Art & Life with Jason Taylor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Taylor.

Jason, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up on the south-side of Chicago and was born in Memphis with music being at the center of my focus for as far as I can remember. I remember my family being in church, and I would treat the bottom of the church bench as my imaginary piano while I looked up at the organist trying to mimic his every move. I would take that same energy home and play on the walls until my grandma got tired of me messing up her walls and finally bought me my first keyboard.

It was also during that time. I dealt with a bad stutter, an abusive/absent father, and the death of my younger sister, so music became my refuge, healing, communication outlet, and source of confidence all in one. As I got older, I became more involved in writing, performing, recording, and even public speaking believe it or not. I started to see how much I could do to help peoples lives with just a song, or just a few chords.

As I began to see many doors open and awards come my way, it was my goal to never stop. My family and my mentors made sure I didn’t. When I moved to Atlanta for college (Morehouse College), my music hunger and development grew like a fire, even though I ended up with a degree in Psychology. I met some of the most amazing people there and released a lot of music as an artist as well as a producer, including collabs with both Spelman & Morehouse College.

When I moved to California for my master’s degree in 2008, I had no idea I would remain after. Touring, traveling, and working in the music industry has allowed me to only do music for a living throughout my time in Los Angeles. I definitely see it as a blessing from God and feel the responsibility to continue to give to the world my truest self.

In July of 2018, I released a body of musical work that I believe represents my whole identity as a human being. It was like everything I had wanted to express to the world up till that point, and I named it “The Multi-Verse.” It’s a 15 track thread and tapestry of multi-genres, and messages that somehow flow in harmony with each other. It’s my belief that we as humans are not one dimensional, but we are filled with many facets, layers, and dimensions, so I wanted my music to reflect that sentiment particularly in this album, and I think we pulled it off. I’m also very grateful to the fans of this album since they really supported it and were a huge part of our marketing for about eight consecutive months!

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a singer-songwriter and a musician. Overall I’m a performer who really desires to give my audience the feeling I have; that purest experience with my music that is so great and transcendent that I as the artist become invisible during the experience. I want people to get lost in hope, love, love-making, peace, joy, God, and serenity when they listen to my music or come to any one of my shows. It’s always my desire that they get lost, as I get lost in the process whether it is how I’m lost through the songwriting experience or lost while I’m submerged in the music as we perform it live.

Within the artwork of “The Multi-Verse” album, I wanted to convey the universe and the idea that we are both apart of it, as well as an extension of it. Inside every human is a vast canvass for God to create a masterpiece with!
I really needed it to look the way it sounds.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities, and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
The financial aspect of any artist, especially an independent artist, can be overwhelming if you have little to no money. Recording your music and doing live shows with a band can get expensive very quickly. This is why you need friends you can barter with at times, and you also need savings before you start. Starting a music career is essentially the same as starting a business. The more you see this reality, the more you will hold your decision making power. There are people who will help you, as they have helped me, but they need to see your investment in yourself first. There is always a way to make something look and sound amazing on a cheap budget.

Lastly, learn how to do as much as you can for yourself so that you will always be equipped to self sustain when it becomes difficult to depend on anyone else. Learn and study music software like Ableton, study graphic design for your artwork, as well as basic and creative marketing strategies to keep your fans engaged with your music.

Digital Marketing is key since we live in a digital world. Fortunately, you can market effective digitally on a small budget.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find The Multi-Verse Album on all music purchasing and streaming platforms including iTunes, Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, etc.

Here is an apple music link for your convenience:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-multiverse/1395650357

Also, follow me on Instagram @ Jatmusic1 to keep up with this entire movement as well as knowing about all of our live shows and experiences!

Go and give the first single/music video from the album some love:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThOffBrY6QU

Lastly, I created a music program through my international work and travels four years ago called “TaylorMade School of Music.” Check out our website if you are interested in songwriting lessons or workshops and would like to bring us to you!
www.taylormadesom.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.taylormadesom.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jatmusic1/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.taylor.9022662

Image Credit:
OPTX

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.