Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Lewis.
Hi Taylor, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s kind of a funny story – I come from a small town called Guthrie in Oklahoma. We didn’t have much and Mom and Dad both worked. So growing up I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. I used to hide away with my grandpa in the back room of their house and watch old Westerns and country programs on television. I probably watched every episode of HeeHaw twice in those days. He had these old guitars sitting in the corner and he never played them. He told me they belonged to his father – I was always fascinated by those guitars.
When I was about twelve my dad changed jobs and moved the family overseas to China. Country music was our anchor back to home. It was really key for us not to lose our identity while adapting to the culture there. My mom is really into Mexican food and there was only one Mexican restaurant in the city where we lived. This guy from the Philippines named Eric would play guitar and sing there on the weekends – he knew all the classic rock songs and even put on a pretty good Johnny Cash. One of my classmates was getting guitar lessons from Eric and I would always try to sit in. I got my first acoustic guitar in China as well. We got a new music teacher from the US and she must have wanted to speak English with someone because she took me shopping for instruments with her. She helped me pick out and buy this Epiphone that I learned much of what I know on. I finally gave it away a few years ago.
We came back to the states and I finished high school in North Texas. I went to university for physics in Santa Cruz and graduated right at the onset of Covid. After I graduated I went to Napa to work for a company that ships wine. That’s what brought me to Paso Robles. During all those times the one thing that was always constant for me was music. I played a lot for my parents and friends in backyards, I started going to open mics, and jam sessions.
I took the big leap in August of 2022 – ditching the 9-5 and jumping headfirst into music full-time. For the last 5 months, I’ve really been focused on playing as many shows as I can to keep rent paid and the fridge full. I can’t believe it but I played almost 100 shows between August and January. This year I’m on track to play well over 100 shows. Plus I’ve got a single on the way and am currently working out my first solo album. Both will be released in early 2023. I’m really excited for the future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, I haven’t had to live in my car or on a friend’s couch yet. Good mentors have been a huge part of that; I’ve learned a lot of what not to do and what to look out for from people in the industry. Fans have been the most important part of the journey – none of what I do now would be possible without them. I look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones at every show.
The biggest challenge is how quickly the industry shifts these days. As an independent artist, you have to be your own booking agent, producer, manager, accountant, and still put together performances and write good music. Videos have also become a really big thing – I’ve had to learn about filming and learn the ins and outs of YouTube and TikTok and Instagram. Who knows what the next big social media platform will be.
There’s more opportunity than ever before but it comes at the expense of an enormous amount of time and effort. And one thing that’s always been a part of the music industry is that there are no guarantees. You really have to work hard and have faith in your art.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others? Well, I don’t know anyone who plays the guitar like I do. I love performing live and take a lot of pride in my shows, especially the solo performances. I see a renaissance of neo-traditional folk and country happening now and I’m really proud to be part of it.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’m definitely a fan of the weather. It’s practically a mild summer here all year long compared to anywhere I’ve been. There are so many amazing people and talented musicians here – plus I never find myself wanting for work or for something fun to do. There’s never a dull moment in LA.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://taylorclewismusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorclewismusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorclewismusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKp667/
