Introducing #103 - Taylor T
We talk with Taylor T about the highs and lows of being a solo artist, his new EP, ‘Learn How To Love’ and the importance of persevering through life’s ups and downs.
Hey Taylor, how are you? How does it feel to be releasing music during this strange time for the creative industry?
I'm doing well, it's been a strange old year that's for sure. Lots of ups and downs but I'm finding a place of peace and love in my life again which feels very beautiful. I'm super happy to be releasing music again and I feel like the timing couldn't be better both for myself as a way of expression and for those who listen to have something to keep their ears entertained throughout everything that is going on in the world.
From your experience, what is one of the hardest things about being a solo singer-songwriter?
Ahhhh yeh it gets tough sometimes riding solo, and a little lonely. It's difficult to create a life with people when I am so engrossed in music and the desire to be wild and free if that makes sense. I guess I'm searching for something deep and fulfilling in every possible way whether that's musically, from a relationship perspective or just with myself.
Your new EP, ‘Learn How to Love’ is out now, which follows on from your previous EP, ‘After the War’. Your songs still sound raw and emotive, but overall this EP feels lighter, more cathartic and more stripped. Have different experiences shaped each EP or are they thematically linked?
Yes, 'After The War' was a really experimental process of me as a songwriter. I worked with a very talented producer in Sydney, Australia and we just went with the flow and ended up down some interesting avenues. I think this time around I wanted to create something that carried weight in the lyrics I write a little more than the overall production. Spending a lot of time listening to a more calm folky genre from the likes of Riley Pearce, Ziggy Alberts and some older Ben Howard vibes really paved the way for a calmer more reflective production process. I wouldn't say there were overly linked, 'After The War' was a full circle and I feel 'Learn How to Love' also became complete in the end. I like to find peace with every song I share before it's out so it feels very nice to put that record to bed if that makes sense.
Where was the ‘Learn How to Love EP’ recorded? Do you have any behind the scenes stories from the recording process?
I recorded 'Learn How to Love' in White Noise Studios in Weston-Super-Mare. I've been very lucky to have so much support from the guys there. Richard Stockley who performs as Gushh really helped to mould the overall shape of the record. He provides beautiful ambient guitar fills which work to provide a combination of nostalgic and haunting undertones which really bring the songs to life. We had an absolute blast piecing together the songs, so many stories are involved with that process but the main ones that stand out are me coming in on numerous occasions after heavy nights and being way too hungover and not together to get any work done and just having time to work out what we were doing which looking back is what made the entire process relaxed, stress free and beautiful you know. Another was after we finished the final vocal for the last track 'A Place That I Have Dreamed'. It's a super raw and stripped back vibe and I wouldn't have it any other way. I remember Rich playing it back to me and I felt super overwhelmed and emotional as lyrically it hits hard in the past year I have experienced.
Do you have a favourite lyric on the EP? If so, which one and why?
In terms of lyrics its so hard to pick and choose because I really invest myself in the songs and put my heart into them you know. I like the final verse of 'Home Not Hollow' with "Leave your hair long, free and wise, always grow. Breathe cos we are home philosophise, all that you know". I just feel that it incapsulates the entire EP and the journey I was going through after returning from a lengthy time on the road. Understanding that home is the beautiful space we create inside and not a destination despite how cliché that is to write. The desire to always grow, dismantle, reflect and recreate myself is always going to be a part of who I am..... I am also never cutting my hair ever again so that was always fun to put into words haha.
And lastly, do you have any plans for 2021 that you can share with us?
Huge plans for 2021. I have a bunch of songs coming together so we will be working on the next stage of the journey once I've had some time to reflect and fully enjoy releasing 'Learn How to Love'. Just continue to learn, grow and work out where I want music to take me and follow that you know. In addition to trying to live a calm and beautiful life sharing love where possible.
Interview by Karla Harris