Jonny Taylor
Jonny Taylor is a talented singer songwriter with a new album out called Dig Deep and this what he had to say.
1. For someone unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe the Jonny Taylor sound?
A little bit rock, a little country rock, slight flavours of grunge influence.
2. Tell us a little bit about your writing process. A peek inside the inner workings of your artistry if you will.
For me, it normally always starts with a vocal hook. Then that hook will get me thinking about something, then the music will fall into place around it. Occasionally it’ll be a guitar riff that creates the template for an entire song, but 9/10 times it starts with a vocal idea.
3. What’s one of your favourite live moments that comes to mind?
A few years back I did a support slot for Leo Sayer at Albany and Bunbury Entertainment Centres. I just performed solo but the crowd were so unbelievably receptive, it was awesome. Not to mention the loving vibes from Leo and his team. So much energy!
4. How important is social media to you in regards to engaging with an audience?
I love it! Especially being based in WA where it’s not as convenient to be in the Eastern states hubs – it’s a real blessing to have instant contact, and being approachable to fans is also really important.
5. What inspired you to take music more seriously?
I really like it! Haha. A motorbike crash in 2006 forced me to quit my construction job and so I took it as a sign to change direction and make a living out of making music. Never looked back.
6. What’s spinning on your playlist atm? Any guilty pleasures?
haha nothing I’m too ashamed to admit! I had Velvet Revolver and Audioslave going the the other day, then switched to John Williamson for a little country poetry. I guess that sums up my influences pretty well ?
7. You’re a fan of keeping the album format alive but do you think there’s more of a benefit to release singles or EPs with the influence of streaming platforms arguably
shortening attention spans?
Totally. The EP thing is definitely trendy, and dare I say it’s probably the sensible thing to do these days. For me personally though, a full album is a body of work that takes a lot of time for an artist to pour their heart and soul into, and I hope the value of that is never lost.
8. When not consumed with all things musical, what do you do to tune out or reset?
My wife and I have a farm in the WA Wheatbelt, so I love to get out there with her and ride motorbikes and switch off from the world for a while.
9. Your new album ‘Dig Deep’ is doing the rounds now, what does the immediate future hold?
A big fat tour! I’m heading off on national tour at the start of Jan and don’t have a set end-date, so I’m going nomad for a while. The more opportunities to get this record out, the better.
10. Lastly, Prince or Michael Jackson?
Aaaah, here’s the guilty pleasure from your previous question! Haha! Michael Jackson. There’ll never be another like him.
Dig Deep is out now via Red Rebel Music/MGM feat. Diamonds and Better Day
JB Hi-Fi – iTunes/Apple Music – Spotify – Google Play
