Julian Taylor Talks New Album, Material And More

Award-winning, Toronto-based, Americana/folk singer-songwriter Julian Taylor will release his new album ‘Pathways’ in September 2024.. We sat down with him to talk about the record:

When did you begin songwriting and recording music?

I began making up songs when I was about four or five years old but only became quite serious about it when I was in high school. One of my first bands The Midnight Blooze won recording time at a Battle of the Bands competition and that’s when I started to officially record music. I was about 15.

Your new album ‘Pathways’ is released on 27th September 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the record?

I wanted to make sure that I approached it a little differently and simply tried something new with musicians I hadn’t really played with and studios that I’d not really recorded in.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

I recorded some of it at Jukasa Studio on Six Nations and the rest of the album was recorded in Nashville at Pinhead Recorders which is producer Colin Linden’s studio. He produced the album. We have been wanting to work on some music together for about two decades now and it finally happened. It was a joy to work with him.

One of your new tracks is the new single ‘Weighing Down’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

It’s inspired by our choices and was written during a time of overwhelm over the constant pressures we face in this world, as I grappled with navigating the heaviness of some of my own life decisions and where they led me.

Who created/designed the album artwork?

My friend Patrick Duffy designed the album artwork. We’ve been working together for about two decades now. It’s always fun to collaborate with him.

Do you have any interesting, memorable or funny stories from the album recording sessions?

I suppose one of the more inspiring moments happened after the first session day. We were having diner in our quarters and I started playing my acoustic and all of a sudden came up with the riff and music for the song Sixth Line Road named after the street that Jukasa Studio sits on.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals etc?

I do love my TC Ditto Looper Pedal as of late. Also my custom Barncaster guitar is a real special one. My high school friends all pitched in and hired another high school friend to build it from scratch. It’s one of a kind.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Toronto, ON is where I was born and raised. It’s called T’Karonto in Mohawak which means “the place in the water where the trees are standing.”

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

I am heading across the pond to perform in the UK in August and will be in Italy, The Netherlands, and Belgium in June.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Hmmm. That’s tough. I don’t know. Maybe Chariot of the Gods because it could sound super weird and out of the world. Lol

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) Pathways

b) Sixth Line Road

c) Weighing Down

12 – Who is in the band with you on the album?

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I love a lot of music. Right now, I have a record called Miracles by a legendary reggae band The Sattalites from Toronto on my turntable.

Was it a difficult album to write?

Every album is difficult to write. It’s not easy sharing your inner thoughts and feelings.

How do you look after your voice?

I drink hot lemon water every morning.

What makes Julian Taylor happy and what makes you unhappy?

I don’t know. My family makes me happy and so does my dog. Music makes me happy and so does food and rest. Exercise makes me happy too. War and poverty make me very unhappy and inhumane treatment of others including animals makes me unhappy. I really wish that I had the strength and conviction to be a vegetarian. I did try once but my iron levels were low and I had to make sure my body wasn’t feeling depleted.