Taylor and The Makers
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Taylor and The Makers

Green Point, New South Wales, Australia | INDIE

Green Point, New South Wales, Australia | INDIE
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"TAYLOR AND THE MAKERS – GYPSIES FLEE"

A concoction of introspective folk melodies and riotous rocking, Gypsies Flee is a remarkable debut album. Songs like Brothers, Silly Old Man and Mervyn’s Compass are stirring, soulful and injected with overwhelming optimism, tunes such as Strangers Heart and #26 are fast-paced and compel listeners to move.
The album is raw, yet polished, and leaves you with an itching to experience the sounds in a euphoric live setting.

Standout songs are the liberating anthem City Limits, with its honest, sing-along inducing lyrics and closing track The Feckless Feud which turns almost heavy rock in its chugging angry riffs and vocal anarchy. (CD) - Alternative Media Group


"[Interview] TAYLOR AND THE MAKERS"

As TAYLOR AND THE MAKERS prepare to launch their debut album, CHLOE WEBB spoke with vocalist CHRIS TAYLOR about the recording process and the inspirations that inspired The Gypsies Flee.

Your debut album, The Gypsies Flee, is about to be released. Can you explain what the feeling is like while you count down the days until September 14.
It’s a combination really. Everything from the ecstasy of hearing the masters and knowing that you’re done, right through to a nervous anxiety about whether what you’ve worked so hard to achieve will be well received. There’s no doubt that as a songwriter, when you release something new, you feel a certain vulnerability; well at least I do anyway.

Along with the September 14 release comes an official launch at Kantara House. Tell us a bit about that.
Kantara House is like a slice of North Queensland smack in the centre of the Central Coast; it’s an amazing venue for so many reasons. I’d say it’s far from a traditional venue, but to me that’s what gives it its appeal. That combined with perhaps the nicest and most genuine owners you’ll ever meet almost makes it a no brainer to pick as a launch venue.

We’re looking forward to it so much, it’s crazy! We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been up to this past year and why we’ve locked ourselves away from the spotlight for so long. This really feels like a celebration event to us. We want to celebrate the fact that we are lucky enough to do this thing that we love so much and to have shared the amazing moments we have.

We want to thank everyone for all their support across the years on the night so everyone who purchases a ticket will get a free album upon entry. We know that it’s hard to scratch together coin too so we’ve tried our best to make it affordable for everyone. We’ve got both single and couple entry deals – Single is 1 ticket + 1 album for $20 + b/f, and the couple deal is 2 tickets + 1 album for $30 + b/f. I’d encourage everyone to band together and make the most of the couple deal if they can, even if you’re just mates. Saving some dough here and there never hurts.

The album reveals a darker, moodier side to Taylor and The Makers but still maintains a persistent sense of optimism throughout. What’s The Gypsies Flee about to you?
The Gypsies Flee is about breaking free… from everything; from the opinions that you have of yourself or that others have of you. It’s about shaking off what you think you “should” do and listening to your heart more. Having a moral compass and using it. I guess I’m saying that there is power in perspective and every now and again we need to check ourselves. From what we know, we only get one life and who knows how long that will be. Don’t be afraid to be you! Life is there to be lived, so live it already! You might just learn something about yourself. In fact, I know you will!

Let’s talk positivity and perspective, there’s always a distinct vein of it running throughout the Taylor and The Makers sound. Would you say that sense of aforementioned optimism has become somewhat quintessential?
I think so, yeah! I’ve always wanted to write music that makes people happy or see’s the good in something. I think we’ve managed to achieve that with this record, albeit in a slightly different fashion this time around. That said though, for me it has to be genuine; I’m not a good enough writer to fake it. To a degree, I have to feel that way in order to write that way, I usually write from what stirs within I guess. But, I do believe that you make what you will of something simply by the perspective you take.

Could you tell us little bit about the recording processes of The Gypsies Flee?
We did this album live for the most part. We recorded at The Grove Studios, each of us in our booth, looking at each other and made of it what we could. We went and threw all the dressy parts on from there. ?The motto for the recording process would probably have been “keep it live”. We really wanted to capture that live feel and energy that we love about shows and put it to record.

It’s been an awesome experience recording this album. I’m incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to do it and I’m stoked that a year on since first walking in to the studio, we have an album which is a true expression of what we are. That’s pretty awesome! I just hope people like it!

