Talon Majors is a musician and writer who uses her own personal story to find strength and inspire others to do the same. Her latest release, “Dream Weaver” is a story of a first love, one that she continues to write about in her memoir. For anyone who struggled through their teens (who hasn’t?), Majors provides a voice for artistic expression. The talented, self-described troubled teen survivor shares her story with Splash.
Congratulations on the release of “Dream Weaver.” What does it feel like to have this personal work out in the world?
I am ecstatic! This is by far my favorite and most meaningful release to date. My heart is so happy.
The song is something that came from past pain and struggles, but you’ve beautifully put it into lyrics. Can you tell us the story behind the song?
There are so many layers to this question. Let’s dive in! “Dream Weaver” is my first love song, and also the story of a first love. I am a troubled teen industry survivor, and like thousands of fellow survivors who have emerged over the past few years, I have intensely painful memories that I kept locked away. Most of us thought we would take these traumas to the grave, but thanks to social media, news outlets and documentaries, the industry is being exposed and people are being held accountable. I am lucky enough to have a platform to share my story, and the stories of a dozen others who I interviewed for the memoir. Dream Weaver is a love song about a boy I met while locked away in the brutal behavior modification program called Casa By The Sea. Since the facility was split into two sides (boys on one, girls on the other), we only met during intense events called “seminars”, where military style brainwashing and overt abuse were employed on teens to break them. Students were pitted against each other and forced to abuse each other in various ways. These gruesome events resulted in trauma bonding between students, staff and facilitators. Even in this darkness, real friendships formed (some toxic, some not…oftentimes both), and my friendship with this boy was definitely in the both category. Being trapped behind the walls of this torture camp, I was left to my thoughts. I focused on freedom and what I would do when I escaped. I replayed my favorite songs, desperate to retain their lyrics and melodies since we had no access to TV or Radio, and I wrote love letters to the boy on the other side of the barbed wire wall. The song encompasses our attraction, my obsession, broken promises, delusion and ultimately betrayal and heartbreak.
What is the message you hope to share with listeners?
It has already been received so well I am excited to see how it evolves over the next year. My hope is that anyone who has experienced heartbreak, lies and manipulation will hear shades of themself in the lyrics and feel a sense of comfort between the bleeding lines.
The song is set to accompany your upcoming memoir, titled “Watch Her Fall.” That’s quite an accomplishment to put your story out there. What was the writing process like for you? It’s a story of teenage struggles and survival. Why is this story so important for you to tell?
It isn’t just my story. I had the honor of interviewing a dozen survivors of various TTI facilities across the US and abroad. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I had to navigate a severe PTSD episode, which landed me in intensive outpatient therapy, while I was still working on the manuscript. But thinking of these incredible survivors (many of whom had it way worse than I did) kept me pushing through. There was no way in hell I was going to let them down. That was my main motivation. On top of that, it is because of the media, documentaries, survivor stories etc that this disgusting industry is finally being dismantled from the inside! Kids die in these facilities, while the staff, owners and investors laugh all the way to the bank. Well, no more and certainly not on my watch.
You found strength and healing through art. Can you share with us how you relied on your creativity to find your voice and power?
I had no choice. I am lucky to have the skills and talents that I do, so not using them for something this important was never an option. I had to wait until the time was right, the world was ready and I was mentally and emotionally healed enough to do so. I remember sitting in that abuse camp thinking SOMEDAY….someday i will tell my story….someday I will make them pay….
You cite 90s influences of alternative and indie rock in your music. Are there specific artists your music has been compared to, and who are your musical inspirations?
I’m a 90s kid so I would say that’s just how I’m wired haha! I grew up listening to Nirvana, Alanis, No Doubt, Smashing Pumpkins etc so even though I can’t pinpoint a single influence, the entire decade is in my blood haha!
If you were to look back and give your teenage self advice, what would you say?
Everything you want to do is possible. DO IT. Hang in there, and get therapy asap!
Where do you hope to see yourself as an artist in ten years?
I have a hard time thinking that far ahead (I’m Aquarius), but for now, keep writing, listening, caring and using my platform and skills to help those who need it most.
What’s your message to the world?
You matter. Your story is important. It’s never too late to get therapy, heal and change the rest of your life. You are not alone. If you think nobody cares, you are wrong. You are valid. Don’t abuse yourself the way others have. You are stronger than you think, even if it means surviving one second at a time. Overcoming trauma and/or addiction isn’t easy, but it’s possible and beyond worth it.
You can listen to “Dream Weaver” on Spotify.
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