E! online interview
Inside Joaquin Phoenix's "Brilliant" Long-Lost Album
Thu., Jan. 21, 2010 3:50 PM PST by Natalie Finn and Lindsay Miller
Long before it was all about the beard, it was all about the music.
More than a year before Joaquin Phoenix set a new standard for lethargy on Letterman and said he was abandoning the movie biz to pursue a career in hip-hop, the Oscar-nominated actor wrote and recorded what sounds like a masterpiece.
"He's a Beatles, Oasis, Bowie-style songwriter. I hold it in that high esteem,"
L.A. musician Julian Shah-Tayler, who collaborated on the album with Phoenix, exclusively tells E! News.
Well, if that description is accurate, so would we...if we ever get to hear what he's talking about!
"He's accomplished just about everything anyone could accomplish as an artist," Shah-Tayler continued, hypothesizing why Phoenix's musical artistry may remain long lost.
"So coming out with a brilliant album of great music would not surprise anybody, and I think that's maybe why he didn't release it...And I think it's better to have some secrets, and I think Joaquin's secret is his prodigious music talent."
Shah-Tayler says that he met the Walk the Line star through Spacehog member Anthony Langdon (Liv Tyler's almost-ex-brother-in-law) and producer Alan McGee.
Over the course of a couple of months in 2007, they recorded eight tracks, most of them at Phoenix's in-house recording studio at his L.A. home, Shah-Tayler says.
Never mind what was to come, the musician tells us that Phoenix wasn't withdrawn at all, but was instead "bubbly" and "effervescent."
And not only was he a crackerjack singer-songwriter, he apparently also produced the hell out of the album.
"He was one of the most demonstrative producers I've ever worked with," Shah-Tayler says.
"He would absolutely take you through the mental process of getting through it. Brilliant. He got exactly what he wanted and he got some of the best work out of me, as a pianist, that I have ever performed."
As for Phoenix's hip-hop aspirations, Shah-Tayler believes "he's quite capable of whatever he turns his hand to...Whatever it is, it will be genius, because I think he's close to genius."
We shall see. A rep for Phoenix's pal Casey Affleck told E! News last week that the documentary he was shooting about his friend's foray into hip-hop is now in postproduction.
San Gabriel Valley Press interview
Julian Shah-Tayler honors a muse with EP
By Michelle J. Mills Staff Writer
Posted: 12/31/2009 04:03:23 PM PST
Los Angeles musician Julian Shah-Tayler recently took a break from working on his next album to create a tribute to his friend, Christine Shroy-Hull.
"We used to talk about things and I used to write songs that she would encourage," said Shah-Tayler, who often performs locally at the Old Town Pub in Pasadena.
"I would play her the songs and she would give feedback."
When Shroy-Hull, who lived in Pennsylvania, died of a heroin overdose in September, her family wrote to Shah-Tayler asking him to release a song he had written for her.
He finessed the composition and then decided to release the six-track EP, "Un Ange Passe" (Impossible Things Records), in her honor today.
The effort features other tunes Shroy-Hull inspired or enjoyed, as well as a photo of her on its cover.
Shah-Tayler has produced for and performed with artists such as Siobhan Fahley (Bananarama), Courtney Love, Joaquin Phoenix, Whitey, drinkme, Bunny, Piel and more.
His music has been heard on "The Sopranos" and on the Discovery Channel.
He also played on the soundtracks of "Penelope," featuring Christina Ricci, and "The Golden Age," with Cate Blanchett.
Shah-Tayler has a wide-reaching repertoire, which includes singer/songwriter selections to danceable songs invoking a London new-wave feel.
"My music is influenced by all different areas of music today,"
Shah-Tayler said.
"I'm classically trained, so that's constantly in the back of my head, but I also
[Wetter]
have an avant garde approach to what I want to do with melody and what I want to do with chords.
I really want to make something that's not comfortable to begin with."
Shah-Tayler grew up in England. His mother originally wanted to be an opera singer, but set her dream aside to care for him.
His grandmother was a music teacher, who taught Shah-Tayler piano and encouraged him to learn the trumpet.
He also sang in school choir and was singing professionally by age 7.
He continued his music studies in school, learning violin, viola, piano and church organ, while teaching himself guitar, flute and other instruments.
But at the university, Shah-Tayler majored in philosophy.
"I found the study of music, particularly classical music, a little bit wrong for the magic,"
Shah-Tayler said.
"When you're writing your own stuff, it's best not to have a series of rules nagging at the back of your head: I can't transition to that chord or I can't put that there. There are a lot of rules in classical music that you just have to abandon to be a writer in rock music today."
He is a prolific writer, penning 70-80 songs per year, all inspired by the people around him.
