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Acoustic & Acoustic Vocals Music artist from Niles, IL. New songs free to stream or download, with purchase options starting at $0.5. Add to your playlist now.

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John Taylor

Acoustic guitar & piano based songs. These are storyteller tunes, lyrics-driven, emotionally charged, never bubblegum. Lemme know if it makes you feel? Thank

1 top 50
9 songs
780 plays
Picture for song 'Xmas in Los Angeles' by artist 'John Taylor'

Xmas in Los Angeles Xmas in Los Angeles

A properly melancholy tune about being in out in L.A. for the holidays, and remembering why: 'For this dream, all threadbare-faded, that I patch up with Believe... I'm stuck here in Los Angeles... all alone on Christmas Eve.'

Country General

$0.5
Picture for song 'Saint & Sinner Demo' by artist 'John Taylor'

Saint & Sinner Demo Saint & Sinner Demo

An upbeat tune about accepting your partner for the good and the bad, and about continuing to learn and grow within.

Acoustic Rock

Picture for song 'Help Me Breathe Demo' by artist 'John Taylor'

Help Me Breathe Demo Help Me Breathe Demo

'3 a.m. again,and this insomniac can't breathe...'

Acoustic Vocals

Picture for song 'Storms' by artist 'John Taylor'

Storms Storms

Weathering the storms in a love relationship - I thought this one was pretty good..

Acoustic Folk

Picture for song 'The Having-Not' by artist 'John Taylor'

The Having-Not The Having-Not

"We all have fears of losin’ what we’ve got. You know what’s worse than losin’? It’s the having-not." "Forget the past, he can't touch you anymore..."

Acoustic Folk

Show all (9)
"Music that talks to you, your dreams, your hopes, your desires..."
Band/artist history
I'm a typical one man band. When I get together with other players, it comes out strong, but I still like forming the tune's initial structure myself, using a guitar & or keys, digital MIDI instruments... Even doing my own vocals, the harmonies come out sweeter that way. Then, when the time comes to take it to the studio, there's enough structure to hold to the integrity of the song, but I can add the creativity of the other players. There, I'll listen to most anybody's suggestion. Even the janitor - maybe especially the janitor, because he's the one listening and buying the music. While fellow musicians may get caught up in showing off or technicalities, the audience is the one who I need to move. The listener is the one who needs to be impressed. Most all of the tunes I put up here are rough demos - a guitar, maybe piano, vocals... a handful of tracks. Songwriter's demos are better presented that way, so other artists can hear themselves doing the tune. Specialize it, produce it too much, and you limit the number of artists who will be interested in your tunes.
Have you performed in front of an audience?
Coffeehouses are the only place I'm playing live right now. I try new tunes out there, but I'm still working on the next album, so... until it's finished and out the door, I try not to get too distracted by live gigs.
Your musical influences
Early: John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin ... later: Melissa Etheridge, Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Matchbox 20 ... I'm pretty sure I'm influenced by most everything I hear, but those are the biggies.
What equipment do you use?
Right now, I'm recording on my laptop via the little pinhole mic it has built into it, and Magix software, and an Alvarez Pro-series acoustic guitar. Magix Studio 7 is INCREDIBLE and dirt cheap! Also (in storage) are a Proteus 1, Aphex Aural Exciter, Apple Mac with Digital Performer, Rode large diaphram mic, and a few other goodies. The next acquisition will probably be a Tascam 2488 (?) so I can go mobile with a dedicated multitracking machine. The new acoustic tracks recorded on that will be done outdoors, in canyons, open desert, that kind of thing.
Anything else?
A long time ago, an interviewer asked why I took on such relatiavely heavy topics, and I told him people don't feel enough, don't let themselves feel enough. That's all the more true today than it was 20 years ago.. and I'd like to change that. Whether it's joy, or nostalgia, love or pain, it's that feeling that empowers us to be more, different, better, special. I'm glad my music evokes such emotions in people, makes 'em feel.
Niles, IL  USA
ID 94915
Contact
Sorry, this artist currently doesn't accept email messages.
Comments (9)
I want you guys to know how much I appreciate all the kind words, even if I didn't see some of them til just now! Been busy, got a new album coming out...
John.... ********* Hugs ********** Where you been dear? We're missing you!!! Hope life is treating you kindly.. and keeping you busy.. I wanted to let you know that I've added new tunes... and your welcome to come in and get comfortable, the fridge is filled with goodies.. and the pool table is open.. Wishing you the best my music friend.. Randee
Hiya John, I'm back... took a listen to your music... You have a awesome talent.. Enjoyed my vist... I'll be back soon.. :) Take Care my friend.. Randee :)
P.S Added two of your songs to my stations! *They're spinning* Best of Wishes!
Hi John, Walked in and find a chair... turned on your jukebox:::::::*Relaxed* and absorbed your music. Very smoothing! Very nice to the soul! I enjoyed the break very much... Really liked " Help Me Breath & The Having-Not".... the best! A very talented spirit you have. Keep up the hard work, it's worth it!! I'll be back to take another break soon.. Until then... wishing you the best in everything you do in life.. and finding peace when you need it the most... Take Care my friend..
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