Music is a universal force that transcends time, telling stories of both the familiar and the unknown, inviting listeners into uncharted worlds of emotion and experience. It’s no surprise that music serves as the soundtrack to some of today’s most pertinent media and social events, as it evokes feel-good sounds, makes the listeners think, or leaves them feeling inspired. In 2023, the industry reached a record $45.5 billion in global revenues—a 10% increase from the previous year, surpassing cinema revenues of $33.2 billion. This growth is driven by streaming services’ expansion and a resurgence in vinyl sales.
This surge has created unparalleled opportunities for artists to amplify their music and connect deeply with audiences, making public relations an indispensable craft in shaping their stories. However, true success in music PR requires more than strategy—it demands a passion for the artistry that fuels the industry. As the driving force behind Metro PR’s music department, Taylor Webster has built and led the division, signing top-tier talent and spearheading its strategic direction in a competitive industry.
As head of Metro PR’s music division, Webster has personally signed and developed a powerhouse roster that includes Uncle Waffles, Ayra Starr, Bryson Tiller, Wale, Asake, Ludmilla, Sarz, Fridayy and more. In addition, as key communications lead for gamma., the groundbreaking entertainment company shaping the future of music and media, she plays a pivotal role in major executive initiatives and high-impact campaigns. Her journey highlights the power of cultural connection, purpose-driven leadership, and mentorship in creating an enduring musical legacy.
Career Inspiration: The Heartbeat of Music
“It wasn’t the numbers or the accolades that drew me in—it was the feeling. Music has always been the heartbeat of my life, a force that connects and heals,” says Webster. Growing up, her Jamaican mother filled their home with the warmth of reggae—a sound Webster describes as “carrying the pulse of the earth.”
A pulse that Webster recalls being awakened when she first heard Afrobeats in 2016: “It wasn’t just music; it was a bridge back to a sense of belonging I didn’t even realize I was searching for.” PR became her way of holding space for the stories behind the music, creating avenues to amplify them and ensure they were heard in what she describes as “a world that has often looked past the beauty of Black and African cultures.”
Since her first exposure to Afrobeats, billions of streams, sold-out arenas, and global recognition have been an incredible transition for the genre. However, Webster believes they symbolize something deeper: “a collective honoring of identity, history, and spirit,” which she sees as a sacred responsibility to protect.
Creating A Music PR Department
“Metro PR’s music department wasn’t born out of ambition but from intention,” says Webster who notes fully showing up being the cornerstone to building a strong team. The department’s highlights include Uncle Waffles becoming the first Black woman to headline the Brooklyn Mirage, Bryson Tiller’s rollout and UnitedMasters’ launch in Nigeria.
Webster attributes her team’s success to their “dedication to a 360° PR model that empowers clients to thrive as multi-dimensional brands.” Beyond music, Webster’s team has extended their expertise into arenas like New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, supporting events like Dope Africans with client MVD, co-leading communications strategy for Femme It Forward and activations like album release celebrations to honor artistry while also fostering spaces for cultural dialogue and innovation.
Collaborating with artists like Sarz has also further affirmed her belief in the future of music’s vibrancy. “Each project reminds me why I began this journey—not just to amplify voices but to champion authenticity and ensure stories resonate across music, fashion, and culture.”
Finding Joy in A Fast-Paced PR Field
As the Music PR leader at Metro, Webster has found that the true magic of her work lies in “holding space for someone else’s dreams.” Outside of work, she’s found peace in gardening. “The simple act of planting something, tending to it, and watching it grow has grounded me in ways I didn’t expect,” she shares, with the soil revealing lessons to Webster like patience and trusting the quiet power of creation. It has reminded her of life’s cyclical beauty.
This energy extends into both her work and mentorship. “Mentorship is an extension of care,” says Webster, who believes in meeting people where they are, recognizing their potential, and guiding them as they uncover it.
Kerrington Dillion, a participant in Heather Lowery’s Femme It Forward program speaks to Webster’s impact: “Taylor has been a constant source of support and guidance in my life, both personally and professionally. She doesn’t just show up—she advocates for me. Thanks to her persistence and belief in my success, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible companies like The Recording Academy, BET, the Television Academy, and Disney. Taylor is the ultimate girls’ girl.”
Three elements of wisdom Webster has shared with her mentees and team that she’d also seek to depart with women who desire to thrive in the music PR industry include:
- Lead with your essence: “As women, we carry a unique energy that balances strength with grace. We’ve been conditioned to lead like men, to suppress our intuition, our empathy, and our softness. But I believe the future of leadership lies in embracing our feminine energy—our ability to nurture while standing firm, to listen deeply while commanding respect, and to move people with both our power and our compassion.”
- Anchor yourself in your truth and let it guide you: “As a woman of color, I’ve learned to anchor myself in my truth and let it guide me. Build a community of mentors, peers, and allies who see you fully and honor your potential. I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by women like Tess Finkle, Miatta Johnson, Massah David, and Heather Lowery, who showed me that leadership is about more than authority—it’s about creating opportunities for others.”
- Remember, your voice is your power: “Never underestimate the ripple effect of your presence, your ideas, and your energy.”
Cultivating Legacy Through Care & Connection
When asked about her legacy, Webster says her ultimate goal is to live in alignment with her values and leave behind a legacy of “care, connection, and authenticity.” More personally, she dreams of one day opening a farm where she can reconnect with the land and inspire others to do the same. “Gardening has taught me life is about cycles: planting, growing, harvesting, and resting. I imagine a place where I can grow food, host community gatherings/dinners, and create a bridge between nature and creativity,” Webster shares.
She also envisions becoming a media relations professor and sharing her insights with the next generation. Webster says: “Teaching feels like a natural progression—a way to continue planting seeds of knowledge and inspiration long after I’ve stepped away from the spotlight.” And ultimately she hopes her legacy reflects the truth that “leadership isn’t about power; it’s about care. It’s about moving through the world with intention, honoring your purpose, and creating space for others to do the same.” Webster feels that if she can inspire one person to embrace their full potential and lead with their heart, she’d consider her legacy complete.