Interview with Russell Taylor


Q: I first heard of you on Fool For Love and the other collaborations you did with Teddy Douglas and Jay Steinhour for their Basement Boys Records imprint. Please tell me more about this part of your life.

Russell Taylor: Teddy heard me sing the first time at a mutual friend's mother's funeral in Baltimore, MD It was a very sad occasion, and I was asked to sing "Their eyes are on the Sparrow". I can remember, it was cold and raining and such a horrible time, but I did what I had to do. Teddy said that he was impressed with my artistry especially considering the nature of the situation and he wanted to give me chance to see what I could do in the studio.

Q: While the songs you did with the Basement Boys are house you're album Soulstar Vol. II is a classic soul album. Was this a consequential evolution for you to come up with a soul record? And where do you see the difference between writing/recording a house song and a soul song?

Russell Taylor: Well, I have always been a Soul/R&B artist in my mind and the Basement Boys have been known for their stirring soul and gospel tracks in the house music arena. It was not too much of a stretch to work with them. Additionally, all the tracks that I had written with them (most of them unreleased) were written with a Soul sensibility, and we just adjusted them to fit with the 125+ bpm. I don't believe there is a difference between writing in the two genres. I believe if the energy and the sentiment is there, then you can't go wrong. A good record is a good record, especially if it has the power to make you feel something.

Q: Where do you see your progress as singer/songwriter from your first steps to today?

Russell Taylor: When I first started writing, it was a pure process. I wrote what I felt, and played with melodies that I liked. It was so relaxed and strickly for the fun of it. But then, I got tainted along the way with the "hit factor". Stopping mid-way through writing a tune because it didnt add up to this arbitrary legend I had adopted from others as a hit was common place. Thankfully, when I began to play out with my band, I started to reconnect with the emotion behind it all, and my writing became more personal again. I dont hide behind my lyrics anymore, I really enjoy putting myself out there for all to see. I am back at square one...for the pure enjoyment of a great song.

Q: Please tell me more about the recording process of Soulstar Vol. II. Have you written and produced all the songs?

Russell Taylor: I have had my hand in each and every song on this record...and I say that with pride. Some songs I have written solely on my own, some I have worked with other producers, and others have been a collaboration process and developed over time. I am always open to work with other artists/writers.

Q: Do you have fellow musicians that helped you to complete the songs?

Russell Taylor: Ironically, last night, I just finished a marathon recording of 13 hours for the new record titled "Somewhere in Between". It will be some of the cuts that you have in your possession with live instrumentation, and a few new tracks. The band consists of: Josh Valleau on keys (John Legend), Shelton Garner on guitar, Don McKenzie on drums (Martin Luther & Vernon Reid), Shaun Kelly on percussion, and Mike Burns on bass (Martin Luther). Also, I have worked with the hip hop producer Needlz, and my good friend Tim Kvasnosky.

Q: How much of yourself can be found in your songs? Are all your songs based on personal experience?

Russell Taylor: I have a personal connection to all of my songs. The subject matter is sometimes about me, or about someone that is close to me, or sometimes, its even about the way I feel after I read a book or watch a movie. I am a touch, taste, smell, feel, see type of writer. I memorize things with my senses and then go back to it and recreate it as I orginally experience it.

Q: An official release of Soulstar Vol. II is scheduled for January 2006 and half of the songs will be recorded with a live band. Please tell me more about it.

Russell Taylor: Yes. One of my biggest frustrations with recording as an independent artist has been BUDGET!!! I have been unable to recreate the same type of energy and spirit that I have in my live show on my record cost effectively. So, when the opportunity came for me to record live with my band...it was perfect.

Q: Will you release the album independently? If so, what are the advantages for you not to use the help of a record label?

Russell Taylor: Well, that is the plan to do this project independently. The more units we sell, the better. Well, the most important advantage of going independent is that I don't have to wait for a company to validate the project. I can put it out and let the people decide what they want. Websites like yours that are internationally known are the best vehicles for this purpose. Thank you for doing what you do man!

Q: How easy or difficult is it for you to spread the word about your music with no big company and its marketing machine behind you?

Russell Taylor: HaHaHa. It's really tough. But I have faith that the people would will spread the word. Grassroots marketing is a very strong tool. Websites like yours facilitate this tool, and don't forget russelltaylor.net.

Q: What would you like to achieve with your music in the future? What can we expect from you?

Russell Taylor: I would like to sell enough records to get distributed internationally. I would like to create enough buzz surrounding my independent project that I am able to make a statement that even when the big labels don't get you, an indie artist has an option to get his or her music out and heard. I also am anxious to get to a point in my career where I am able to work with artists from any genre: from Lenny Kravitz, to David Mathews, to Nanci Wilson to Kanye West. You can expect me to keep pushing forward and grinding toward my goal of reaching the masses and getting my messages heard. There is enough space in the universe for everyone to eat doing what they love to do.

For more infos visit russelltaylor.net and read my review of Soulstar Vol. II.