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Yorkshire-based singer-songwriter Christopher Taylor joins us to talk about his musical background, and what to expect when you check out his music. Connect with Christopher below…
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
I guess in terms of the band (current line up) we’ve only been together a couple of years. I worked and still do as a solo artist, but have wanted for some time to produce the sound I make on my recordings as a live sound as well. So in 2019 I got together with a couple of local musicians and started to do some gigs just before last year’s lock-down kicked in.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
My first gig has got to be one of the most special gig memories I have. I was in my teens playing in a band with youth club friends and the reaction of the audience just got me hooked on performing and I knew there and then I wanted to do it full time. I still love that feeling just before going on stage, it’s brilliant.
What should people expect when they check you out? How would you describe yourself?
I’m a singer-songwriter, I guess you might class my music as adult contemporary pop. But there’s some jazz and folk influences in there too. I would hope any new listener would think Christopher Taylor is a songwriter who writes lyrical, catchy tunes with infectious melodies and come back for more!
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
As an artist, I’m the same as anyone else trying to get my music out there to as wide an audience as possible. However, the impact the digital market has made is miles away from what was happening in my teens. My music is now getting played right across the world, something I could only have dreamed of then. I’m not one for image gimmicks (apart from my beard and hat) and huge light shows, I guess I just want people to hear my music and, excuse the pun, have it connect and hit the right chord with them. I think my music is very accessible, catchy with meaningful lyrics, and can appeal to a very wide audience.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
I’ve recently recorded 3 tunes with my friends at the Animal Farm studios. Really enjoying working with Ville and Mat there. ‘We Are One’ was out last November. ‘North Star’ is out now – just released 26 March and then ‘By My Side’ is out in June. Hoping to get back to their studio for another burst of creativity in the summer.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
I’d love to open for someone like Jack Johnson or James Blunt. But hey if it’s a BIG gig I’m open to considering any offer 😉
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
That is such a tough question. The competition out there is manic. I’ve not been to a gig recently, for obvious reasons so haven’t been able to check out some of the local and regional bands. However, there’s a band, the drummer has played on quite a few of my recordings, and they are called Dalmas and they are definitely worth checking out.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I think this goes back to an earlier question about my first gig. It was then I had the light bulb moment. I then (a few years later) auditioned for a professional band as vocals and bass and the dye was cast!!
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Sadly it was the end of 2019!! It was in Leeds and it was FM, Dan Reed Network and Gun!!
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Raconte-Moi by Stacey Kent
Although 2020 was a year to forget for many reasons, there was some incredible music released; what would be your album of 2020?
Do you know I really haven’t got one. I’ve listened to such a mixture of stuff in lockdown and I’ve got very eclectic tastes that I can’t actually say I have a favourite – sorry.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Definitely not as active as some! On FB, Twitter, and Insta I primarily use them to just share my music and promote new releases. I’m not one for sharing what I’ve had for my breakfast and all that so probably not doing myself any favours 😉
But having said that you can connect to my music through these and through my website and obviously your own favourite music platform. So go on and dive in, you might like some of my stuff!!