There’s an eclectic mix of genres that make up the Taylor and the Makers sound, although Roots may be the underlying foundation. Who, what and where inspires Taylor and The Makers?
Wow… Where do I start? The easiest place is probably to list a few musical inspirations. For me personally, the biggest musical influences come from the likes of Dave Matthews, Michael Franti, John Butler, Ben Harper, John Mayer, Bon Iver and so many more. The common denominator with all these guys is the ability to write what they feel. There’s an honesty about their music that has the ability to take you somewhere or make you feel som - Reverb Street Press


"[Interview] TAYLOR AND THE MAKERS"

As TAYLOR AND THE MAKERS prepare to launch their debut album, CHLOE WEBB spoke with vocalist CHRIS TAYLOR about the recording process and the inspirations that inspired The Gypsies Flee.

Your debut album, The Gypsies Flee, is about to be released. Can you explain what the feeling is like while you count down the days until September 14.
It’s a combination really. Everything from the ecstasy of hearing the masters and knowing that you’re done, right through to a nervous anxiety about whether what you’ve worked so hard to achieve will be well received. There’s no doubt that as a songwriter, when you release something new, you feel a certain vulnerability; well at least I do anyway.

Along with the September 14 release comes an official launch at Kantara House. Tell us a bit about that.
Kantara House is like a slice of North Queensland smack in the centre of the Central Coast; it’s an amazing venue for so many reasons. I’d say it’s far from a traditional venue, but to me that’s what gives it its appeal. That combined with perhaps the nicest and most genuine owners you’ll ever meet almost makes it a no brainer to pick as a launch venue.

We’re looking forward to it so much, it’s crazy! We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been up to this past year and why we’ve locked ourselves away from the spotlight for so long. This really feels like a celebration event to us. We want to celebrate the fact that we are lucky enough to do this thing that we love so much and to have shared the amazing moments we have.

We want to thank everyone for all their support across the years on the night so everyone who purchases a ticket will get a free album upon entry. We know that it’s hard to scratch together coin too so we’ve tried our best to make it affordable for everyone. We’ve got both single and couple entry deals – Single is 1 ticket + 1 album for $20 + b/f, and the couple deal is 2 tickets + 1 album for $30 + b/f. I’d encourage everyone to band together and make the most of the couple deal if they can, even if you’re just mates. Saving some dough here and there never hurts.

The album reveals a darker, moodier side to Taylor and The Makers but still maintains a persistent sense of optimism throughout. What’s The Gypsies Flee about to you?
The Gypsies Flee is about breaking free… from everything; from the opinions that you have of yourself or that others have of you. It’s about shaking off what you think you “should” do and listening to your heart more. Having a moral compass and using it. I guess I’m saying that there is power in perspective and every now and again we need to check ourselves. From what we know, we only get one life and who knows how long that will be. Don’t be afraid to be you! Life is there to be lived, so live it already! You might just learn something about yourself. In fact, I know you will!

Let’s talk positivity and perspective, there’s always a distinct vein of it running throughout the Taylor and The Makers sound. Would you say that sense of aforementioned optimism has become somewhat quintessential?
I think so, yeah! I’ve always wanted to write music that makes people happy or see’s the good in something. I think we’ve managed to achieve that with this record, albeit in a slightly different fashion this time around. That said though, for me it has to be genuine; I’m not a good enough writer to fake it. To a degree, I have to feel that way in order to write that way, I usually write from what stirs within I guess. But, I do believe that you make what you will of something simply by the perspective you take.

Could you tell us little bit about the recording processes of The Gypsies Flee?
We did this album live for the most part. We recorded at The Grove Studios, each of us in our booth, looking at each other and made of it what we could. We went and threw all the dressy parts on from there. ?The motto for the recording process would probably have been “keep it live”. We really wanted to capture that live feel and energy that we love about shows and put it to record.

It’s been an awesome experience recording this album. I’m incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to do it and I’m stoked that a year on since first walking in to the studio, we have an album which is a true expression of what we are. That’s pretty awesome! I just hope people like it!

There’s an eclectic mix of genres that make up the Taylor and the Makers sound, although Roots may be the underlying foundation. Who, what and where inspires Taylor and The Makers?
Wow… Where do I start? The easiest place is probably to list a few musical inspirations. For me personally, the biggest musical influences come from the likes of Dave Matthews, Michael Franti, John Butler, Ben Harper, John Mayer, Bon Iver and so many more. The common denominator with all these guys is the ability to write what they feel. There’s an honesty about their music that has the ability to take you somewhere or make you feel som - Reverb Street Press


"TAYLOR AND THE MAKERS"

While most would strive for that faultless polish and studio perfection when recording a brand new album, genre-colliding trio Taylor and the Makers felt that doing things their way would be best.
“We went into the studio and recorded it together so we could try and get the natural flow of a live performance,” explains dreadlocked vocalist Chris Taylor.

