This piece originally published in National Geographic Kids magazine in October 2012.
With her powerful pipes and superfun songs, it’s no wonder Taylor Swift tops the music charts. Check out with the singer-songwriter told NG KIDS about her new album, her love of cheeseburgers, and her furriest fan—her cat, Meredith.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS: How’d you come up with the name for your new album Red?
TAYLOR SWIFT: It’s all about the relationships in my life and how they make me feel. Some of these feelings are good, and some are bad, but they’re all powerful. And I think of red as a really powerful color. That’s why I named my album after it.
NGK: What do you want kids to get from this album?
TS: I hope the songs make kids want to dance, sing out loud in the car, and forget about anything that’s getting them down.
(The science of color: red improves attention to detail, blue boosts creativity)
NGK: What would you tell kids about accomplishing their goals, as you’ve been able to do?
TS: Just have a dream! Learn about the career you want and start with small steps. If you want to be a musician, take music classes. Realize that huge things usually don’t happen overnight, and patience is key.
NGK: You’re on tour a lot. What must-have items do you take with you?
TS: I can’t live without DVDs of my favorite television shows. And I always bring tons of water. In fact, I drink so much water my bandmates make fun of me!
(How learning an instrument can help boost your brain)
NGK: We hear that your cat, Meredith, often goes with you on tour. What cracks you up about her?
TS: My friends say that Meredith acts like a dog, because she always wants to be around people. She even plays fetch—I’ll throw her a treat and she runs to get it. She also likes to fall asleep lying on her back. It’s hilarious to walk into a room and see her like that!
NGK: What are your favorite countries or cities to visit?
TS: I really love Paris, France; New York City; and Los Angeles, California. These places feel familiar—and they have awesome food.
(National Geographic’s ultimate L.A. travel guide)
NGK: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?
TS: When I was a kid, I felt really bad that I wasn’t very athletic. So I would tell my 10-year-old self not to worry, because the older me has found something I love to do. You may not be a superstar at something, but don’t let that bring you down. Just give yourself time, and you’ll figure out exactly what you’re meant to do.
