Tayla Parx has come a long way since she played Little Inez in 2007’s Hairspray at 12 years old. She transitioned from acting to songwriting when she was 19—and now, at age 25, she already has credits for powerhouses like Jennifer Lopez, Fifth Harmony, Janelle Monáe, and Christina Aguilera on her well-stocked résumé.

But 2018 has been an especially busy year for the artist. Three songs she’s had a hand in—”High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco, “Love Lies” by Khalid featuring Normani, and “Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande—all went to the Billboard Top 10. Grande’s “Thank U, Next”—heard of it?—hit number one.

It’s an impressive accomplishment…but Parx is ready for more. That includes hopefully seeing her own name on the charts with the release of her upcoming album, We Need to Talk. It seems likely to happen, given that Parx ended this year with some high-profile gigs, including being featured in Grande’s First Wives Club–inspired Ellen performance.

So between studio sessions (with some major talent), Parx took time to chat with Glamour about her big year—and what to expect next. Read on.

Glamour: So I was shocked when I realized you played Little Inez in Hairspray. You totally stole that movie.

Tayla Parx: It’s so funny to me when people still make that connection after all these years. I like that throughout my career there are so many different plot twists for people to discover along the way. It makes the journey so much more fun.

Glamour: You’ve had a whirlwind year. Did you think 2018 would be such a defining year?

TP: To be honest, I had no idea that 2018 would be so critical in taking everything to the next level. I’ve always kept my head down, done my work, and allowed life to land where it does. But I can definitely say I’ve been writing around 200 songs a year for the last few years, getting in the rooms with people who push me creatively, and really taking the time to learn and evolve as a creative. The motivation to keep going throughout all of the ups and downs comes from this weird competition with myself. Once I accomplish one of my goals, I’m on to the next. It’s exciting to invite other people in my world and have them along for the ride.

Glamour: One of those accomplishments was “Thank U, Next.” What was your favorite part about working on it?

TP: The fact that I was able to share the entire experience with my friends makes this my favorite. Having a good time in the studio with Ariana, Victoria Monét, Social House, and Tommy Brown was everything—especially because we are all sharing our first number one on this particular Billboard chart. To win with your friends is much more rewarding.

Glamour: In the spirit of “Thank U, Next,” is there anything you’re leaving behind in 2018?

TP: All of my exes! [Laughs.] I have a bad habit of going backward. Maybe it’s an attempt to fix where I know where we went wrong. Typical Virgo. Nonetheless, sometimes it’s better to take what you’ve learned and say, “Thank you…but next!” Dating is all about finding out what you’re willing and not willing to put up with for the future love of your life. I’m enjoying learning my idea of love.

Glamour: Have you caught yourself using “Thank you, next” in your day-to-day conversations?

TP: I can’t hear the words thank you without hearing the word next right after. It’s the most hilarious thing ever. I see a new funny meme every day!

Glamour: Do you go into a songwriting session any differently when the song is for you or someone else?

TP: I like knowing who I’m writing for so that I can cater to them specifically. There’s nothing worse than a writer who forces their on emotions onto an artist. When I’m working on my own songs, I do the complete opposite. I make a conscious decision to go into the studio and have fun with no boundaries. The freedom to do whatever I want is what allows me to create something different than I do for every artist I write with.

Glamour: Do you ever write a song for another artist but then go, “Wait, I want that for me.”

TP: I haven’t had that feeling quite yet. I waited until stepping into my complete artist mode until I was undoubtedly clear on my message, my sound, and my look as an artist. It’ll continuously evolve, but it really helps to have that strong sense of self so that I never look back and regret giving big chunks of me away. There’s music that’s Taylamade, where I allow little pieces of me to live with others, and then there’s Tayla Parx’s music, where you get me with no limitations.

Glamour: You worked on Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer. Many of the songs comment on her reaction to the world as she sees it, in terms of LGBTQ+, racial, and women’s rights. Do you hope to make similar commentary with your album?

TP: Of course. To have the freedom to push those boundaries musically was beneficial in me having the confidence to also claim my own sexuality and project my ideas—and help others do it as well. My album doesn’t say he/she throughout the entire thing. That started because I have a song on my TaylaMade mixtape called “Mama Ain’t Raise No Bitch.” I’d have so many men coming up to me saying that was their favorite song. I initially thought it would just be a female anthem. It just confirmed the idea that lyrics and melody could reach even the people you don’t intentionally target, because emotions don’t work that way realistically. Everyone loves and hurts. Let’s keep the conversation open for listeners to interpret it for themselves.

Glamour: Is there a dream collaboration you’d love to achieve in 2019?

TP: Right now I’ve been focused on Sam Smith, Dua Lipa, Rosalia, and some really cool movie soundtracks. Every year I try to work with artists I haven’t experienced, so through the rest of the year I’ll be continuously compiling artists that I truly believe in. For me, it’s all about pushing each other creatively.

Glamour: What else do you want to see in the new year?

TP: Twenty-nineteen is all about evolving as a creative for me. I’m very excited to be releasing my following up to TaylaMade mixtape. My album We Need to Talk will be another way for listeners to continue to get to know me, and I’m looking forward to that. You’ll also see me back on the screens next year. All 2019 will be focused on being unapologetically me.

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