Fan's Forum II: A Conversation With Sally Taylor Part One: "Attack on America" by Pat Hill For the second straight year, I've been blessed with the opportunity to discuss issues important to the fans with Sally Taylor. Much has changed for the band in the past year. Another new album in "Shotgun" and a busy national tour schedule until recently have fueled the band toward a new level of exposure and professional accomplishment. As usual, Sally encourages us to make the most of who we are and make a positive mark on those who are near and dear to us. As we spoke, just weeks after the terrorist attack on America, I realized there is so much more to life than music. Nevertheless, after various recent nation-wide benefit concerts have been broadcast on our television sets, we cannot deny the positive power music holds, and the hope that it fills our hearts, even through the worst of events. In this first portion of the interview, we'll focus on Sally's point of view regarding her reactions and revelations, inspiring herself and the fans to stand tall in the face of uncertainty in today's society. INTRO: A huge thanks to Sally for taking some time from her schedule, especially in the wake of the tragic events that transpired recently in New York, Washington D.C. and in Southwestern Pennsylvania… Sally has been very busy lately since last summer when we caught up for the first Fans' Forum. Thanks a ton to the fans who wrote in this year and last, as well as the newfound fans who wrote in for this year's interview. This year twice the response was received, so question selection was even more difficult… I appreciate your contributions and support and I hope this conversation with Sally brings you new insight into her life and music. Q: Sally, thank you very much for taking the time out of your schedule to answer the fans' questions. I think I speak for everyone by saying how much we have appreciated your hard work in the studio and on the road. SALLY: I really appreciate it. Being busy isn't a bad thing. I feel that if I didn't have anything to do I'd be in deep trouble. I'm back in Boulder now and am ready for vacation. Q: Before we begin… I realize this is a difficult subject to talk about, to anyone… Nevertheless I'm asking if it's acceptable to you to talk about your feelings concerning the recent tragedy… What was your reaction to what happened and how it has influenced you? SALLY: It's definitely influenced me. This will continue to influence me for a long time to come as well as our entire country. I think it's important to take a look at ourselves in the midst of all this anger. I think the lesson in this is to open our minds. We are the leading power in the world and I think we will continue to be the leading power but sometimes we don't take responsibility for our actions. I think the government did a good job defending our national pride by figuring out what the situation truly was before they pulled the missiles out. It has brought a lot of introspection into my life, much of the way college did when I was a freshman being in a new environment. We may feel vulnerable but that's exactly the point-- it's something we can grow from and not just be defensive. Q: Do you feel this event will impact the way you come across and the message you want to reveal to people personally and in your music? SALLY: I was confused about that after this happened. I actually cancelled my West Coast Tour; I didn't want to be on the road in the midst of this, especially if we are going to war and I didn't want the band to be in danger by being out. It was really important to collect ourselves and decide what to do next. As it turned out my Dad was going back out on the road and I ended up linking up and going out on the road with him for a week. When I was on the road with him what I really admired and realized in his performance-was that he knew what the shows meant to the fans and then to himself. No making excuses. Performing is a relief from the terror that had occurred. To watch my Dad perform made me realize that's what he's out there to do. He's saying to the people, "It's OK to have a good time." Q: That is a tremendous statement. How did it feel to be with family at a time like this? With your family being so musical and having that release of performance, what effect did that have on you? SALLY: It was comforting meeting up with my Dad. My boyfriend's in Thailand so I had been feeling alone and vulnerable, especially with being on the road myself. That made me feel even more isolated. It was really important for me to be back out on the road, but it made me realize how fantastic it was to be with my Dad and how valuable that time was. Q: When you were growing up, in Manhattan, in Apartment 6-S which you've titled your second album after… was that building anywhere close to the former Twin Towers? SALLY: No, that was all the way up-town. I don't believe I knew anyone that was effected in that tragedy. I'm fairly removed from the area and haven't lived there for years and years. Q: I believe I speak for many other fans that we are pleased to know that you are safe and dealing with this incident like the rest of us, sorting out emotions and trying to make sense of a senseless act of violence. Thanks for the insight in this matter. SALLY: You're welcome! To Interview Part II Return to Top Page