Article by Music Fan Magazine Writer: Justine Brown
Photos by: Jim Brown
Nolan talks about touring with the Red Clay Strays, playing left-handed guitar, and how Colby Caillat's "Bubbly" ended up on his set list.
Day three of the Fairwell Festival and MFM got a chance to spend a few minutes with breakthrough country artist Nolan Taylor. Here's what happened:
MFM: Your YouTube video of "68" went viral and shook things up for you. Can you tell us more about that experience?
Nolan: We had a pretty quick surge across several platforms - TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, everything. Luckily, very early on, I connected with my manager and we just tried to keep that momentum going. We turned it into touring and other opportunities. I'm very thankful for how it all unfolded.
MFM: You're touring with Red Clay Strays. How long will that tour be going on, and how has it been so far?
Nolan: We'll be touring on and off pretty much until October. I'll be going to Europe with them in August, which will be exciting. We just finished up this West Coast leg, and after a few days off, we're heading to Europe through the end of August. Then at the end of September, I'll be touring with Band of Horses and City and Colour.
MFM: How does it compare to your previous touring experience?
Nolan: In the past few years, I was very regional - more of a weekend warrior. I was touring throughout four days of the week and making my living doing that. When everything broke open, it threw me onto the national stage. The transition has been amazing. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I personally prefer to be on the road more than not. Being home is actually harder for me.
MFM: How well do you mesh with the Red Clay Strays?
Nolan: Oh, they're like my brothers at this point. Last year we did a tour with them down the East Coast, right before things really took off for them. From that point on, we just became very good friends.
MFM: What do you think of Farewell Festival so far?
Nolan: So far it's been great. The staff is unbelievably helpful, it's super organized, and obviously, it's in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
MFM: What instruments do you play besides guitar? Nolan: I can mess around with about any string instrument, but guitar is where I excel. I'm actually a left-handed player, which makes it hard to find instruments. Interestingly, I'm right-handed for everything else except eating and playing guitar.
MFM: Do you often buy new instruments and gear while on tour?
Nolan: I go shopping for everything every day. I'm buying pedals and new guitars constantly. I'm really broke because of that habit! Now that I have more regular income, it's dangerous because I can finally afford all the gear I've always wanted.
MFM: What's next on your gear wishlist?
Nolan: I'll probably build a custom Martin guitar. I got picked up for a Martin endorsement earlier this year, so I get a pretty good discount to do it.
MFM: How do you approach songwriting while on tour?
Nolan: I write all the time, really. The only thing that stops me is if I lose my voice after several days of singing. I usually have a guitar in my hand 90% of the time, even in the tour van. Sometimes the words come first, sometimes the music. I particularly like writing melodies that seem different from my usual style, as I'm always trying to avoid sounding the same.
MFM: Can you tell us about your upcoming album?
Nolan: I signed to Atlantic Records mid-last year, and the plan is to have an album out by the end of this year. I'm hoping to release the album and then quickly follow up with a deluxe version that's essentially two records.
MFM: How did you end up covering Colby Caillat's "Bubbly"?
Nolan: When I was in junior high, that record had come out, and I loved the whole album. I knew how to play that song just from listening to it so many times. One day at band rehearsal, I started playing it as a joke while others were talking, and everyone turned around and said we had to start performing it. It's funny because I don't usually cover songs - I find learning other people's music tedious.
MFM: Is there something about you that you'd want people to know that they might not get from your music?
Nolan: I think I lay everything out pretty well in my music purposefully. I try to be as personable as I possibly can. I want people to feel like they know who I am just by listening to my music.
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