“Over time we have become a live band, that’s what our sound is to us. We are at our fullest and best when we are performing because that’s what we love about music.”

Since the trios inception back in 2010, Taylor, drummer Bryce Crocombe and guitarist Brendan Shanks have left audiences awe-struck with their blend of rock, roots and soul. Energy pitched at beyond 100 per cent, these men now have only one aim when taking the stage – enslaving the audience with their sound.

“Our live shows definitely have a lot of energy,” Taylor says.
“I think it definitely comes from our natural want to play together through our musical personalities and relationship. We love that high-energy deliverance of music and we just want to get everyone in the audience to enjoy themselves.”

With the launch of their new album The Gypsies Flee on September 14th, the trio has even more motivation to take their enthusiasm up another level.

“The album is of great contrast to our EP that we released a few years ago. From the first track, like five seconds in, you can tell it’s completely different,” says Taylor.

“We didn’t want a polished studio version, we wanted people to listen to it then come to our shows and be like ‘wow they sound remarkably similar’.”

“I used to play saxophone in jazz bands, so I have a lot of that as an undercurrent, Bryce is very rock-heavy influenced and Brendan brings an entirely different vibe. We’re all so different that we create a very unique sound when we are together.”

This album could present a lot of opportunities for Taylor and the Makers. With the ultimate goals of one day being able to sustain themselves solely off their music and meeting their idols; for now Chris Taylor has a slightly smaller task in mind.

“The aim is to reach every corner of the country. Even if we play someone’s lounge room.” (CD)
- Alternative Media Group


"GIG REVIEW: The Music Makers Club"

Taylor and The Makers were debuting a new guitarist tonight and when the guys introduced their new member the camaraderie and friendship amongst the group was palpable. This is a totally likeable band whose personality was nicely expressed to the audience, giving a house-party type vibe to the viewing experience. You were made to feel like you were all included in the fun being had onstage. But obviously being likeable is kinda useless if you don’t have the tunes, and these guys have the music. The vocals were immaculate, and some of the strongest of the night and with the songs, a sun-soaked combination of beacky-folk and laid back rock, gelling perfectly with the entire vibe. - Made Static


"GIG REVIEW: The Music Makers Club"

Taylor and The Makers were debuting a new guitarist tonight and when the guys introduced their new member the camaraderie and friendship amongst the group was palpable. This is a totally likeable band whose personality was nicely expressed to the audience, giving a house-party type vibe to the viewing experience. You were made to feel like you were all included in the fun being had onstage. But obviously being likeable is kinda useless if you don’t have the tunes, and these guys have the music. The vocals were immaculate, and some of the strongest of the night and with the songs, a sun-soaked combination of beacky-folk and laid back rock, gelling perfectly with the entire vibe. - Made Static


"Album Review: Taylor and The Makers - The Gypsies Flee (2013 LP)"

It's difficult to believe that The Gypsies Flee is a debut album release from much adored Central Coast roots band Taylor and The Makers… acting as a testament to contingency, The Gypsies Flee explores a darker, more moodier aspect of the bands genuine knack for telling a story; All the while maintaining a persistent spark of optimism and prospect of alacrity throughout, a quintessential component to Taylor and The Makers sound.

Opening with, or launching more rather into, the anthemic ‘Strangers Heart’ sifting through the intricacies of love and amity, Front-man Chris Taylor pines “Where do we go from now on? As we move forward to the unknown… All I have is time in hand, hoping you’ll make me your ever loving man.” Unfurling the elements that would soon shape a theme for the rest of the tracks… revisited in ‘Colour Of Perspective’ “I ponder quickly do I wake her, or let her dream on…smile on her face signifies a dream of grace, I wonder if I’m in it all?” followed by a killer brass section, bringing the entire track to a whole new light.

Before long that light of positivity that Taylor and The Makers does so well shines on through in ‘Brothers’ and particularly in ‘#26’ which overall takes the reins of favoritism on my behalf… in saying that picking a favorite was a task in itself with all tracks conjuring an inescapable connection; Chris Taylor’s efficacious song-writing has a way of taking an emotion and making you wholeheartedly feel it before you have the chance to even recognise it and before you know it the songs are hitting delightfully close to home.

