The Carefree Era: Interview with my sister Haley ♥️

Just taking a page out and singing at the top of my lungs and dancing like no one’s watching…. Just enjoying life and living in the moment.

You are a massive fan of Tay Tay Swift. What made you become a fan and do you think you'll always be one?

Honestly, I didn’t get into Taylor Swift’s music until her 1989 album. I knew a few of her songs before that, but when 1989 came out, I really fell in love with so many of the songs. Maybe because it was her first official pop album and I was always a pop fan (90s kid). I didn’t connect with the country albums too much before that. But Clean, Wildest Dreams, This Love…. Ugh. So many good ones. I listened to that album over and over again. And I do think I’ll always be a Tay Tay fan because her style keeps evolving and, in my opinion, is getting better and better.

What is your fav Tay song in general (and why)?

My favorite right now is Lavender Haze – it’s my go-to song to belt out in the car on my way to work and just gets me pumped up. But I just have so many that I can’t skip – Clean, Don’t Blame Me, Death by a Thousand Cuts, Peace, Exile, This Love, Getaway Car, All Too Well…. Just so many wonderful and creative lyrics.

What is your fav Tay song to dance to (and why)?

I think that would have to be Shake It Off – it’s just the ultimate dance song with the beat and the lyrics.

If you could embody any era, what would it be (and why)?

I think it would have to be Lover – because it’s just so bright and colorful. She was in love and happy and the songs and music videos really showcase that.

What do you think it is about her / her music that draws people in?

I think she just seems really relatable. Like she had her heart broken so she writes about it like everyone else. But then she creates a song about those feelings and people can just relate to it. Plus she just seems to be genuine and really loves her fans and her “easter eggs”. Which that just makes everything so fun. It’s like every song and music video and tweet is a big treasure hunt for everyone.

You went to her Kansas City concert in July - July 7 to be exact when her Speak Now re-recorded album was released. What was it like to be there? Describe as much as you can.:) Who did you go with? What was the atmosphere like? What was the vibe like? Did you give out friendship bracelets? Would you want to go again?

Being there for the Speak Now release party was insane. We didn’t know it would be that way when we got the tickets for that show, so that just made it feel “meant to be”. I wasn’t a huge fan of Speak Now before the show, but it made me really appreciate it so much more. And you could tell she was just so proud to own it, and everyone felt that. The crowd of fans was intense – I’ve never been to a concert where the majority knew every single word and SHOUTED the lyrics from their souls. There were so many tears and screams and laughs. It was just a super positive experience that I wish everyone could take part in. I went to KC with my husband and a few of my friends. Two of my friends couldn’t get tickets but just wanted to be in the city. I made 100 friendship bracelets for me and my hubs to trade and it was magical. We had the best time with that! We gave out ones to security guards, bartenders, etc and everyone was so appreciative. Then we traded with so many, and it really made me feel like a kid again. The actual show was about 4 hours long – so I would go again but it would have to be a while so my soul and body could recoup It was quite overwhelming, but in a wonderful, wonderful way.

Your husband went with you - is he a Swiftie too? Is he now? :)

My husband was definitely not a Swiftie. But he said he would go to this concert because it was so huge, and he would learn the songs and do the homework so he didn’t embarrass me in front of all the other fans LOL. And he did! He would sit in our patio out back and turn on the setlist playlist and read the lyrics while listening. He was still not a fan of her early work (specifically Fearless), but truly loves Midnights and now has a whole slew of other songs he listens to on repeat. I don’t know if he would call himself a Swiftie now, but he can sure belt out Don’t Blame Me with the rest of us.

Any advice for those going to her concert - anything to be prepared for?

My advice is EAR PLUGS. I used the ones that are specifically for concerts where it doesn’t take away from the music, but prevents you from permanent hearing loss which is what would’ve happened if I didn’t have them. Also, make so many friendship bracelets and don’t be afraid to go up to people and ask to trade! Or just give them away to those who don’t have any because that was super fun too. And don’t bother standing in the 5 hour merch lines – either order online at store.taylorswift.com or wait until the show starts and go during your least favorite song (or send a friend). My husband went when she started Fearless and didn’t have to wait at all.

If you could create an Era, what would yours be?

I think it would be my Carefree era! Just taking a page out and singing at the top of my lungs and dancing like no one’s watching…. Just enjoying life and living in the moment.

Anything else you can share with us? :)

I just think I used to be embarrassed about loving Taylor’s music because it was almost viewed as “basic” and that’s just the worst. And at some point, I grew up and thought “who cares” and really leaned into the whimsy of it all. It’s actually been quite freeing and really just makes me so proud to support such an amazing woman who is slowly working on reclaiming what is rightfully hers. She’s an inspiration, and I hope she continues on this path where she’s speaking out for what she believes in no matter the cost.