Nineteen and "Fearless"

By Jamie Linari
Photo by Joseph Anthony Baker

While most 16-year-old girls fantasize of college boys and driver’s licenses, Taylor Swift was dreaming of a headlining tour. Now, three years later, that dream is a reality and she’s titled it Fearless.

Launching her career opening for such acts as Brad Paisley, George Strait and Tim McGraw, Swift had inspiration from some of country music’s most successful talent. As she heads out on her own tour, Swift is thrilled to see her diary of ideas finally end up on stage.

“When I was on tour opening up for other people I would always keep the set list and write down things that I would like to do [on my own tour],” Swift said. “I ended up with a whole list of things I would want to do if I ever got the chance to go out on my own. I’m really happy to see that all those ideas and all those crazy things I’ve ever wanted to do on stage are actually happening.”

Everything from the eight costume changes, a fairytale castle, video elements, playing a multitude of instruments and theatrics were designed and arranged by her.

“My favorite element to a concert is the element of surprise; showing you something, or experiencing something [the audience] weren’t expecting,” she said. “I love costume changes, I love theatrics, I love the dramatic elements of stage performances.”

In addition to dreaming up the many musical and theatric elements she will partake in, Swift also had her sights set on a specific opening element: Kellie Pickler. Close friends for the past few years, Swift knew she wanted no other than the former American Idol finalist as her opening act.

“[Kellie] is absolutely one of the coolest people ever,” Swift said. “It’s cool to have her come out and sing with [me] on the encore and have someone to hang out with after the show.”

Though elaborate costumes and whimsical stage sets make the show fun for her, it’s the basic elements of music that keep her going in this high-demand career and unify her with other 19 year-olds around the country.

“For me, songwriting is the reason why I love doing this so much,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine loving what I do as much if I weren’t telling my own stories. When I start out to write a song and I’m writing something that’s really personal, [I feel] like I was the only person to feel that. Hearing other people singing the same words makes me feel like I was not alone in writing that song, or feeling what I felt. Telling details of my personal life into my music is a way to feel not so alone.”

Taylor Swift will be bringing her sold-out Fearless Tour to Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids) on Oct. 2.