylor Dayne Is Thrilled To Be Back in Front of Audiences Again

Taylor Dayne first hit the charts in 1987 with "Tell It To My Heart" and has been thrilling her fans ever since. With seventeen Top 20 singles over the course of her three-decade career, including such number ones as "Love Will Lead You Back," "Prove Your Love," and "I'll Always Love You," she has proved that she can roll with the times.

Her stats are amazing: Dayne has sold over 75 million albums and singles worldwide, earned three Grammy nominations, an American Music Award, multiple New York Music Awards, received New York Music Hall of Fame honors, and ranked as the No. 18 Female Dance artist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

She has also shown her chops as a musical theater actress, having appeared in Elton John's award-winning production of "Aida." Among her non-singing roles were in the Warren Beatty/Annette Bening film "Love Affair," and on television on the Denis Leary series "Rescue Me," as well as a recurring role on Showtime's "Rude Awakening."

She has long had a strong connection with LGBTQ+ fans having had her start performing in New York City's gay clubs in the 1980s. In July, 2010, she released "Facing a Miracle," the official theme song to the�2010 Gay Games. She has long been a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.

Most recently television audiences saw Dayne on "The Masked Singer" as "Popcorn," where she made it to the semi-finals in the competition.

Dayne is currently on tour with plans to release a new single, "Paper Planes," that is part of an upcoming album. EDGE spoke to Dayne recently about her longevity, her unique sound and her LGBTQ+ fan base.

EDGE: How does it feel being back on the road again?

Taylor Dayne: It's just great. The shows have been quite amazing, and my energy has been high. I think the fans are so happy to be out and sharing music again. As a musician, it makes me happy, and I'm just thrilled to be back together again.

EDGE: How would you describe your decades-long career as a pop star.

Taylor Dayne: Pop star is one level, right? That's how it started and then overnight it was hit after hit. Then music starts changing and then you start thinking, am I radio-friendly anymore? Is my music still going to be in the top 10? I've had an incredible run, but as an artist you have to keep creating and being driven. I have this voice, this instrument that I have to use. I was born to sing, but this is a lifestyle and a choice. This is something I've chosen. I've also found so much peace with it now and I've found healing and that's why it's decades long.

EDGE: You have an amazing and unique sound. What do you attribute that to?

Taylor Dayne: That's hard to say. I was inspired by so many artists. I guess it comes down to you, your individuality, and your perception of the music. I was inspired by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gay. The list goes on. I'm a product of the seventies and it helped create my sound.

EDGE: We all love your hits, but what song do you love performing?

Taylor Dayne: I love performing "Love Will Lead You Back" and of course, "Tell it to My Heart." My favorite is "I'll Be Your Shelter." It's just a fabulous song with good rocking energy.

EDGE: 1980s nostalgia is bigger than ever. What is it about 1980s music that still makes it prevalent?

Taylor Dayne: The 1980s were Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, big hair, and lipstick. Luckily for me, I was in the heart of it all. I was a New York girl. I was raised in New York. I was in every club in New York. 1980s New York was my backyard. That is where I started my learning. It was my treasure chest. I think every adult, depending on what era they grow up in, longs to continue to embrace it because that is what makes them happiest and for a lot of us the 1980s was the greatest and when we can still have a little piece of it, it just makes us happy.

EDGE: Why does the LGBTQ community mean so much to you?

Taylor Dayne: The LGBTQ community is everything. I started performing in NYC gay clubs. I can promise you they are loudest audience you could ever play for. They are the most passionate, the hungriest, and the most loyal. In the last 35 years, I have witness so much mind-blowing love and support. It's quite incredible and I am so thankful.

EDGE: Now that you have experienced what it is like to be a contestant on "The Masked Singer," would you ever consider being a judge on a reality show?

Taylor Dayne: I would love it. I have already done it a few times. I was a judge on "Cupcake Wars," so the Food Network knows I can do it.

EDGE: I have to ask about your experience of touring with Michael Jackson?

Taylor Dayne: It was such a moment for me, especially because he was at the height of his career. I joined his "Bad" tour over in Europe. It was just an amazing time. Getting to watch and learn from one of the greatest entertainers in the world is something I will never forget. While on tour, I met Michael's manager, Frank DiLeo, and he became my manager. The whole thing was pandemonium. Michael was everything. It was just unbelievable to watch him.

EDGE: Do you have plans to release new music?

Taylor Dayne: Yes. I finished a record. Finally, we're mixing it. I am working with Gregg Field, an incredible producer. It's a far more intimate and storytelling record for me. I'm very anxious to release it and find its home. There's a new single on it called "Paper Planes." It's an incredible song that really allows me to tell a story. My voice is absolutely shining here. It's really out front and outspoken. It's amazing. I can't wait for everyone to listen to it.

EDGE: What can fans expect from your upcoming shows?

Taylor Dayne: I promise that I will try not to disappoint. I certainly won't ignore the hits. There'll be some interesting covers and some new songs. Hopefully, everyone will have a great time

For more information about Taylor Dayne and her tour dates, visit her website. To purchase tickets to her show on July 16th at the Center for Arts in Natick visit the venue's website.