Interview: Nathan Taylor
Florida worship leader Nathan Taylor has just released his new single, 'Thank You' ahead of his forthcoming full-length album. LTTM spoke to Nathan to hear how his music was inspired and what we can expect from him in the future.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Well my name is Nathan I’m from California but when I was still pretty young my family moved to Florida. That’s when I got into music. I saw my worship pastor at church singing and playing and I guess I just wanted to be like him when I grew up. I started leading worship and writing music around 12 years old and have been ever since.
Tell us about your new single 'Thank You' with Dion Davis, and what the inspiration behind it was?
Thank you was a type of quest for me. I had this deep idea and knew I needed to write a song that gave words and melody to this idea. After months of singing “Thank You” to Jesus in any way I could think of I kinda just landed on this chorus: “thank you, you didn’t have to do it, but you wanted to.” I felt like it said everything I was trying to say.
You're working on an album at the moment as well - what can you tell us about that?
This is my first full-length album, I’m very excited to release it! Thank You, Found My Hope, and two other songs have already been released as singles off this album. The whole point of this album was to write songs about Us- me and Jesus, you and Jesus, us and Jesus. We wanted to write music and choruses anyone could hear and connect with quickly, I have a huge heart for house churches and they don’t often have a screen for lyrics so I wanted the melodies and words to be as tangible as possible. At the same time we wanted to write music lathe congregations could sing as well, music an entire band and church could get behind.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
God is good even if the day isn’t. His love is steadfast and faithful even when we aren’t. We are loved so much Jesus made us one with himself, and through him we are finally one with God again. I hope these songs connect the heart of God with ours no matter what stage of life we are in.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I don’t know if I know what my style of music is yet haha. I do love United Pursuit, Jason Upton, and Jeremy Riddle. I also do love Ed Sheeran. My biggest influences are probably these people and my relationship with with Jesus. Keeping that healthy is definitely my number 1 priority.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Will Reagan. For sure. I think his writing style is incredible. It would be such a privilege to think about and explore music with him.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
People meeting Jesus right where they are. I don’t know of any greater way I could succeed.
What is your favorite album of all time?
That's hard. But probably Jacobs Dream by Jason Upton. I’ve gone to this album for inspiration for over 12 years.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Dying Star by Jason Upton.
What does the next year hold for you?
Not quite sure, I got married this year so I’m still going to be figuring that out a lot I imagine. I want to love Jesus more, I want to love my wife more. Pretty simple for me.
