Jonny Taylor
Mandurah, Western Australia, Australia | INDIE
Music
Press
‘Insights’ is the debut album of WA singer-songwriter, JONNY TAYLOR. It’s a mixture of rock and roots delivered in the form of eleven original songs that swing expertly from soulful ballads, to grungy up-tempo numbers and back again. With lyrics that explore both personal and universal subjects, these well-crafted tunes are instantly accessible; they reel you in and keep you listening.
Originally hailing from the south-west, Taylor now gigs regularly both in and around Perth. In addition to being a former Australian Idol contestant, he has previously won a WA Country Music Award. Though he has released two EPs in the past, ‘Insights’ is Taylor’s first full-length offering.
The album begins with ‘Lover Lover’, one of the catchiest songs in Taylor’s catalogue. With its dark lyrics and moody vocals it recalls the work of ‘90s bands like 3 Doors Down and Creed – sophisticated pop drizzled in the kind of pain and longing that make for an almost cinematic experience.
On the heartfelt ‘Baby Shaye’ the album changes tack. This track is sweet without being saccharine; a sincere – but not cloyingly sentimental – ode to a newborn child. ‘Spike’s Song’ maintains the family theme before the excellent folk-rock of track three – ‘Love Will Come Around’ – emerges as one of the album’s highlights. Taylor sings of “Going ‘round in circles/Looking for the answers” and not knowing why.
The pace picks up considerably on ‘Wasting Away’. With its powerful chorus and solid backing, this track has the quality of a rock anthem. The lyrics are full of a nearly palpable anguish that lends added potency to the arrangement: “I’m wasting away,” Taylor sings, “I want you to know/That you started all of this”. ‘Bulletproof’ and ‘Special K’ traverse similar melodic territory, featuring great hooks and heavy drums.
Things quieten down again on the peaceful closer ‘At Least to Clear My Head’, a slow burning ballad of a track that proves to be the perfect finish. Like those that precede it, this track is beautifully produced, allowing Taylor’s talent ample space to shine through – the vocals here are particularly memorable.
It seems like the entire gamut of human emotion is displayed on ‘Insights’. Taylor moves from tales of tragedy and frustration to love songs and back again. The record’s title is also appropriate; this collection of songs really does feel like a compilation of insights, delivered with clarity, passion and skill. There is no doubt that Taylor is an accomplished songwriter and musician; it will be interesting to see his work continue to evolve on future releases. - Spaceship News
‘Insights’ is the debut album of WA singer-songwriter, JONNY TAYLOR. It’s a mixture of rock and roots delivered in the form of eleven original songs that swing expertly from soulful ballads, to grungy up-tempo numbers and back again. With lyrics that explore both personal and universal subjects, these well-crafted tunes are instantly accessible; they reel you in and keep you listening.
Originally hailing from the south-west, Taylor now gigs regularly both in and around Perth. In addition to being a former Australian Idol contestant, he has previously won a WA Country Music Award. Though he has released two EPs in the past, ‘Insights’ is Taylor’s first full-length offering.
The album begins with ‘Lover Lover’, one of the catchiest songs in Taylor’s catalogue. With its dark lyrics and moody vocals it recalls the work of ‘90s bands like 3 Doors Down and Creed – sophisticated pop drizzled in the kind of pain and longing that make for an almost cinematic experience.
On the heartfelt ‘Baby Shaye’ the album changes tack. This track is sweet without being saccharine; a sincere – but not cloyingly sentimental – ode to a newborn child. ‘Spike’s Song’ maintains the family theme before the excellent folk-rock of track three – ‘Love Will Come Around’ – emerges as one of the album’s highlights. Taylor sings of “Going ‘round in circles/Looking for the answers” and not knowing why.
The pace picks up considerably on ‘Wasting Away’. With its powerful chorus and solid backing, this track has the quality of a rock anthem. The lyrics are full of a nearly palpable anguish that lends added potency to the arrangement: “I’m wasting away,” Taylor sings, “I want you to know/That you started all of this”. ‘Bulletproof’ and ‘Special K’ traverse similar melodic territory, featuring great hooks and heavy drums.
Things quieten down again on the peaceful closer ‘At Least to Clear My Head’, a slow burning ballad of a track that proves to be the perfect finish. Like those that precede it, this track is beautifully produced, allowing Taylor’s talent ample space to shine through – the vocals here are particularly memorable.
It seems like the entire gamut of human emotion is displayed on ‘Insights’. Taylor moves from tales of tragedy and frustration to love songs and back again. The record’s title is also appropriate; this collection of songs really does feel like a compilation of insights, delivered with clarity, passion and skill. There is no doubt that Taylor is an accomplished songwriter and musician; it will be interesting to see his work continue to evolve on future releases. - Spaceship News
Discography
Young Man - EP (single) released April 2012
Sad Girl- Single launched Dec 2011
INSIGHTS - Album release March 2011
Skin & Bones EP 2010
LIVE @ Bang Bang Studio 2010
Photos
Bio
After wowing the nation with his powerful performances on Australia's Got Talent, West Australian musician Jonny Taylor is set to maintain momentum following his success on the the hit TV show.
His current single 'Young Man' peaked at #23 on the iTunes chart and was the #1 most downloaded independent single to radio earlier this year. 'Young Man' is currently receiving radio airplay on approximately 180 radio stations Australia Wide.
No stranger to the road, Taylor has been pushing his career forward with passion and determination with a hectic touring schedule and a unique sound, leaving audiences all across Australia wanting more.
February 2011 saw Jonny announced as 'Best Male Artist' at the WA Country Music Awards, impressing the panel with his unique acoustic rock sounds and strong voice then in March 2011, weeks after winning the award, Jonny released his debut full length album 'Insights'. The album’s success was soon recognised with ‘Spike’s Song” track 3 nominated for a WAM Song of the Year award in the country category.
After a busy 9 month schedule of over 160 shows, Jonny released a new single in December 2011 titled 'Sad Girl' and embarked on a successful nationwide tour in support of the release. The tour highlight was the 2012 Tamworth Country Music Festival where Jonny won the grand prize at the CCMA National Talent Quest for a song co-written with fellow South West artist Codee-Lee, performed over 15 shows and was invited to participate in the festival Cavalcade.
2012 has already been a year of huge accomplishments for Jonny having won the CCMA National Talent Quest, being nominated for a WA Country Music Award for the second year running, performing on the main stage at Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, completed a regional tour with the West Australian Music Industry and racking up supports for the likes of Daryl Braithwaite, Leo Sayer and Shannon Noll. After performing in the Eastern states and recording with Golden Guitar winning proder Matt Fell in June, this is shaping up to be a massive year for the former Australian Idol top 12 finalist, and anybody that knows the work ethic of this promising artist knows that nothing will stand in his way.
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