Come ‘City Limits’ and ‘Mervyn’s Compass’ the theme of contingency takes a new turn, a turn for freedom and adventure, brimming with a yearning reverie; Highlighting the an aptness for the title of The Gypsies Flee… and by ‘The Rebellion’ that yearning reverie is met with disillusion and determination. The album concludes on the sudden political punch of ‘The Fleckless Feud’ through dynamic, democratic notion; challenging those who overpower through indulgent greed and gluttony… “C’mon baby won’t you hold my hand, don’t follow these fools through their promised land. They use our money just to fuel these wars, no money is good enough for people to die for…” perfect timing with the election looming. Although unexpected, I cannot think of a better way to end a nothing short of emphatic and aptly named release. - The AU Review


"Album Review: Taylor and The Makers - The Gypsies Flee (2013 LP)"

It's difficult to believe that The Gypsies Flee is a debut album release from much adored Central Coast roots band Taylor and The Makers… acting as a testament to contingency, The Gypsies Flee explores a darker, more moodier aspect of the bands genuine knack for telling a story; All the while maintaining a persistent spark of optimism and prospect of alacrity throughout, a quintessential component to Taylor and The Makers sound.

Opening with, or launching more rather into, the anthemic ‘Strangers Heart’ sifting through the intricacies of love and amity, Front-man Chris Taylor pines “Where do we go from now on? As we move forward to the unknown… All I have is time in hand, hoping you’ll make me your ever loving man.” Unfurling the elements that would soon shape a theme for the rest of the tracks… revisited in ‘Colour Of Perspective’ “I ponder quickly do I wake her, or let her dream on…smile on her face signifies a dream of grace, I wonder if I’m in it all?” followed by a killer brass section, bringing the entire track to a whole new light.

Before long that light of positivity that Taylor and The Makers does so well shines on through in ‘Brothers’ and particularly in ‘#26’ which overall takes the reins of favoritism on my behalf… in saying that picking a favorite was a task in itself with all tracks conjuring an inescapable connection; Chris Taylor’s efficacious song-writing has a way of taking an emotion and making you wholeheartedly feel it before you have the chance to even recognise it and before you know it the songs are hitting delightfully close to home.

Come ‘City Limits’ and ‘Mervyn’s Compass’ the theme of contingency takes a new turn, a turn for freedom and adventure, brimming with a yearning reverie; Highlighting the an aptness for the title of The Gypsies Flee… and by ‘The Rebellion’ that yearning reverie is met with disillusion and determination. The album concludes on the sudden political punch of ‘The Fleckless Feud’ through dynamic, democratic notion; challenging those who overpower through indulgent greed and gluttony… “C’mon baby won’t you hold my hand, don’t follow these fools through their promised land. They use our money just to fuel these wars, no money is good enough for people to die for…” perfect timing with the election looming. Although unexpected, I cannot think of a better way to end a nothing short of emphatic and aptly named release. - The AU Review


"Dereb The Ambassador + Taylor and The Makers"

When support act Taylor and the Makers began, the room was still half full but they very quickly struck up a rapport with the crowd. Front man Chris Taylor’s incomprehensible, rapid-fire, multi- multi-syllabic vocals paired with bongos and infectious bass lines injected impressive energy into the room.

Looking every bit like the laid-back Central Coast lads they are, the four-piece’s energetic reggae-tinged pop was fun and upbeat and it was obvious they were enjoying playing it. Taylor was chatty and personable on stage, and genuine when introducing the moving “Brothers in Arms” as a song for his brother. These guys are great live; so relaxed and fun. They messed around with the lyrics of the last chorus of their final song just to poke fun at their bongo player. They’ll be perfect for the summer festival season.


Andrew Campbell
- The AU Review


"Dereb The Ambassador + Taylor and The Makers"

When support act Taylor and the Makers began, the room was still half full but they very quickly struck up a rapport with the crowd. Front man Chris Taylor’s incomprehensible, rapid-fire, multi- multi-syllabic vocals paired with bongos and infectious bass lines injected impressive energy into the room.

Looking every bit like the laid-back Central Coast lads they are, the four-piece’s energetic reggae-tinged pop was fun and upbeat and it was obvious they were enjoying playing it. Taylor was chatty and personable on stage, and genuine when introducing the moving “Brothers in Arms” as a song for his brother. These guys are great live; so relaxed and fun. They messed around with the lyrics of the last chorus of their final song just to poke fun at their bongo player. They’ll be perfect for the summer festival season.


Andrew Campbell
- The AU Review


Discography

Taylor & The Makers - EP - May 2011
#26 - Single - August 2013
The Gypsies Flee - Album - October 2013

Photos

Bio

With a reputation as a great live act and having shared stages with the likes of The John Butler Trio, Ash Grunwald, King Tide, Bonjah, Alex Lloyd and Tiki Taane: T&TM are something of an act on the move.

The 2014 release of album 'The Gypsies Flee' marks a change in the road for T&TM. One that sets them on course to make a strong and definite mark that will be hard to forget.

THE GYPSIES FLEE IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN STORES.

www.taylorandthemakers.com

Band Members