Self-Made singer/songwriter Josh Ward Taylor is gearing up to release his new Album, Hummingbirds later this year, and judging by his new single, “I’ve Gone Away,” it’ll be well worth the wait. As an independent artist, Taylor has the freedom to write, record and release his music how he wants and when he wants to, and the result is a very rewarding experience, both for him and his listeners. Read more about Hummingbirds and listen to “I’ve Gone Away” below and keep an eye out for more music from Josh Ward Taylor soon!
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who may not be familiar?
I’ve been a New York based singer songwriter for about ten years and am coming out with a new record this year. Also I love puppies.
How did you first get your start in music?
I began playing guitar at age 12 and writing when I was about 15. I didn’t find the guts to really start performing until after college. I’m getting better at it but it still scares the hell out of me.
When was it that you knew it was something you wanted to pursue?
It became a lifelong pursuit for me the day I convinced my parents to buy me an acoustic guitar, but since I started writing, it just became a part of my identity
As an independent artist, what has been the biggest struggle you’ve come across when writing, recording or releasing music?
Writing has never been a struggle for me. There are occasional bouts of writers block that happen from time to time but I embrace that downtime. Recording is mainly a struggle from a financial perspective. The musicians I have met over the years in New York and who have played on this record and the last one are outstanding and they make studio time a very enjoyable experience. The biggest struggle is the self promotion aspect and the fact that there are so many great artists out there that it’s sometimes difficult to find that niche that works for you.
On the flip side, what is the most rewarding or the best part about independently releasing music?
The most rewarding is definitely the freedom of it. You control what you put out, how the end product sounds, and when and how you choose to promote it. Your timeline is yours and yours alone. There’s a great feeling in having that freedom.
Speaking of which, you just released your new single, “I’ve Gone Away.” Can you tell us a little bit about the song?
Absolutely. This song is primarily about loss and what’s left behind. Kinda sad but everyone deals with it in some form, and sometimes many forms throughout their lives with loved ones, close friends, and so on.
“I’ve Gone Away” is the second song you’ve released from your new album, Hummingbirds. What was the inspiration behind this album?
It’s going to be a full length record when all is said and done, but these were some of the songs I wrote between the last record and now that I was most excited to record, and it’s pretty much as simple as that. I felt like they fit thematically in some way so I’m excited to begin sequencing the album.
When can fans expect to hear more new music from Hummingbirds?
Well I plan on releasing one, possibly two more singles and then releasing the full album by the end of the year
What is the rest of 2016 looking like for you? Do you have any big plans or goals?
Right now I’ve got a couple shows booked before the end of the year but I’m mainly focused on the release of the album and can’t wait to share the full record.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for having me!
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