Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Taylor McCluskey, who discusses his origin in music, creative process, new single, “Stay With Me†and so much more.
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
Taylor McCluskey: I started listening to music when I was 4. Records of The Rolling Stone’s and Michael Jackson we’re always playing in the house. Never looked back.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
McCluskey: My lyrics come from my personal life, what I see and experience through and with the relationships I have formed to this point. They come from dreams; the good, the bad and the ugly. My producer Glen Robinson (Keith Richards, George Martin) and I have similar tastes and we have formed a strong work ethic and songwriting collaboration. We have a good knowledge base of what hits and falls short when it comes to songwriting.
I would consider myself a beacon for the songs that I want to create. After all these years I have found a great balance with my band of brothers and sisters. It starts with me sending a rough video of me playing with a new idea. Then I talk to Glen, which is like my therapy in a way, we workshop the material and then we go off and write more before heading to the studio.
Once we have tracked all our parts and when we have a strong mix. We sent the stems to our bandmates Zak St. John (Drums) and Andrew James (Bass) in Los Angeles. We have MFICs (West) and MFICs (East). When it comes back, we mix and master here at my home studio in Montreal.
Review Fix: What inspires you?
McCluskey: I’m inspired by storytelling. My curiosity gets me into songwriting mode. I dream about it and then I start writing and playing. Playing and writing. Repetition. Until it takes whatever form I was in search of. Or was in search of me. Script, song and edit. I’m a sonic radio tower at times.
Review Fix: What does music mean to you?
McCluskey: I love music and it means everything to me. I practice everyday to make sure my voice and fingers stay sharp. Plus, new ideas come about during a jam and or songwriting session.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
McCluskey: I’d say I’m what you would get if Queens of The Stone Age, Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, U2, Coldplay and Black Sabbath had a baby.
Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?
McCluskey: My live shows can only be described as very raw and intense. The audience is everything to me. I attack the live show production as we would in the studio, recording live. The sound is very important to me: I love the combination of sound, light and video to create a film/rock show live experience. I want to capture that moment forever and then move on to the next.
Review Fix: What inspired your latest single?
McCluskey: I made 16 tracks in quarantine, and I’m releasing one each month moving forward. I’m planning to have both studio and live versions of all 16 tracks, for a total of 32.
My latest single “Stay With Me†was a song meant for all the people I love and who love me. This journey of life is incredible, especially when you can connect with them musically.
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2021?
McCluskey: I want to continue releasing new music and videos. I want to keep connecting with fans and play/steam live events. I’d love to even tour when everything gets back to normal. I’m continuing to work on some film & TV projects as well.
Review Fix: What’s next?
McCluskey: My next single “Gladiator†will feature both a studio and live version which is due out July 4, 2021 on all platforms. It’s mastered in Dolby Atmos so it’s definitely going to be a song to play loud.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
McCluskey: Thank you very much and stay tuned! I hope to see you online and or at a show in the near future!
Photo by Teresa Ste-Marie
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