What is your name?My name is Taylor Jahn
What is your genre of music?
Indie Alt-Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m an Oregon native, currently residing in Los Angeles. My musical influences span almost all genres and styles, but sonically I find myself at home in progressions created on the piano. Writing gives me emotive fulfillment, while performing (be it for an open-mic night at a dive bar or performing the National Anthem at Dodger Stadium for NBC Sports) enriches me to the core and only makes me hungry for more. I dream big, but am driven by the little things in life, and live passionately whenever and however possible.
What made you go in to music?
My parents got my brother and me a piano for Christmas the year I turned six, and signed us both up for lessons soon thereafter, which in years that followed served as a sort of formal education of song structure for me. We grew up with a wide variety of vinyl being played in our house, which in turn instilled in me the passion of artistry. If you were to have been a fly on the wall in those days (or, even, still today), you’d have seen us spinning around the family room to everything from The Rolling Stones and BB King to Michael Jackson and Celine Dion. The combination of these influences, coupled with my interest in cutting-edge sounds and production aspects, and obsession with concerts and live performances, opened up the thought and dream that maybe there’s a place for ME to partake in that world, as well.
Are you a signed?
I’m not currently signed, but will let you know immediately once that day comes! In the meantime, I’m enjoying my journey as an independent artist, continually crafting my sound and presence in the musical universe.
You have released ‘HIde Away’ as the single for your debut Ep, tell us more about it.
“Hide Away” is a song that came about during a period of reflection in my life. I had recently moved to LA, and was searching for comfort and meaning in the midst of finding my footing in a new environment. Originally meant as a piece to ask for shelter provided by others, the song took on its own direction and grew from the base-line chord progression into a story where one can actually find the strength to fight the storms of life within themselves, and can have the power to be that support for others, as well. It speaks to a humanity that I believe we have deep inside, but don’t always realize. There’s a focus in this song on unconditional love, and it’s ability to heal, every time.
You have a debut EP coming out titled your first single ‘Hide Away’, tell us what to expect from it.
My debut EP, “Hide Away,” is a record that I am TRULY so proud of. The subject matter covers a variety of experiences and emotions, ranging from love to loss and everything in between. Within each of us there is a slew of feelings that result from our interactions with our environment and experiences, every day, and these songs touch on those, while trying to find light in the dark and enhance the beauty that is connection. It’s a record that is uplifting, soul-searching, and heartfelt and, sonically, lush, strong and full.
Describe each track in two words?Hide Away – haunting, lush
All We Need – infectious, sprightly
Slave to Your Love – hearty, spacious
Light Inside – driving, ethereal
Keep Moving On – evoking, alive
Will you be heading out on tour, maybe a home tour or further?
There are currently no plans for a tour, per se, but I am in the planning process of putting together an album release show here in LA, sometime in January. There will be other shows that will be surrounding that launch.
Who was the first person you showed your EP to once completed?
My fiance.
If you could perform for 5 people in the music industry who would they be and why?
Sara Bareilles – She is a pillar, both as a human being and as a songwriter, and her voice is absolutely perfection. She comes from a small town (like myself), and has never wavered from whom she is as an artist, nor does she strive to be anything other than authentic and true. Her lives shows, of which I’ve been to many, evoke every emotion from humor to tears, and her beauty as a human shines through in every endeavor she takes on.
Elton John – Icon, legend, humanitarian. This man embodies what a career can look like when you dream big and have an insane amount of talent, self-worth and vision. Not only do his albums stand the test of time, and the subject matter ring true for almost everyone, but his work with Disney over the years helped shape my childhood, and, though I didn’t recognize it at the time, helped me understand how the structure of a song can evoke emotion.
Celine Dion – Arguably my favorite singer of all time, diva or otherwise, this woman caught my ear at an earlier age than I can remember, but captured my heart in junior high when Titanic shot her into the stratosphere. Her staggering talent aside, she is a true person, an honest talent and remains more grounded than almost any other artist I can think of. Her songs are timeless, and the way she builds to incredible crescendos is something I’m in constant awe of.
Rick Rubin – One of my favorite producers, this man has worked with EVERYONE in the business. Probably the reason I’d like to perform for him most, though, is because of his work on Adele’s album, “21.” The way he brought back the wall-of-sound and turned a singer-songwriter into a full-blown musical sensation is incredible. I love the way he weaves live instrumentation together with synthetic production, creating a sonic landscape that is both enviable and tangible at the same time.
Sia Furler – One of the most creative songwriters and best-kept secret of the last 15 years or so, this woman (one of the nicest and most genuine people I’ve ever had the opportunity to meet) changes the face of music at every turn. Her words and melodies span genres, artist and gender, and her live performances have left me spellbound time and time again. She LOVES what she does and is passionate about life, and is someone I truly admire and would love to work with someday.
