I have had the honor of interviewing many artists during my career with The Alvarez-Galloso News Hour.  The two artists [of the few] that have stood out with regards to my admiration for them are Laura Marie and Chris Taylor.

The music and personality of these two singer songwriters is the reason. When Chris Taylor sings his version of «Angels We Have Heard On High», I get [using a title from a song recorded by The Eagles] «a peaceful easy feeling» in a spiritual and personal sense.

The same feeling occurs when I hear Laura Marie sing «A Cherry Tree Carol».  The interpretations of songs by Laura Marie and Chris Taylor evokes a call to make Christmas an everday happening by loving each other. I will not deny receiving the same feeling when seeing a You Tube of both of them singing at the Luminaire.

I have decided to invite Chris Taylor to be interviewed for two reasons:

1. The Chris Taylor version of «Angels We Have Heard On High» is a refeshing contemporary version that compliments the classical version. If 45 RPM’s or EP’s [Vinyls] were around, both versions can be recorded for Side A or Side B.

2. Chris Taylor and Laura Marie [in my humble opinion] are not just singer songwriters. They belong to a class of singer songwriters that are musical geniuses.

1. What inspired you to be a singer-songwriter?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a creative mind and just liked exploring things. I loved the idea of writing thoughts and feelings and setting them to music. But it wasn’t until I heard U2’s Unforgettable Fire album that it motivated me like a wake up call from somewhere inside of me. That was the turning point… I think it was 1984.

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> 2. Who were your musical idols and what did you learn from their musical styles in order to form the style that would be Chris Taylor?

 
I’ve never really decided on a style! I keep going from acoustic to electric to drum loops to live band to solo – whatever mood and vibe is in my head… that’s what I want to do. Growing up I loved The Cars, then U2, then Joseph Arthur, The Waterboys and Hothouse Flowers… I love so much. James and their singer Tim Booth… amazing.

 

> 3. When did you first start collaborating with Laura Marie?
As soon as I could after I met her! She comes from a different mind set to music and songwriting than I do – but we connect pretty well and it makes for interesting collaborations. Although she appreciates many different styles, she leans toward a more «folk»  sound… whereas I come from outer space and have lots of wild ideas and interpretations.

 

> 4. Have you collaborated with other artists?
Sure. When I was younger… I never really had that opportunity. Insecurity kept me from seeking it out. But as I grew more confident in my own approach and style… and in meeting more songwriters locally here in San Antonio… I’ve written with Ruben V., Lady Jane Grey, Misty Jones to name a few. My biggest co-writing opportunity was with the amazing Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics. That was just a cool, cool thing. And have social media to thank for that. He is big on Twitter – and that is where he found me.
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> 5. What inspired you to record your own version of «Angels We Have Heard On High»?
It was 1994 or something like that… a local radio station here in San Antonio (99.5 KISS) was having local musicians come in and do their versions of Christmas Songs. I got an invite to the station and before I knew it I was in the car with my guitar heading down to rock a Christmas tune…. when it dawned on me… I didn’t really KNOW ANY Christmas songs! So I had to improv (which I do quite a bit) and try and recall the lyrics and melody to a song we sang in church as a teenager. «Angels» was the first song that popped into my head! So I knew I wouldn’t be able to play it in all it’s traditional glory… so I rewrote the sacred melody to fit my vibe while beating my hands on the steering wheel like a sloppy drummer…. when I got to the station I was in the waiting room and wrote chords to what I had been singing on the drive…. 15 minutes later – I’m singing it to San Antonio! Since then… I’ve grown to appreciate the lyric and the power behind it all.
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> 6. Have you performed outside of Texas? There is one venue that could interest you in the future. http://www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com/
I used to travel all the time. I’ve been all over America, to Canada and my music has even got me as far as Germany.  These days… without a promotional machine behind me… it’s harder to get out of town. Plus I have a full time music job that keeps me grounded to San Antonio / Austin scene. But that’s a good thing… for now.

 

> 7. What sets Chris Taylor’s music apart from the mainstream music of New York, Hollywood, or Nashville?

That is a great question. I would say…. Nothing! Hahaha… Or maybe the only difference is… I’m not even trying to do anything other than what brings me joy at the moment of recording or playing live. Not trying to create a strategy for sales or even find a market. i’ve relaxed quite a bit on that front. I’m just making music that brings me joy. That is a great place to be.
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> 8. What is your advice for those who want a music career?
I wouldn’t know where to start… I’d tell them to NOT think of it as a career. Think of it as a gift that can blossom into something else if it’s meant to do so. Or it can be an escape from the stress of the world… or it can be someone else’s escape… never let the pursuit of money or fame guide your music – or else it would be hollow. Create what brings you joy and if money and fame come along with that… now – THAT is amazing!

 

> 9. Do you have any message for the public?
Hahaha! No… but let me think here… OK… Love each other. We are all broken but we were all designed to bring light into this world. Some of us get to shine light through our artwork… others shine it through a smile, a lifestyle, hard work… parenthood… be creative. Live creatively and full of love…. it will change your life.

 

Thank you Chris for accepting my invitation and for your words to the people. My best wishes to you now and always.