Julian Taylor Garners Three Nominations For The 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards
With a soulful voice that resonates deep within the heart and a stage presence that captivates audiences far and wide, Julian Taylor stands as a beacon of authenticity and artistry. His music is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of blues, roots, country, and folk, creating a sound that is both timeless and distinctly his own.
As one of the leading nominees for the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Julian Taylor’s talent and influence are undeniable, earning him not only a devoted following but also widespread critical acclaim.
Not only has his album Beyond the Reservoir captured the hearts and imaginations of listeners, but his single “Seeds” has also garnered significant recognition, earning nominations for both at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, my name is Julian Taylor and I am a Toronto-based musician.
Congratulations on being one of the leaders in nominations in this year’s Canadian Folk Music Awards with 3 nominations. How does it feel to be recognized among such a talented pool of Canadian folk musicians?
Thank you. It’s a real thrill to be nominated this year. When the announcements came out I had two very distinct feelings in my body. One was of sheer excitement and the other was this manic nervous kind of energy that was pulsating through my being. Any time you get recognized for your work it gives you a jolt inside like you just drank a litre of coffee. I am so excited to attend the awards and very happy that a lot of friends of mine have been nominated because I will get to hang out with them. As soon as you’ve been nominated I think you’ve already won and I’d like to extend a big congrats to all the nominees.
What inspired your latest works or albums that brought you to be nominated for the CFMAs?
I’m nominated for my album “Beyond The Reservoir” which includes the song “Seeds” which is also nominated. The entire album was inspired by my adolescence and my struggles with my own identity. It’s quite a devastating but empowering coming-of-age story and one that I had always wanted to write. I’m so glad that I did and now I feel a bit better about moving on in life.
CFMA president Graham Lindsey mentioned that the CFMAs are an important moment for Canada’s folk music community to celebrate outstanding talent. How has the folk music community shaped your journey as a musician, and what does this recognition mean to you in that context?
Ever since my first Folk Music Ontario conference as a youth mentor in 2015, my career has blossomed. The folk music community has such a special quality to it and they rally around one another in a loving embrace. There isn’t this air of competition either. Everyone wants to help one another and I am so grateful to have the folk music community wrap me around in their warm hug. I love all the people in the community. They’re self of the earth.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Jory Nash for recommending me as a youth mentor at my first FMO.
With the CFMA Awards Weekend taking place in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, what are you most looking forward to during this celebration of folk music?
I am looking forward to performing at the awards. Up until very recently, I had not done anything like that. It’s fun and nerve-racking which is ironically very enjoyable. The nerves part if you know what I mean. But I would have to say that seeing my friends and peers is what I always look the most forward to. Hope I get to jam out with folks while I’m there because it’s so fun!
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring folk musicians who hope to one day be recognized on a platform like the Canadian Folk Music Awards?
I think that some of the best advice that I could give is to have fun and know that everything you’re doing is meant to inspire from within because that is the only way you can inspire others. I encourage every artist to see the value and importance of their work to keep their heads high and be proud of the impact that they imprint on this world. Try not to worry too much and try not to be too hard on yourself. It’s something that I struggle with as well but at the end of the day we are all the same in so many similar ways and once you recognize that in yourself it will translate to others.