Each now and again, an artist comes alongside who, from the very first single, is sort of absolutely shaped. So it’s with Grace Tayler, the younger Brighton artist who shared her sparse, atmospheric debut music ‘silly man’ this November.
The primary in her debut streak of releases, it is a haunting, layered digital and folky piece that is to be adopted by extra within the very close to future. We caught up along with her to search out out what we will count on from her musical journey, the place her inspirations come from, and what she obtained as much as in lockdown.
Gigwise: Hello Grace! How are you?
Grace Tayler: I’m very effectively thanks!
GW: How has this yr been for you? What did you rise up to?
GT: This yr has been very up and down. The pandemic meant that I couldn’t do lots of the issues I got down to do, however I’m grateful for what it taught me. I went on a tattoo course and began portray extra to fill my days in lockdown. I additionally wrote lots of poems and new songs.
GW: ‘silly man’ is a beautiful introduction: what did the trail to this primary launch appear to be?
GT: I wrote this music in the course of the first lockdown. It was a very dangerous day and I bear in mind feeling very misplaced. I’m very into tarot playing cards and determined to do a fast 3 card unfold. I pulled the satan, the lovers and the silly man. I felt compelled to create – so I went obtained my guitar and performed the music just about as you hear it. I didn’t sit down and write the lyrics or play with the melody – the music simply kind of introduced itself to me.
GW: how did you determine to layer sparse soundscapes like that? It sounds so eerie and exquisite.
GT: I knew I wished it to sound impactful and layered. Working with producer Chris J Priest and Greg Moss-Coomes, they helped raise it to the subsequent stage. We layered numerous backing vocals and counter melodies to create that eerie impact. I used to be very specific concerning the ultimate mixture of the music, I wished it to be large, however nonetheless keep softness and ease.
GW: What’s the which means behind this monitor?
GT: silly man is my dance with destiny. I’m questioning if I can have management over my life, or if the whole lot is already set out for me. ‘The satan carries the silly man’ – the idiot in tarot represents innocence and the satan your shadow self (and the extra destructive energies that may maintain you again).
I ask myself if I’m the silly man, permitting myself to be managed and contorted by the satan, making selections that in the end trigger me to lose monitor of my very own future…
GW: And your subsequent monitor ‘if it was the top’ is popping out this week – what’s that one about?
GT: If it was the top was my confession of affection to somebody in my life, that’s not within the image. I wrote it at the start of the yr, nevertheless it felt like now was a great time to launch it.
Though 2020 has been extremely tough for everybody, I really feel prefer it has taught me a lot. I’ve come to just accept the modifications which are inevitable in life. This music is a nod to the previous, simply letting the individuals I misplaced know that I’m letting go, however love will at all times be right here in the long run.
GW: What do you’ve gotten deliberate in your music within the coming months?
In order of proper now, I’m within the means of starting my EP which has numerous surprises and secrets and techniques that I’m so enthusiastic about. I’m additionally going to do some dwell movies and hopefully tons extra collaborations with different artists.
GW: How about years? Do you’ve gotten long-term targets?
GT: This query terrifies me! I’d like to say I do know the place I wish to be within the subsequent few years however with the present state of the world I simply hope that myself and everybody are glad and wholesome. I’d like to go travelling, which was my plan for 2020. However the final dream could be touring and recording extra songs.
GW: Will you be performing dwell when it’s doable to once more? The place would you prefer to play?
GT: I’m planning on doing as many dwell exhibits as doable! I’d like to play on the EartH in Hackney: I noticed Puma Blue play there as soon as and I used to be mesmerised by him and the power in that venue.
GW: How have robust instances in your life knowledgeable your writing/music?
GT: I’d say that robust instances are the primary inspiration for my songs. Somebody as soon as requested me why I don’t write glad songs. It took me some time to consider that, however for me, happiness is a simplistic emotion. Whereas once I’m unhappy or indignant, it’s multi dimensional and layered with totally different ideas and emotions. Songwriting is the best way I course of my environment and inside world.
GW: Do you’ve gotten any favorite artists from round you within the Brighton scene?
Not too long ago I’ve been loving Lime and their new music ‘Fever’. Gene Pool are additionally a favorite! I as soon as supported them at a small gig in Brighton and undoubtedly hope to play with them once more.