Taylor Swift’s Impact: 9 New Artists Inspired by Her Legacy

 

Few artists in modern music have left as profound an impact as Taylor Swift. Over the years, she has inspired an entire generation of musicians with her vulnerability, storytelling, and authenticity. As Swift continues to evolve, so does her influence on the next wave of talent entering the industry. Here are ten new artists who openly draw inspiration from Taylor Swift’s career, songwriting, and fearless approach to music.

1. Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo shot to stardom with the release of her debut single “Drivers License,” a heart-wrenching ballad that reminded many fans of Taylor’s storytelling in Fearless and Red. Like Swift, Rodrigo writes about the bittersweetness of young love and heartache, connecting deeply with her audience. Rodrigo has also credited Swift as one of her biggest influences, even calling her a “songwriting mastermind.”

2. Gracie Abrams

With her intimate and personal songwriting style, Gracie Abrams has been likened to Taylor Swift’s early work. Songs like “21” and “I Miss You, I’m Sorry” capture the raw, emotional depth that Swift fans recognize and love. Abrams has spoken about how Taylor’s music shaped her view of songwriting as a form of self-expression and emotional release.

  3. Conan Gray

Conan Gray’s dreamy pop and introspective lyrics have earned him a place among artists who channel Taylor Swift’s energy. His breakout hit “Heather” carries the same emotional weight as many of Swift’s heartbreak anthems. Gray has often referred to Swift as one of his idols and a primary inspiration behind his honest approach to songwriting.

4. Maisie Peters

Maisie Peters has been dubbed the British answer to Taylor Swift, thanks to her clever lyrics and sharp observations about love and relationships. Peters’ debut album You Signed Up For This feels like a cross between Taylor’s Speak Nowand 1989,  mixing personal storytelling with catchy pop melodies. Peters has expressed admiration for Swift’s ability to create a world within her music that fans want to step into.

5. Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter’s move from Disney Channel star to serious singer-songwriter mirrors Swift’s early transition from teen country star to global pop sensation. Carpenter’s music, especially her album Emails I Can’t Send, reflects Swift’s influence in its candid discussion of relationships, self-reflection, and growth. Carpenter has often cited Swift’s career evolution as something she deeply admires.

6. Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers may seem like an unconventional addition to this list, given her indie rock sound, but her lyricism often mirrors the emotional honesty of Taylor Swift’s songwriting. Bridgers and Swift have also collaborated on the song “Nothing New” from Red (Taylor’s Version), cementing a mutual respect between the two artists. Bridgers has spoken about how she looks up to Taylor’s ability to continuously reinvent herself while maintaining her core identity.

7. Bea Miller

Bea Miller’s bold lyrics and fearless attitude draw inspiration from Taylor Swift’s Reputation era. Miller has often spoken about how Taylor’s willingness to push boundaries influenced her to be more unapologetic in her own music. Songs like That Bitch and Feel Something reflect the confidence and rawness Swift championed during her transformative period.

8. Clairo

Clairo’s lo-fi indie pop captures the vulnerability and emotional depth that defined Taylor Swift’s early years. Songs like “Sofia” and “Bags” feel reminiscent of Swift’s more introspective moments, with Clairo creating music that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable. Her subtle yet poignant lyricism reflects the influence of Swift’s storytelling prowess.

9. Fletcher

Fletcher’s pop anthems about heartbreak and self-discovery echo Taylor Swift’s confessional style. Songs like “Undrunk” and “Bitter” tackle complicated emotions with the kind of vulnerability Swift perfected in albums like Red and Folklore. Fletcher has credited Swift as a huge inspiration, particularly in how she approaches songwriting as a way to process life’s most challenging moments.

Taylor Swift’s Ever-Growing Legacy

Taylor Swift’s ability to evolve while staying true to her core as a songwriter has left an indelible mark on the music industry. These nine rising artists, from pop to indie, have taken elements of what makes Swift so compelling—her storytelling, vulnerability, and emotional honesty—and infused it into their own unique sounds. As Taylor Swift’s legacy continues to grow, so too does her impact on future generations of musicians, proving that she is not just a star of the moment, but an artist whose influence will echo for decades to come. 

For Swifties and music lovers alike, these artists offer a new wave of music that carries Taylor’s torch forward, ensuring that her influence remains ever-present in the landscape of modern music.