Self Esteem Artistfacts

October 15, 1986
Self Esteem is the stage name of Rebecca Lucy Taylor, a British musician and singer-songwriter. Taylor grew up in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in a working-class environment. Despite her modest upbringing, she always had big ambitions, driven by a strong sense of individuality. Taylor's early experiences in her hometown, where she felt both a deep connection and a desire to escape, are reflected in the raw and relatable themes of self-worth, empowerment, and identity that permeate her music.
Before launching her solo career as Self Esteem, Taylor was one-half of the indie folk duo Slow Club, where she shared vocal and instrumental duties. After nearly a decade with the band, she decided to leave Slow Club in 2017 because she felt at odds with the role of "pretty girl in a band," conforming to the male-dominated industry's requirements.

"Nothing terrible happened," Taylor told Red Bull. "There's no villain there. It was gradual. I had this constant feeling that something wasn't right, and I wasn't happy."
Her second album as Self Esteem, Prioritise Pleasure (2021), received widespread critical acclaim, earning her a reputation as a powerful voice in contemporary pop. It charted at #11 on the UK albums chart and was nominated for the 2022 Mercury Prize.
Taylor finds inspiration in the humor of sitcoms like Friends and the music of artists like Enya. She believes that embracing these guilty pleasures is a part of her evolution in shedding self-consciousness, enabling her to create music that's both deeply personal and universally relatable. This embrace of popular culture reflects her journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity as an artist.
Taylor chose the stage name "Self Esteem" as a contrast to the often-negative connotations associated with the term. She wanted to reclaim the word and use it as a platform to explore themes of self-worth, confidence, and empowerment in her music. By adopting this name, she's created a strong, bold identity that resonates with her music's message.
Before fully committing to music, Taylor had an interest in theater and performance. During her theatrical and energetic shows, she often incorporates choreography, costumes, and visuals that challenge traditional norms of pop music performance, making her shows as much about the visual experience as the music itself.
Taylor took on the lead role of Sally Bowles in the West End production of Cabaret from September 2023 to March 2024.
Self Esteem has an honorary degree from Sheffield University. She was given the Doctor of Music accolade during a graduation ceremony for students studying in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities on July 17, 2023.

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