MAGNET Exclusive: Premiere Of Taylor Rae’s “Cologne” Video

Taylor Rae sees “Cologne” as one of the “lighter songs” on a sophomore album that skews toward the weighty. “It’s a little breath of fresh air,” says the Austin-based singer/songwriter. “The image I get is putting on a partner’s T-shirt, taking in the distinctive aroma and dancing around your apartment to a new song you love, only because they showed it to you. It eases the discomfort of missing them.”

Three years ago, the Northern California native’s self-released debut, Mad Twenties, was a surprise hit, spending more than 30 weeks on the Americana Radio charts. Where that album was more about assessing the chaotic state of her surroundings, The Void is at its most powerful when it’s sifting through the emotional fallout of relationships coming unraveled and trauma passed down from parent to child. Set for release April 18 on Missing Piece, the LP was produced by Grammy-winner Eric Krasno (Soulive, Tedeschi Trucks Band) at his home studio in Pasadena, Calif. 

For “Cologne,” Rae was after the sort of bluesy sway Robert Plant and Alison Krauss lock into with their take on Randy Weeks’ “Can’t Let Go,” from Lucinda Williams’ Americana masterpiece, Car Wheels On A Gravel Road.

“‘Cologne’ is about being turned on by the unique smell of your partner,” she says. “Smell is a sense not often written about, but it resonates deeply—especially for people in long-distance relationships or those who spend a lot of time away from home.”

We’re proud to premiere Taylor Rae’s “Cologne” video.

—Hobart Rowland