Emerging from the midwestern heartlands, the multi-talented Taydem Shoesmith is quickly making a name for herself on the global stage. Known for her diverse musical range, this Iowa native initially enchanted the world with the chart-topping electro-pop single “Are You Clapping?” which garnered over 89,000 streams on Spotify. Not content with fitting neatly into a niche. However, Shoesmith decided to venture into the world of jazz music to showcase her versatility further.
On November 5th, she released her latest work, a jazz-infused single titled “This, That, “compelling listeners with a deeper, profound exploration into her creativity. The genesis of this song was borne out of a regular, everyday experience – a drive that delivered an unmistakable epiphany for the artistically fertile Shoesmith: to stop judging others as well as herself based on surface impressions.
With this revelation in mind, Shoesmith poured her soulful introspection into the lyrics of “This, That”, which, interestingly, was written in third person. She admits, “I want to stop putting people in a box, and I want to stop putting myself in a box as well. I think that kind of restricted thinking will keep me from growing and learning new things.”
The opportunity to explore the jazz genre arose when a friend, an actor and director, shared a concept for a silent film set in the 1920s involving a gender-swapping motif. This struck a chord with Shoesmith, framing “This, That” as the perfect fit to serve as the film’s theme song.
Part of this exploratory journey included working closely with accomplished producer Caleb Ostermann at ForteStudios. Ostermann, responsible for the song’s production, ensured that the jazz sensibilities of the single were perfectly encapsulated – the ripple of the prominent horns setting a perfect stage for Shoesmith’s entrancing vocals. A blend of soft yet rich tones, each inflection added an air of evocative mystery and a luscious charm to the sonic landscape.
As one listens to “This, That,” Shoesmith’s diverse musical influences from Michael Jackson, Rascal Flatts and Billie Holiday are subtly apparent. However, they are synthesized into an undeniable Shoesmith originality that distinguishes her from her contemporaries. Pivoting from the upbeat energy of her previous pop single to the mature sophistication of jazz demonstrated an impressive versatility on Shoesmith’s part, a testimony to her adaptive flair as an artist.
Today, “This, That” is not only defining Shoesmith’s foray into jazz but also redefining the genre in its own right. What started as a theme song has morphed into a masterpiece set to shake the jazz landscape significantly. With each melodic nuance and lyrical-narrative depth, Shoesmith has created a layered and emotively resonant piece that is equally artistic as it is entertaining.
Taydem Shoesmith is thus far from a one-note artist. Her innovative spirit and bravery to step outside her comfort zone corroborate her status as one of jazz’s exciting emerging talents. Moreover, her philosophy, as articulated in the ethos of “This, That,” widens the appeal of her music. With the capacity to evoke and capture, she takes listeners along on her musical voyage, which is ever-evolving, dynamic, and sincere.
For further details on Taydem Shoesmith and her promising musical journey, follow her on Instagram (@tshoe23), Facebook (@taydemshoesmith), or subscribe to her YouTube channel (@taydemshoesmith). With the success of “This, That,” all eyes are now on Shoesmith as the jazz music world anticipates her next move. The prospect of what this multifaceted artist might create next is, indeed, thrillingly uncharted territory yet to be explored.
