- Artist Name: Julian Taylor
- Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I just finished my solo record called The Ridge. It is my third solo record, and I am extremely proud of it. Over the past two decades, I’ve put out music with that my former band, Staggered Crossing, and my current band, which is aptly named the Julian Taylor Band. We have put out three records since 2014. One was actually a double record. I’m also working on music with an Indigenous collective called Wolf Den, but right now my main focus is The Ridge.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I was inspired to pursue a career in music because of the way that music made me feel inside, and I love to dance to it, too. When I was a kid, I’d listen to the lyrics when I was lonely and would try to play guitar along with songs that I liked. My first instrument was the piano, and I used to make up stories and songs, because even though it was a pretty outgoing kid, I was also kind of introverted, and I looked at music as a really special friend of mine who I could talk too. I always wanted to connect with other people, and music has helped make that possible for me.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I don’t know? I do a radio show every Monday to Friday. I’m on-air during the afternoons in Toronto. I do the drive show for ELMNT FM, and it’s really cool. I really like it, and I never thought I’d be a radio host, but here I am doing it on the daily. I was a bartender for a very long time, and I liked it a lot because, like music, you’re connecting with people. The late hours are tough, but I’m a musician so I was accustomed to that. I really wanted to be a writer when I was in school, and I was going to go to journalism school before my band was signed. I took English literature, I so guess it’s not too late for me to be a writer. I thought about teaching, too. I give music lessons sometimes, and that’s pretty cool. I find that when you’re teaching you learn more about what you’re teaching. I’d like to chop wood for a living, too. I love chopping wood and building fires. I could deliver chopped wood to people. I think that’s sometime I’d enjoy.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
Oh, that’s easy, my favorite downtime activity is fishing or hiking. I dig anything that has to do with nature.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
I can’t really say that I have one. It’s been a while since I’ve had a celebrity crush. Off the top my head, maybe Monica Bellucci – she’s pretty cute. My dad had a thing for her Sophia Lauren so maybe it’s a family trait to have crushes on Italian movie stars.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
My favorite sports team would be all of the Toronto sports teams. I love them. After all, I was born and raised in Toronto so I have to represent. I love the Blue Jays, The Raptors, The Maple Leafs, The Rock, and The TFC. They’re my hometown teams, so how could I not.
What is the last movie that you watched?
OK, so please don’t judge me but the last movie I watched, well… I’ll give you the last three, since we are in a lock down here, and I have an eight-year-old. The last three movies that I watched were “Twins,” with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls” with Jim Carrey, and Reese Witherspoon in “Legally Blonde.” We love to do classic movie night, and now those movies are kind of considered classics, LOL.
What is the last album you listened to?
The last record that I listened to was Mad Man On The Water by Elton John. It’s actually on my turntable right now.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could only listen to one record for the rest of my life it would be the self-titled record by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. It was produced by John Mayall.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
I really love “Blue Skies” by Willie Nelson, but my little daughter would say “Country Roads” by John Denver because she loves to sing it. Can’t say that I blame her, and I do love singing with her, so there’s that. Any time you get to sing with your children, that song starts to make its way further into your heart.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
I loved visiting Nashville last year for Americana Fest. That was a treat, and was one of the greatest experiences of my life. We played with Keb’ Mo’ at The City Winery. I really hope this pandemic ends soon, because I’d love to go back and perform there.
What is your favorite meal?
This is a hard one for me because I am now lactose intolerant, but growing up it was fettuccine alfredo. It was my favorite meal of all-time, but we broke up. I’d say that my favorite meal now is a nicely baked arctic char, with some spinach mixed with beans and mushrooms.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Never really gave this too much thought. If anyone is willing and wants to sing with me, then I am willing to do the same. I loved being in the choir at school and at my Grandfather’s church. The more voices there are, the more harmony there is, and isn’t that what the whole world is about?
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Well, I’m not sure if this question means that it’s someone alive or if it’s someone who is no longer with us. I would’ve loved to have gone on tour with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. They’re incredible, and every single song is a banger. I was a massive fan of his. I’d love to go out on the road with Rhett Miller from the Old 97’s. He has a solo career which I’m sure you’re aware of, but my old band opened up for the Old 97’s and we hit it off right away. He’s a great entertainer and writer and all round amazing guy.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
To be honest I’d simply like to be able to continue making records and writing songs. As long as if each time I do it, I feel like I am progressing and learning more about my craft, then I’m happy. I do love playing live in front of an audience. I miss it and can’t wait to do it again. If I could perform to 50 people in a room night after night who appreciated what I do, then I’d be grateful. Actually numbers don’t matter – it could be one person.
