Bisexual icon Rebecca Lucy Taylor’s star just keeps on rising – and we absolutely love to see it
Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who performs under the moniker Self Esteem, is a genuinely up-and-coming artist with a wide range of talents. She has been constantly occupied with various projects recently.
Taylor has made a recent appearance in a significantly long-lasting performance of Cabaret located in West End. She took on the role of Sally Bowles in Rebecca Frecknall's in-demand presentation at Kit Kat Club in London and received rave reviews.
The manufacturing process began on September of 2023 and was initially planned to conclude on January 20th, 2024. However, due to overwhelming demand, it was extended until March 9th of the same year.
Taylor is a busy bee! Just tonight, on March 25th, she will be a guest on the well-loved BBC trivia program, Richard Osman's House of Games. She is certainly not one to take a break. Let's delve into Taylor's life and see what we can learn about her journey thus far.
Which Band Was Rebecca Lucy Taylor A Part Of?
Self Esteem, a singer who is now 35 years old, started her debut solo career in 2017 using this stage name. Before this, she was known as one of the members of a musical duo called Slow Club. Her first solo single, called Your Wife, marked this new phase in her music career.
In 2006, Slow Club originated in Sheffield which consisted of Taylor and Charles Watson on vocals and guitars. Additionally, Watson played piano while Taylor played drums.
The pair of independent and folk musicians put out five records in their career, and also produced a factual film where Taylor expressed, "Nothing terrible has occurred. Yet, personally speaking, it doesn't give me a sense of satisfaction or joy anymore."
During an interview with VICE, she explained that her involvement in Slow Club was more like a job that she had to fill, and she couldn't express her musical preferences as much as she can with Self Esteem.
According to her, playing Self Esteem live is really enjoyable because it aligns with her personal preferences. She loves performing it thoroughly and finds pleasure in every aspect of the performance.
Taylor, who is known for her strong self-esteem, was announced as the winner of the prestigious 2021 BBC Music Introducing Award. Her impressive achievements didn't stop there, as her second solo album titled "Prioritise Pleasure" also received a well-deserved nomination for the 2022 Mercury Prize.
Rebecca Lucy Taylor's Music Journey
Taylor was raised in Rotherham and attributes her singing abilities to her music instructor, Anthony Wright.
Taylor shared on Instagram a photo of herself with Wright at their former school and mentioned how he had exceeded expectations as a music teacher, treating them with equal respect. Despite her lack of music reading ability, Wright was never condescending towards her, and she credits him for guiding her to where she is today.
During her school days, Taylor was referred to as a "choir nerd", and this has had a lasting impact on her music. She particularly enjoys the texture of the choir's sound, which she considers her favourite. She also believes that the blend of women's voices creates a unique auditory experience.
However, Taylor's father was a non-professional musician who played in a musical group when he crossed paths with her mother. This helped spur her fascination and passion for music.
During an interview last year, she disclosed that her early days revolved exclusively around music and dancing. She further expounded that she would intently watch tapes of Queen and Peter Gabriel, developing a deep fascination with showmanship and the artistic expression that can be achieved through specific musical notes and beats.
The Spice Girls had a significant impact on her as well: "They discovered me at the time when I required their support."
"Taylor's Sexuality & Self Esteem's Music: Any Connection?"
Taylor has openly declared that she is bisexual, and this aspect of her identity has found its way into her music, notably in the tune Girl Crush, which she calls a “bi-bop”.
A lot of the tunes she produces involve the subject matter of affection, connections, flings, and "Girl Crush" is identical in this regard.
"I've been pondering about you frequently, yet I'm not a vacation. The decision to take action is in your hands," she croons.
Taylor shared with the BBC that the song stems from their own life encounters. They disclosed, "I identify as bisexual and I tend to express myself in a feminine manner. However, due to my tall stature, I've noticed that drunk heterosexual girls tend to approach and surround me at social events. In the past, I've gone along with it because I found them attractive, only to realize that it was ultimately an unfulfilling experience for me. I was just a source of entertainment for them to boast about later."
To put it differently, the song Girl Crush stands in contrast to other catchy tunes such as Rita Ora's Girls or Katy Perry's I Kissed a Girl.
"I adore Katy Perry, but her song 'I Kissed A Girl' promotes everything that's problematic about society, and it has caused setbacks for people like myself. Thus, I decided to create an opposite version of the song that speaks to the truth that it's not enjoyable to be a queer girl in such situations. We classify it as a 'bi-bop' because there aren't enough of these kinds of songs," expressed Taylor.
"Taylor's Acting Career Boasts Impressive Credits"
Before her role as Sally Bowles in Cabaret's West End production, she had already begun her journey in acting.
During the initial phase of her profession, Taylor took part in skits for the comedy troupe Seldom Differ. However, in recent times, she has shifted towards conventional roles.
In the second season of I Hate Suzie, she made an appearance alongside Billie Piper. Additionally, she portrayed Farrah in the Sky TV program Smothered in 2023 and is set to act as Layla in Film4's eponymous film that will hit screens later this year.
Furthermore, aside from Richard Osman's House of Games, she has also featured in various kinds of TV programs, including Later... with Jools Holland, the Graham Norton Show, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Taskmaster (where she achieved a shared second place with victor Sir Mo Farah), Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Celebrity Gogglebox.
We are eagerly anticipating her next move.
