We’re looking forward to introducing you to Justin Taylor . Check out our conversation below.
Justin , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I feel as though it may be cliche or something said a lot before but, in my role especially, people just see the 90 min or 2/3 hours I’m on stage and think that’s the bulk of my work and responsibility. When in reality they don’t see the hours and days an sometimes WEEKS it takes not just planning tours and events, but managing the social media accounts, working with booking agents and management, finding time to sit down with the songs I’ve written or written with others and actually start recording and tracking/committing ideas to tape. It’s a lot of work every day day in and day out, and you have to almost in an insane way be obsessive about it, or else you’ll miss something, most of my days revolve around me making sure I have the full picture of what’s going on inside of my business daily. It’s a challenge but can be learned, and refined as we go.
A dear friend of mine said to me one time, “Ride the wave brother, you can let the waves keep crashing down on ya, or you can learn to surf” I prefer his approach of learning to surf !
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi !
My names Justin Taylor. I’ve been a touring and gigging musician since the age of 13. I started in the local music scene in Southern Maryland and Virginia when I was in middle school playing every bar and club I could with anyone I could. I eventually went pro upon graduating high school and toured all over the country opening for and headline with national acts and my friends in Nashville. I still do that when the opportunities present themselves but I am also promoting my solo music and band on tour since I debuted under my own name in Jan 2020 with my debut EP “Hindsight”.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Everyone has things about themselves they see through their own perspective. But it may not always be how people around you view you. Lately I’ve been battling through some life transitions and changes that have been tough to navigate and now more than every my relationship with our Lord has really helped me see not what I feel like I am, but really helped me see my true self and who I AM !
My faith has always been a part of my life, but lately I’ve been praying a lot, and my oh my have I received some responses to those prayers. And I’ve been guided to a place where I have found peace, for the first time in a long time.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Sadly, only recently have I felt truly heard and understood. And in many relationships in my life. I’ve found out who really is here for me because they ACTUALLY care, and those who have their own motives for acting like it. Funny how that works
When you find those folks, you do everything in your power to reciprocate.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There’s an age limit on success ……. There is not
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Just because you CAN, doesn’t mean you should …. Life isn’t about checklists and checking off boxes …. Just do what makes you happy … not what everyone tells you you should do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justintaylorband.com
- Instagram: @justintaylormd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D7fZz9xk7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: @justintaylormd
- Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0NDf3LJvgh1SjLWHO3qGXT?si=eJj26amBQTy2pKlRDNZuLQ
Image Credits
📸 – Terry Hahn for feature photo
