Today we’d like to introduce you to Piper Byers.
Hi Piper, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I actually got my start in entertainment through the acting industry. I was in multiple commercials, ad campaigns, and short films as a kid. I started singing and performing when I was about ten years old. I would sing in bars, restaurants, basically, anywhere that would have me. When I got a little older, songwriting sparked my interest. At 12, I wrote and released my first song, ‘Push Me,’ about an experience I was having with bullying because of my passion for music and performing. After that experience, I was hooked on songwriting and the whole magical process of writing a song, creating the meat of it in the studio, and releasing it to the world. There’s something so special to me when others can relate to the intimate, vulnerable words you write.
From then on I spent my teen years singing country music. I would perform at The House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, Rodeos, Dive Bars, etc. I wrote probably 30 country songs (that will probably never see the light of day now because I am an indie-pop artist, ha!). I also was writing for other artists in the DFW area and selling songs to them at this time. Once I was 17, I began to feel a little burnt out. I mean, I spent the majority of my childhood in entertainment and, at the time, felt a little robbed of ‘normal’ experiences. So I decided to buckle down and find something I could go to school for and build a different career. Long story short, that did not last long. I spent the last two years trying to figure that out and ultimately came to the conclusion that songwriting/music is my great love. So in the Spring of 2020, I started writing music again and couldn’t stop. I eventually decided to record them and I made a five song EP over quarantine in two months. Best leap of faith ever. I’ve released two more singles since then and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If anyone tells you it’s a smooth road, they’re lying. For me, my biggest struggle has been believing in myself because sometimes you are the ONLY person who believes in you. You have to be your biggest fan in this industry, especially with social media, there is so much room for self-doubt. I have always been very hard on myself since I was a kid and I am also a type-A perfectionist. So I have really had to work hard over time to let things go and just believe that good will come.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
It’s taken me a little while to hone my sound but I would describe my music as Indie, alt-pop, singer-songwriter. I have been most influenced by HAIM, Taylor Swift, Tom Petty, Carole King, and Elton John. I’d say what I’m known for and what sets me apart from others is my songwriting. I might not be the best singer in the room or the best performer but I can write a good song. I’m most proud of the relatability of my songs. All I ever wanted was to make people feel something when they hear my music. I tell a story in all of my songs.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I was growing up, my family and two other families on our street would have a Poker Night every Friday. We would all gather at one of our houses and eat, hang out, and the adults and teens would play poker. My parents are known as Poker sharks, so they would always place in the top 3. While they were playing, all the kids would just run around and get into trouble. But once the poker game was over, everyone would head upstairs and sing karaoke. The kids would keep playing but my parents knew to come and get me for karaoke. I would be the only kid up there just waiting for my turn to sing a Michelle Branch song or Avril Lavigne. Without fail, my dad would always sing Piano Man and my mom would sing California Dreamin’. This is where my love for music and singing began. Those Friday nights singing karaoke. It was a safe place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://piperbyersmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piper_byers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiperByersMusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PiperByers
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnGP87nrfdWaM9lvRq6uqsQ?view_as=subscriber
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/piper-b-636549204
Image Credits
Austin Dignan, Jacob Honescko Photography
