Taylor and the Dusk
January 10, 2017
4 Comments
Meet
Taylor, a talented musician (and fellow Columbia graduate :) We had him in studio yesterday for a story shoot, so here he his with the
Dusk backpack!
Why is music your chosen medium?
I have this saying that goes, "my passion is my profession" - However, music is my creative outlet, my therapy, my muse; it's the very thing that can completely change me for the better. It's my medium because it defines me.
How would you define what you do?
I like to think of myself as a creative. Though I am a singer, songwriter, performer, I have so many other creative talents that encompass who I am as an artist.
From a live performance perspective, I am an Alternative R&B artist who loops. Looping is a performance art where each section of the music is performed live on stage - it's like a one-man band!
What is going through your head when you're performing?
Oh, boy! - "I hope I don't mess up," "I'm completely lost in the music right now, am I making weird faces?" "Man, there's sweat all over my face, is this sexy?" "Am I being selfless right now?"
How have you seen the music industry change in the past 10 years, how has it affected the Chicago music scene?
Yes and Yes! 10 years ago social media's influence wasn't as prevalent as it is today - I believe this is a good thing!
I believe now we are finally in an industry where artists have more control over their content and how it's exploited. I believe for the first time we as consumers and music lovers are discovering artists that are tailored to our own interests (i.e. Spotify's Discover Weekly). Because of the internet, Chicago is a go to city for music culture and artists that help push art to progression and authenticity (i.e. Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, Common, Taylor Mallory (hehe)
All in all, the shift from record label gridlock to artistic freedom and expression has been inspiring and I think it's great.
What was the last thing that stopped you to think or laugh?
I just bought a car and I realized that I am one of those crazy Chicago drivers that everybody talks about.
I'm not ashamed to say that I am that very driver who sees all the cars backed up trying to get onto I-55 South and I savagely butt in. Call me crazy? Call me insane? - No, I am a Chicagoan babybee!
How does the space you create in affect your art?
My ideal creative space is in an intimate, dim room with candles lit. Most of my creations are spontaneous and I like to be in a head space where I can be very fluid. If there's bad energy, I completely turn off.
One of my favorite creative spaces is at dp Studios located downtown Chicago at the Level Next Music Headquarters!
(Chelli & Taylor)
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TOnya SAnders
January 14, 2017
Such a great article and I’m so glad to see Taylor’s dreams come true!! We miss you down in Central Illinois, Taylor! Many blessings to you!!?