Do you play any instruments?
I do! The piano. And I can pluck a chord or two out of a guitar, as well. Also, I have a secret talent for playing the recorder, something that I discovered in music class in second grade, and play percussion on almost every surface I come in contact with.
Who are your influences?
My influences range across the board, from other artists to people in my inner circle. In musical terms though, I’d have to say that Sara Bareilles, Adele and Elton John are up near the top. Their writing and lyrics, vocal prowesses, and performance styles are truly inspirational (not to mention they use their powers for change and good in the world, which is a lifeforce you can feel through their songs and on their tours). Unabashedly passionate, both about their art/careers and about the world at large, I find the paths they blaze incredible, and strive to emulate bits and pieces of such display, and use that energy as I carve my own path in this industry.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
There’s not a specific way that I get inspired to write, as I write when I feel, and I feel when I live. Experience is what drives my art. Everything from emotion-evoking experiences, such as falling in love, losing a childhood friend, or having a blowout fight, to sounds or visuals that touch me, like fallen leaves, a beautiful piano arrangement, or the smell of rain on a summer afternoon. Sounds cheezy, but certain things just hit me and strike a chord somewhere, and a spark of inspiration somehow grows into a flame and I just roll with it. So far, I’ve been very lucky with how inspiration has worked together with my soul, and I strive to continue to remain open and free in order to allow for infinite more opportunities to be inspired by my life and the world around me.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
In five years, I see myself continually becoming a better writer and performer, hopefully signed and touring and regularly making new music. I would love to be collaborating with idols of mine, writing for other artists, and making a mark in the music business in a way that is both lasting and empowering, setting an example for how a legit career can be built on passion, honesty and trust. I have a bucket list of people I’d love to collaborate with, as well, so I hope to be checking that off as the years and milestones roll by.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
A lot, actually! While music is such a huge part of who I am and what I’m passionate about, I also enjoy the little things in life that make living so fun and so intrinsically rewarding. I’m often found playing with my four month old Golden Retriever puppy, hiking Runyon Canyon, hitting the LA-area beaches and searching for cool gastro-pubs and restaurants. I cook whenever I possibly can, nap as much as is acceptable, and travel when finances allow. I love to read, I love to shop for vintage vinyl, I love to experience nature. Meeting new people is a big thing for me, as well, bc I thrive on interaction and being social.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
There are a few over the years, but I’d have to say the top three are “Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds (it was the first time I can remember hearing the delicate beauty of harmonies and feeling what they can do for a song); “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion (I was at a pivotal age when Titanic came out, and the power and scope of that track that played on the airwaves of my boom box made me fall in love with power ballads and realize what they can do to the soul); and “Rolling In The Deep” by Adele (it came out of left field and I will never forget the first time I heard it, in the car with my Dad as he drove me to the airport to fly to LA, where I told him this is the kind of song I want to be known for).
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to dream big but to remain grounded, in every aspect of my life. I come from a large family that is as supportive as one could ever hope for; a group of people who taught me to work hard, to enjoy the ride and to have zero shame in reaching for the stars, no matter what the circumstance (academic achievements, relationships, my music). I will never forget to aim high and shoot far, but to appreciate every single moment and accomplishment that may come my way, and love the people who helped get me there.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
I’d tell them to DO THEM. I do this, actively, and receive this advice all the time. It’s important to keep grounded in the music world, bc there is so much influence out there and pressure to be a certain way, have a certain sound, and carry oneself in a specific manner. The artists that I love and respect, both world-famous and unknown, break down those barriers, and find success in their niche of the business bc of their passion and belief in their own selves, and the art that they create which is uniquely them and therefore very beautiful.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” I like this one, because it reminds me to always work hard and to not give up hope, for putting that positive energy out into the world will come back to boost you up at just the moment it’s meant to happen.
Where is your dream venue to perform?
It’s a toss-up between the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
A ring I got on a trip to Mexico with my grandmother; my green Nalgene of water; either a friend or my fiance; a Giving Keys necklace that my fiance got me, which is inscripted with the word “create;” my earbuds.
You just come back off tour,back in your hometown;
1/ where do you visit first?
2/where do you eat first ?
3/who do you see first?-
The first place I visit is my bed. The first place I eat is our local Mom & Pop Mexican restaurant, El Ranchito. The first person/people I see is either my fiance or my parents and brother.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I do, and appreciate the support!! @taylorwjahn on Instagram and Twitter; Taylor Jahn on my Facebook artist page.
