Zac Taylor Masters Smooth and Soulful Storytelling on "Stay In The Night"
Zac Taylor by Mae Krell
We got the chance to speak with New Zealand musician Zac Taylor about his love of storytelling, his creative process, and the importance of collaboration within musical scapes. His new single, "Stay In The Night," oozes an 80s-pop vibe. His smooth and soulful vocals glide over the track with ease, providing a unique listening experience. His natural storytelling abilities take us on a dreamy and melodic journey, from a different place and time between his move from New Zealand to Australia.
Formerly a member of the pop-group Titanium, Taylor has since left the band to start his solo project. Since 2016, Taylor has spent his time reflecting and writing to debut this release that combines a mix of pop, soul and R&B.
Taylor describes working on "Stay In The Night" as "[...] nostalgic, in the sense of missing a moment I once lived. Being able to draw on a past relationship helped creatively speed up the whole process, as I already knew what I wanted to say. It all happened very naturally.” In his songwriting process, Taylor states that "[...it] inspires me to be better and reminds me of what I have overcome and achieved. There are some days when I can't get anything out and things just seem like they're going nowhere; nothing's working... But then somehow, something clicks and a light goes off and things start to flow." Check out our full conversation with Zac Taylor below.
Sierra Kaylen for Also Cool: Hi Zac! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us today. Congrats on your new solo project and single "Stay In The Night." Do you mind touching on how storytelling has impacted your music?
Zac Taylor: Thank you and it's my pleasure to speak with you guys! I've always loved telling stories since I was a kid. You could say I've always been a little overdramatic, but I guess it works in my favour when it comes to telling a story. Being able to put my life into songs is amazing and it's incredibly therapeutic. Telling stories has helped me get out of some pretty dark places over the years. As I continue to write, I'll keep working through this game of life.
Also Cool: When creating your single, "Stay In The Night," what emotions were you experiencing? How did they impact your creative process?
Zac Taylor: I was feeling nostalgic, in the sense of missing a moment I once lived. Being able to draw on a past relationship helped creatively speed up the whole process as I already knew what I wanted to say. It all happened very naturally.
Zac Taylor by Mae Krell
AC: You worked beside two close friends when creating your single. Can you elaborate on how collaboration in this industry is important?
ZT: I think collaboration is a big part of creating something special. You're able to bounce ideas around and come up with something that you probably would never have done by yourself as everyone draws from different perspectives and influences.
AC: What are some of your favourite memories from recording the song? Do you get nostalgic when you hear it?
ZT: It was a special weekend for me. Creating what would go on to be my first single as a solo artist. We went out to the countryside to get away from all the noise so we could be free to just create without any distractions. We were in full flow mode which is the best place to be when writing.
AC: I see you're originally from New Zealand and now in Melbourne. Have these two places impacted you creatively?
ZT: Yes! I am a proud Kiwi and although I miss my country, Melbourne has become a home away from home. A city filled with creatives, what's not to love. Everybody is hustling and so supportive of each other. I can't wait to work with more creatives here and get some new collaborations going.
Zac Taylor by Mae Krell
AC: If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
ZT: That is an extremely hard question. There are so many people I would love to work with. Musically I would love to collaborate with Poo Bear. I think he and I could create some magic together.
AC: How has songwriting impacted your life? What are some struggles you face when writing songs?
ZT: Songwriting continues to inspire me to be better and reminds me of what I have overcome and achieved. There are some days when I can't get anything out and things just seem like they're going nowhere; nothing's working... But then somehow, something clicks and a light goes off and things start to flow. It's a never-ending battle but if you just keep going and stay in the fight, eventually you will win.
AC: What do you think the future of music will look like? Are you excited about it?
ZT: Music is changing daily so I think naturally my music and sound will evolve, but for now I'm looking forward to sharing the rest of this project with you all. I have another three tracks to follow "Stay In The Night" they all tell a story and connect up.
Zac Taylor by Mae Krell
AC: I just finished watching your music video for "Stay In The Night" and the cinematography is beautiful. How did you come up with the concept for it?
ZT: Taine Noble! He's insanely talented and super fun to work with. We wanted to create a simple concept. Something picturesque, almost like a collection of photos. I think we nailed it.
AC: How can we best support you and your future endeavours? Do you have any advice to give to creatives who are just starting?
ZT: Come be a part of the journey, follow me on socials, and keep streaming my tunes.
It takes one moment, one person to change your life so spread the word.
My advice to creatives starting is to stay humble, be grateful and surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. I've been through it all, some might even call me Harry Potter the snake whisperer from all the snakes I've met in this industry. There's a lot of noise that can distract you and veer you off the path you're on. So having those key people around you will keep you focused, consistent and passionate.