By Michelle Herbison
LOCAL singer-songwriter Kyle Taylor believes musicians who criticise Geelong’s live music scene probably need to work harder to kick-start their careers.
“People say the scene’s dying but I don’t think it is. There are people complaining who aren’t working hard enough to get out there and have a try,” the indie/folk soloist explained.
“Geelong’s a really good place but a lot of people expect too much of it sometimes. It’s only one town.”
Taylor has been hitting the road since 2009, having supported Mark Seymour, James Reyne, Josh Pyke, Jordie Lane and Carus Thompson.
After doing his time busking and playing cover shows at local and rural pubs, the former St Joseph’s College student is enjoying spreading his original music nationally and internationally, attracting new fans along the way.
His latest studio album, Free, released last year, showcases Taylor’s mellow acoustic style with a collection of folky ballads played mostly solo.
A keen music listener, Taylor cited influences including Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, Jordie Lane, Placebo, Laura Marling and American blues singer William Elliott Whitmore.
“A lot of musicians I watch just to watch their performance side of things,” Taylor revealed.
“A lot of folk music is slow and it’s more of a genre where you have to work your charm on stage and get the crowd involved.
“I’ve watched a lot of Passenger – he just really entertains the crowds and he’s taught me you have to make the most of every show.”
Taylor said about half of his songs “just came out” without having to “sit down and analyse” the words.
His song-writing explored universal topics such as love, often inspired by others’ stories.
“I don’t usually write about myself a lot. I try to keep it universal – not just solely based around something that occurred in my life – it can be from someone else’s life.”
Prior to heading to Perth and London on tour, Taylor will play Portarlington’s Saints & Sailors for a relaxed Sunday session on 23 March, joined by Patrick Wilson, Four Rules Charlie and Rachael Brennan.
More information and pre-sale tickets are available at facebook.com/kyletaylor and saintsandsailors.com.au.
