Interviews: Timothy Judson Taylor

This is a new interview with the Rock artist Timothy Judson Taylor from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?

As a solo artist, it was not as easy as it might seem. My name is very common, but my middle name is unique, and so, I settled on that once I realized how many musicians have my name, and how difficult copyright and publication would be by just saying, Tim Taylor.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Rock is in my blood. I was raised on a constantly evolving lineup of artists that my mother loved. In my early years, it was folk, and country, but also included The Beatles, Rolling Stones,. The Supremes,, and from there it unfolded as one might expect. My mother is only 17 years older than me, so she loved the music of all types. 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes. I met the core of the Rhythm section while they were doing a national tour with the emerging artist, Arielle. Arielle. is a terrific musician, and she brings excellent supporting musicians with her. We did a house concert together, and her bass player and drummer were both very advanced musicians. We had instant chemistry, and they asked if they could hear my demos. They immediately agreed they wanted to assist, so I hired them to come back after they were done with the tour they were on. The day after they finished, they flew out to Virginia, and we went to Blue Sprocket Studio in. Harrisonburg Va, and holed up for 5 days. Chris Jackson manned the console, and we knocked out 13 songs, without rehearsal. The flow was incredible.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

My lineup of musicians changes based on what the project contains, and the energy I am looking for in each song. As for my favorites, there is no one favorite. There are so many that are super impactful in terms of my musical development, I could talk about each for hours. A shortlist would include... Emerson Lake and Palmer, Van Halen, Dio, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden,

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Inspiration comes in a variety of ways. A spark of emotion, injustice, social unrest, societal upheaval. All are grist for the writing mill.

6. Where was your last gig?

Stone Mountain Vineyards in Virginia. Solo gig.

7. Where would you like to act?

I am a born entertainer and am always up for a new opportunity. I am not as particular about the whereas I am about the audience connection and interaction. 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Tesla, Journey, Maiden, Priest, That sort of thing. Festivals, County fairs, arenas.

9. Who not?

Not interested in performing with pop stars. It has zero appeal to me. They have their appeal, but it is NOT my audience.

10. Have you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I am fortunate in that I do not suffer from stage fright. I am there to have a good time and share what I love. It isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for those who like to rock, I have a pretty wide repertoire, from ballads, the '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s, '90s, and modern stuff all with a high energy rock and roll delivery. Tip? Get up there and play. The audiences are generally pretty supportive even if you might think it isn't your best show! I equate this to the diving board. When we are first learning to swim, and we climb the high dive board, we look down at the water, and you are terrified the first time. But once you take that first leap, you cannot get enough of it.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Van Halen, Dio, Judas Priest, Gary Moore, early REO, Ted Nugent, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Yes, and many many more.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

To sing The Prayer at a wedding. Glad I did. It leads me into formal opera vocal training with Angela Knight, of the DC Metropolitan Opera. Not much change in my rock vocal style, but it gave me a new avenue to pursue, and I got technically better.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I adore them. Without them, there is no "show". Just a guy playing alone. Every fan is treasured.

14. What do you think of our site? 

VERY cool website, with a deep roster of talent!

15. Something you'd like to add?

Thank you for allowing me to share a little of my story!