Taylor Momsen: The Grinch, Gossip Girl, & Grief - Call Her Daddy Recap

Podcast: Call Her Daddy

Published: 2025-11-05

Duration: 1 hr 22 min

Summary

In this episode, Alex Cooper sits down with Taylor Momson to discuss her journey from child star to lead singer of The Pretty Reckless, the impact of grief on her life and music, and her nostalgic connection to her role as Cindy Lou Who in 'The Grinch.'

What Happened

The episode kicks off with Alex expressing her excitement about having Taylor Momson on the show, highlighting their long-awaited conversation. Taylor shares that she has been busy with promotional activities and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She admits to being a night owl, revealing that her brain doesn't fully wake up until the evening, which is common among musicians who often keep late hours due to touring schedules.

As the conversation evolves, Taylor dives into her recent Christmas EP, which features a rock version of 'Where Are You Christmas?' from 'The Grinch.' Initially resistant to the idea, Taylor explains how fan requests and the challenges of the COVID lockdown led her to finally explore this musical direction. She recounts how they crafted the song and how it was important for her to create a context that resonates with both her past and present, ultimately leading her to write an entire original Christmas record around it. Taylor reflects on her growth since her days as Cindy Lou Who, sharing how grief and loss have shaped her perspective and artistic expression.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What influenced Taylor Momson's decision to record a Christmas EP?

Taylor reveals that the idea for the Christmas EP was initially sparked by her fans who had been requesting a rock version of 'Where Are You Christmas?' for years. Despite her initial resistance to the concept, the COVID lockdown provided an opportunity for her and her band to experiment creatively during rehearsals. This culminated in them deciding to give the song a try, leading to a magical moment in the rehearsal space that convinced them to move forward with the project.

How has grief impacted Taylor Momson's music and personal life?

Taylor discusses how the loss she experienced during the pandemic heavily influenced her life and creativity. She emphasizes that coming out of this grief forced her to reflect on her past and how she perceives her early career. It prompted her to reconnect with her roots, particularly with her role in 'The Grinch,' ultimately leading her to embrace that part of her identity again.

What does Taylor Momson say about her experience as Cindy Lou Who?

Taylor shares that her experience playing Cindy Lou Who was overwhelmingly positive and fun, despite the teasing she faced in school. She notes that as she matured, she began to understand the significance of that role and the joy it brought to many fans. This realization has allowed her to embrace her past rather than shun it, leading to a more fulfilling connection with her fanbase.

Why does Taylor consider herself a night owl?

During the episode, Taylor reveals that her routine as a musician has conditioned her to be a night owl, stating that her brain doesn't fully wake up until around 7 PM. She notes that this is a common trait among musicians who typically start their nights late, and she acknowledges that even when she tries to go to bed earlier, it often leaves her feeling more tired the next day.

How did the COVID pandemic influence Taylor's creative process?

The pandemic provided Taylor and her band with an unexpected opportunity to come together and create music during a time of isolation. With live performances on hold, they utilized their rehearsal time to explore new ideas, including the Christmas EP. This period of reflection and collaboration led to a significant creative breakthrough, allowing Taylor to merge her past experiences with her current artistic identity.