MUSIC - OLDER RELEASES
The City Diptych
"Villager" (2010) and "Navigator" (2015) are complementary albums showcasing two sides of my musical spirit. 'Villager' is a loud, grungey, rock'n'roll record performed by my former band Church & State. 'Navigator' is a quieter piece involving many different collaborators. Both address similar themes. You can buy a bundle of the two albums on CD for cheap over at our Bandcamp store.
"Navigator"
This solo album was produced with my friend Darin McConnell. at the Gas Station on Toronto Island and in his loft on Dufferin St. between 2010 and 2013.
Quartet arranged and conducted by Caitlin Smith at Revolution.
Mixed by Steve Major. Mastered by Fedge.
Musicians: Bryden Baird, Jay Baird, Pat Blanchard, Rob Teehan, Jay Anderson, Matt McLaren, Scott Maynard, Lisa Lobsinger, Caitlin Smith, Julia Hambleton, Monica Fedrigo, Krista Wodelet, Emilie Mover, Andrew Innanen, Christopher Sandes, Andy Scott, Robbie Grunwald, Jaron Freeman-Fox, Mike Smith, Roman Tomé, Fiona Stewart, Ronley Teper.
IN CANADA, RELEASED ON EXIT SIGN MUSIC AND DISTRIBUTED BY SONY MUSIC CANADA, AVAILABLE HERE.
REST OF WORLD: STAY TUNED.
"KINGS' Music Video. VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED!
PRESS FOR NAVIGATOR:
"Nick Taylor's resumé boasts a pretty impressive string of musical accomplishments, including playing with bands like Deep Dark United, The Old Soul and current gig in soul-rock outfit Steamboat. On Navigator, though, he's stepping out from the sidelines and taking full control of his sound.
And while Taylor's definitely at the helm throughout, his collaborative creative spirit hears him teaming up with guest musicians like Emilie Mover, Lisa Lobsinger (Broken Social Scene), Ronley Teper and Caitlin Smith.
Songs range from tried and true roots rock ("On the Corner," "Don't Say a Word") to more elaborate, orchestral numbers woven together by folksy fingerpicking ("Kings," "One Last Song") to gentle, carefully crafted folk-pop songs ("The Dark Doves," "The Lakes"). The collection blends together seamlessly, delivering moments that are simultaneously haunting and soothing, traditional and experimental."
- EXCLAIM Magazine, July 2015.
"Villager"
Church & State was a rock band consisting of:
Nick Taylor - guitar and vocals
Katia Taylor - bass and vocals
Andrew Innanen - drums and vocals
Matt McLaren - guitar
Christopher Sandes - organ
Alia O'Brien guested on flute on the last song.
Recorded by Jeff McMurrich at 6 Nassau over 3 days in March, 2009.
I mixed the record. Ryan Mills mastered it.
BUY ON BANDCAMP
LISTEN ON YOUR PREFERRED STREAMING SERVICE.
'Villager' EPK
The Jewel Case Diptych
Here are two early records that are not available on any streaming platforms, but that we are selling together on glorious compact disc over at our bandcamp store. They are limited to how many I currently have stored in my closet (ie. less than 100.)
Blackeyes - From a Blue Room (2001)
This album was recorded mostly live in a living room in the spring of 2001. Blackeyes was conceived with my sister Katia as a way to try out some quiet country-ish music and she wrote two of these songs (two of the best, I might add.) The original line-up was Kim Temple on drums and Randy Ray on guitar along with Katia and myself. For this recording we added Alex Lukashevsky on organ and Victoria Klingenstierna on accordion. Lee Sheppard recorded the album. It was originally released on the Kosher Rock Records label.
Nick Taylor/Church & State - Make Yourself a Stranger (2008)
This album started as a Blackeyes record with Dave Newfeld at Stars and Sons in 2002. There were subsequent sessions at several studios with several bands. It was finished and mixed by Jeff McMurrich and myself. 20+ people contributed,. It's an unfocused and overstuffed record, but there are some nice moments in it. It was the first ever 'Casa Libra' production and was distributed originally through MapleMusic and Zunior.
AS BAND MEMBER/SESSION MUSICIAN
I've had the pleasure of playing guitar and/or bass on over a dozen albums by some excellent Toronto artists. Here a discography, with links where available.
Ronley Teper's Lipliners - The Game (2018) independent
Marker Starling - Rosy Maze (2015) Tin Angel
Ronley Teper's Lipliners - Alive (2013) independent
Marker Starling w/ Sandro Perri & Steamboat - I Guarantee You a Good Time (2013) Tin Angel
Steamboat - Rules (2012) independent
Sunbear (Kate Boothman) - Moonbath (2010) independent
Emilie Mover - Seems So Long (2010) Balonka
Steamboat - Live in Nassau (2009) independent
Steamboat - S/T (2008) independent
The Old Soul - Gold (2007) Grifter
The Old Soul - She's Got Party Davies Eyes (2006) Hand of God
The Old Soul - S/T (2005) Universal Music Canada/Friendly Fire
Lenin i Shumov - S/T (2005) Blocks Recording Club
Deep Dark United - Fools! (2002) Kosher Rock Records
Randwiches - What Year (2001) Kosher Rock Records