Is MSG a Spice? An Interview with Musician Adam Taylor
From the ukulele to the rock guitar, Adam Taylor’s music offers complexity and simple intensity for most listeners. When I hear his music, I want to be in a small club where the bass line jars my ribs and the ice in my glass and where the set seems over far too soon. His songs are the kind that I can play quietly while I rest on the couch or can jump around to while I make dinner; they’re versatile, fun, and thoughtful. Rockin’ to restful – that’s what I call good music.
How would you describe your music?
My music? It’s fun, catchy, reflective, but playful. My music, I hope at least, is the first cup of coffee in the morning, or the moment after you’ve had a drink or two that you realize “ahhh, life is alright,” even if it isn’t.
If you could tour with anyone, who would you pick and why?
I’d like to tour with T-Bone Burnett. For those who don’t know, T-Bone is a world famous producer, responsible for everything from Roy Orbison and Elvis Costello to Across the Universe and Walk the Line. I think I would learn a lot, mostly. I’d be pushing myself to the next level constantly.
If you were a spice, what spice would you be?
Is MSG a spice?
Of all the areas where you can pour your concern – the environment, human trafficking, animal rights – what are you most invested in and what should people know about that?
As far as political issues are concerned? The Federal Reserve banking system. Hands down the most corrupt institution in America. The Federal Reserve bank is no more Federal than Federal Express. It’s scary, look it up for yourself!
What do you love about making music? What do you hate?
I love the journey. I hate how scary it can be sometimes.
What animal do you most identify with?
My spirit animal? Probably a bear. I like the idea of sleeping for that long…
A lot of my readers love books. Do you have any recommendations?
A few of my favorites:
Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion – Robert Cialdini
13 Things That Don’t Make Sense – Michael Brooks
Hot Water Music – Charles Bukowski
What’s the most amazing thing you’ve experienced?
There’s too many to list. Most all of them involve experiences had in the process of making music and taking it around the world. On one tour, we went swimming in Lake Michigan at midnight, and I’m not a sucker for natural beauty, but it was the most beautiful thing I have ever experience.
Where do you want your music to go next?
I just want to tour as much as possible. I’m looking forward to making more records!
If today, you were to put a mixtape of 10-12 songs together for my readers, what would you include?
Hm, here’s a playlist of some of the stuff I’m listening to now. Listen on shuffle.
You can listen to Adam’s music at his website, follow him on Twitter, and “like” him on Facebook. You’ll be glad you did.
