Taylor Payne, currently based on the Sunshine Coast has been focussing seriously on pursuing music as a career for a few years now. Having just released the first single with The A&R Department 'Outsider'. Tomatrax caught up with Taylor to ask a few questions.
What inspired you to become a musician?
The energy from other musicians and in their music really pulled me towards making music, because I felt that energy too. I make art because I can, and because there are some things that I want to show people.
When did you write your first song?
I think I wrote my first song when I was about 7, it was just a piano tune, not a very exciting one either. But my piano teacher encouraged me to keep writing more, so then it progressed on.
You've already received a fair amount of critical acclaim for your music, has this made you feel any pressure going forward?
I wouldn't say I feel pressured, I don't make music to please anyone. I was going to go forward anyway.
You recently relocated from Adelaide to the Sunshine Coast, how does making music in the Sunshine Coast compare with Adelaide?
I have taken a few trips back to Adelaide, and written music while I stayed there. I've done so much growing since moving that my music has changed and developed on it's own. I'd say people aren't as excited about artists in Adelaide as they are on the Sunshine Coast. There's more support here.
What made you pick 'Outsider' as your latest single?
I picked Outsider because it's the first song I've written that I didn't hate. And that energy was there. I can look back on this song and not cringe and wish I'd done something else.
What was the inspiration behind the video for 'Outsider'?
The video somewhat represents my mind. The world is so bizarre that sometimes it's hard to distinguish what's real and what's not. It represents alienation.
You put a lot of effort into adding visuals to your music, is it hard to determine what visions go with your music?
The visuals just flow, I don't have to think about it. Sometimes even the idea of a video will come to me first, and then I'll write a song to match it. It's not hard, its fun.
Do you think you'll put out a video clip for every song your release?
That is the plan, I'd love to do that. It has a lot to do with budget as well which might get in the way, but I'll definitely try to put a video to every song. Because to me it's not just a song, its a character. It needs a video, it has a fashion and a personality. I make music for the eyes as much as I do for the ears.
Do you ever listen to your own music?
Only when I want to change something.
What music do you listen to?
I listen to a lot of music, if I name one band I'd have to name them all. But most recently I've been listening to the White Stripes Northern Lights tour.
What do you have planned in 2016?
I want to do the next single this year with another music video. I had plans to go overseas to Europe, we'll see.