Justin Taylor

Born in 1982 in Broken Hill, NSW, Justin got his first guitar from a family friend at the age of 10. Justin showed an initial disinterest in guitar because he was already playing the piano, heavily influenced by major inspiration Billy Joel. 4 years later the disinterest waned and he began to play the guitar constantly; originally influenced by classic rock and instrumental tunes of the 60?s from bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Shadows.

In 1998 he purchased his first electric guitar and performed frequently at high school with the schools music program also temporarily joining grunge garage band Penicillin. After growing tired of covering instrumental numbers, Justin tried his hand (or voice) at singing in late 1999. He continued to cover classic rock songs of the 60?s and 70?s in high school performances, and occasionally played a guest spot with his guitar teacher?s rock cover bands Ulysses and No Exit at local clubs. In the middle of 2000 Justin was first exposed to the music of Ben Harper; a significant cornerstone in his musical and everyday life.

In 2001 Justin packed his bags and headed off to Adelaide, SA where he began a University degree. Leaving behind family and friends proved tougher than imagined, and it was from this life experience that Justin?s music began to grow and change shape, echoing the melancholy songs of the artists that now dominated his CD player. He temporarily discarded the electric guitar rock he was familiar with and settled for the soothing relaxed tones of vocals with acoustic guitar accompaniment.

It was also during this period of time that Justin wrote his first song: an upbeat vocal/acoustic piece entitled ?Tell Me?. Justin wrote constantly during 2001 and churned out song after song; most of them dark often bleak and sometimes angry looks at the loneliness that he was facing away from home.

As Justin readjusted to life, and found a new love in the sound of steel-string acoustic guitar, his song writing efforts also matured and adjusted. Songs began to write themselves, with better than expected results. Gone was the catalogue of deliberately angry and aggressive tunes; replaced instead with an arsenal of variety. Justin crafted smooth folky-roots-rock tunes in both the electric and acoustic veins to which he was familiar, dabbling in funky rhythms influenced by soul, reggae and the blues.

It was during 2002 that Justin also ventured into the arena of lap slide guitar like major influences Ben Harper and John Butler; his decision to play less an issue of imitation and more one of personal gratification and experimentation. He also continued to pursue the more mellow side of his composition echoing sentiments of surf musicians Jack Johnson and Donavon Frankenreiter, which some would say was odd for a boy from the desert. His electric roots continued to evolve influenced by modern rockers Matchbox 20 and Powderfinger.

Justin began recording some demo tunes in 2003 and subsequently launched his website in the hopes of broadening his audience and doing what he loves most: making music. Today his original songs encompass everything from sweet relaxed melodies to fiery displays of intense emotion. His live performances blend elements of electric, acoustic and slide guitars all mixed with a healthy dose of passion for music and highlighting the wide range of influences that have touched his life.