Taylor Steele of The Love Preachers on Songwriting and Her Pickin' on Picknic Debut

In episode 45 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I get to know Taylor Steele—singer, song-writer and rhythm guitar for The Love Preachers to chat about the band's new album and her upcoming festival debut at Pickin' on Picknic.

For Taylor, playing Picking on Picnic feels like a major milestone.

“It's been on my radar since 2019 or so and never thought it would actually happen,”

It’s not just another gig — it’s a moment for the band to share the sound and songs they’ve shaped over years, with a new audience that appreciates roots, bluegrass, and the wide spectrum in between. Their upcoming set promises fresh material from their 2024 album, “High Feeling,” a collection simmering with emotion, storytelling, and the lived realities of love, loss, and renewal.

We talked about Taylor’s creative process and the catharsis of writing through grief.

“I've never been a songwriter that will sit down intentionally and write a bunch of songs at one time,” she explained. “All the songs on this new record all kind of came out very, or like organically or meaningfully when they needed to, like without forcing it.”

That raw honesty threads through the album, inviting listeners in for something personal yet oddly universal.  Growing up in Collinsville, Illinois, just outside St. Louis, Taylor was surrounded by a vibrant mix of old country, classic rock, and blues. Her grandfather’s music room doubled as her playroom, surrounded by vinyl records and family jam sessions.

“My grandpa was like old school country or like western swing. And then I would get like my stepdad's bar band,” she shared, painting a picture of the melting pot of influences that eventually informed her own deep-diving into folk and psychedelic rock.

Listeners can also get a glimpse into the band’s summer plans, which include a slew of regional gigs and their home-grown festival, Moccasin Creek, in addition to their Picking on Picnic debut. And as Taylor puts it, a big draw of these festivals is the chance for spontaneous musical connections and the potential for onstage collaborations—fingers crossed for a jam with fiddle player Ali Krawl this year.

For roots music fans and anyone interested in what inspires a compelling festival set, this episode will hit home. Taylor’s warmth, humility, and thoughtful approach to songwriting make for a refreshing listen. And if you’re festival-bound yourself, Taylor and the Love Preachers might just become your new favorite discovery.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or grab the audio podcast wherever you listen—and be sure to check out how to win free festival passes on musicfestivalspodcast.com.  And, don't forget to subscribe!

Ticket Package Drawing for the 21st Annual Watermelon Pickers' Festival Opens Next Week

If you love bluegrass, roots music, and good times with great people, you don’t want to miss this.

I’m talking three days of incredible live music, late-night jams, workshops, and fun for the whole family-plus, kids 12 and under get in free!

Entering the ticket drawing is super easy-just follow the link to the official contest page and throw your name in the hat. Imagine kicking back in the Shenandoah Valley, discovering new artists, and making memories you’ll be talking about for years.

Don’t miss your shot to join us for one of the best weekends of the year. Hit that link, enter now, and maybe I’ll see you at Watermelon Pickers’ Fest 2025!

Next Week: Hookah 60 Recap

Next Friday on the Music Festivals Podcast, I’m bringing you inside Hookahville 60, the latest chapter in a 30-year tradition that’s more than just a music festival — it’s a family reunion for the hookah community.

From legendary jams from the band and guests, to new faces in the crowd lighting up Roost on the River's massive stage in Newark, Ohio, this milestone event has it all. I’ll share conversations with fans and organizers, performance highlights from ekoostik hookah and special guests, and a glimpse of what makes this gathering feel like home.

Whether you were there or just wish you were, this episode is your all-access pass to the magic of Hookahville. Make sure to Subscribe on YouTube and join the email list so you don't miss out.

Festival Performance of the Week 

This week's festival performance of the week is a throw back to The Funk Factory's's full performance from April 2025 at the Poe Rd. Music & Performing Arts Sanctuary in Grand Rapids, Ohio on 4.26.2025.  This great Toledo, Ohio band is a testament to the quality and variety of bands making their festival rounds in Ohio jam scene. Check out the song "Sally" at 35:34. It's probably my favorite from their set.