Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Marie Contarino
Hi Taylor Marie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Taylor Marie Contarino, and I am what I would describe as a multi-hyphenate creative, Passionate about storytelling and the art of creativity as a whole, I am particularly drawn to music, media, content, poetry, writing, journalism, and essentially, the intersection of all things creative. Right now, I work in the music business as a Digital Marketer, and I come from a history of working at the intersection of music, journalism, and media. I consider myself to be a writer, creative strategist, musician, poet, creative marketer, lover of people, lover of love, and so many other skills and titles than I anticipate garnering in my future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A motto that I live by is that “nothing worth having comes easy.” My mother always told me this growing up, and we would laugh again and again as she asked me “Why don’t you think not everyone does it? It’s not easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it!”
As someone who grew up with a single mother (who is absolutely amazing, by the way!), I think that some of the obstacles that I’ve faced have been related to the relationship with my father who has a long history with addiction. I think that my relationship with my father has been one that has challenged me, but has also made me into the kind, understanding, gentle, and patient person that I am today, and that is honestly something I am grateful for and cherish very much.
I wouldn’t change anything about the road I’ve been on, regardless. I think that everything happens for a reason and I truly believe that I’ve ended up being exactly who I should be, exactly where I should be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a multi-hyphenate creative, the most fun part about my job and about my life is that every single day looks different. As a Digital Marketer, every day looks a bit different – some days are spent at photoshoots and content shoots, while some evenings are spent in the studio, or at an office, or even in back-to-back planning meetings.
What I love so much about my life and career is that I am able to learn so many things, and also learn so much about myself. I never thought that I would end up in such a dynamic position where I am able to build a career out of empowering and uplifting artists, while learning about factors such as the current state of the music industry, the creator economy, digital marketing tools and knowledge, what it means to break an artist, and what it means to tell a story authentically.
I am really proud of my approach to the music and media business – before anything else, I am a human first, and I see everyone as people before I see them as anything else – from executives to artists just starting out their careers, it’s so central that we all operate with showing one another love, kindness, warmth, support, and appreciation. I believe that we are all humans, and it’s love first, always.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have truly and genuinely had a village supporting me throughout my career endeavors and I could not be more grateful. I am so blessed that I have had amazing mentors from programs such as GrammyU, Femme It Forward (Next Gem Femme), 1520 Vision, Universal Music Group °1824, UMe (UMG’s Catalog Division), BMG, USC Annenberg, and even just mentors that I have met along the way in different capacities, from my classes at USC, to internships I’ve experienced on the way as I have navigated my journey thus far.
I want to thank my family – my mother has always been in my corner and I will never forget how much she has shown me love in her own unique way. Her best friend, whom I consider my Aunt Lauren, has been her right-hand-person all of her life, and she has also ultimately became one of mine as well. I would also be remiss not to thank my stepfather, who’s given me my siblings – the lights of my life. My brother, who has the same father as me, is one of the most important people in my life and even if he doesn’t realize it because we have such a silly and unserious, funny brother-sister relationship, I love and value him so much and would quite literally do anything for him, just as I would do for our little sisters, Ella and Lilli.
I am so blessed to have four incredible grandmothers (Yes, I have a huge, mixed up, amazing and awesome family) – Connie, Rose, Pat, and Bev, and Pat. I appreciate all of their support so much. How lucky am I to have four grandmothers?
I also want to shoutout my lovely boyfriend, and my many incredible and amazing friends, collaborators, producers, and co-workers I’ve met along the way. Your support means the world to me.
From my many aunties (Hi Cher Cher, Donna, Vicky, and Ree Ree!) to dozens of supportive and wonderful cousins, I have also had the pleasure of receiving mentorship from some of my career supervisors, and even some of my professors – I want to specifically thank Richard Parrott (You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.), Chelsea Broussard, Professor Adrienne J. Lawrence (You have empowered me in so many ways, and I want to be you when I grow up!) and Sam Corrado (You took a chance on me when I was unsure if I even deserved one.)
I also want to thank my Pop Pop, who passed away on Friday, the 7th. You taught me everything I know. I love you forever and I promise that your spirit will live on through me.
Pricing:
- Consultations
- Marketing Strategy
- Social Media Strategy
Contact Info:
- Website: https://taydidit.my.canva.site/creative-capabilities
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorcontarino/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-marie-contarino-bab5a41b4/
- Twitter: https://x.com/taylorcontarino
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@taylorcontarinomusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/taylormarieconta
Image Credits
Credits: Eli Roberson