"I write so much that there's not really a process,"
he said.
"I've had a complete song come to me in my dreams and I've also sat down and thought of a bass line and then built something meticulously from the bass line or I've just heard a beat that I really want to merge something on to."
Shah-Tayler is collaborating with electronica artist Jason Air and is a member of the local band Adamandevil.
He also deejays at clubs across the nation, including the Key Club in Los Angeles, and runs the acoustic club, Standard Tunings, at the Standard Hotel in Los Angeles with Scott Fairbrother.
His next full-length effort, "Coito Ergo Sum," is scheduled for release in spring.
"All I want is people to enjoy the music," he said. "I don't expect to become a millionaire."
People can order a physical copy of "Un Ange Passe" directly from his Web site. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/juliandrinkme.
michelle.mills@sgvn.com
Breakthrough band interview
Your Music: Julian Shah-Taylor
JulianShahTaylor
http://www.impossiblethingsrecords.com/shah/
Julian Shah-Taylor, self-producing artist, speaks with Breakthrough Band about his music and offers an inside look at the path he is trekking.
Breakthrough Band: How would you describe your music?
Julian Shah-Taylor: I would describe it as varied and informed by all sorts of different influences. I love all sorts of music from Classical to Avant Garde electronica and everything in between, so I like to reference as much as I can to make something beautiful that is unclassifiable. I would like it to be sensual and thoughtful.
BB: How do you produce your music?
JST: I record everything in my bedroom on a laptop and use one SM58 to mic everything from vocals to dulcimer/toy piano. I mix in Protools and play everything live, except for Arp Synths, which kind of play themselves!
BB: As a new artist, what was the biggest challenge that you have had to overcome?
JST: Distancing myself from what is expected of me from my previous bands. Also, getting trapped into a particular bracket. It is also impossible to find dedicated musicians who can put the time in that I would like.
BB: What is your favorite social networking or media web site and why?
JST: Facebook, because it is a lot more personal than the others.
BB: What advice do you have for others who are looking to start a band or market their music?
JST: Define your audience, target them, and mean it. Never do it for the wrong reasons…it is obvious and that comes through in the music.
Geekweek Review
Victor Ridaura review
Julian Shah-Tayler is an LA native that has paid his dues in the underground circle. He has played in such distinct bands as WHITEY
(co-writing the smash hit “Wrap It Up” - featured in “Whip It”, GTA4, and Sopranos) and his current band ADAMANDEVIL
perfecting his brand of Dance-Rock tunes, and pensive ballads.
Recently, I had the chance to see Julian’s show first hand and was astounded to see the amount of energy he brought to the stage.
The audience ate the whole thing up, particularly The Klaxon sounding, Louis XIV swaggering song called WETTER.
His debut solo EP “Un Ange Passe” will be released January 1st on iTunes via Impossible Records, and contains the very catchy, very danceable song,
BUT being as awesome as I am, you can get it NOW for free (or pay however you want) via this link:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/un-ange-passe/id347761580
But heed my warning, all you music mavens out there, these songs are available for free only until January 1st... SO GET 'EM NOW!
Enjoy!
LA 2Day one to watch
LA2Day mention
Julian Shah-Tayler decided to move to Los Angeles after playing the Avalon with his electronica band Whitey while supporting Peaches on tour.
Though playing electronica may have been fun, the versatile British musician and producer, who already has an extensive list of credits to his name, wanted his next project to resonate more emotionally.
Shah-Tayler, who cites John Lennon as his biggest influence, proceeded to record his first solo record, which will be released under the name Shah in March 2009.
The guitarist/vocalist/bassist/keyboardist says he strived for variety with songs such as the sexy dance number, "Wetter," and the ballad "Beautiful World," to avoid being tied to one genre.
Shah will release the tracks currently on his website, on iTunes via his label, Impossible Things Records
http://mojophenia.blogspot.com/2009/11/julian-shah-tayler-un-ange-passe-ep.html
Mojophenia blog review
Not one ounce of an inflated ego detected with this Los Angeles based musician. Currently one half of Adamandevil, Julian Shah-Tayler`s expanding portfolio reads like a hipster`s who`s-who with collaborations and liaisons that many mainstream artists could only dream of.
In fact from reading Julian`s bio/credits, multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ fit nicely within his sublime rock/electronic persona.
The forthcoming EP `Un Ange Passe` is currently on pre-release and leads with the hybrid electro/rock track `Wetter` while the elegant, slightly darker parts of the EP create a marvelled Bowie/John Foxx anecdote in a backdrop of current multi-Gigabyte technology.
Another stand out track is `Christine`, a personal lament for a lost friend, not at all bitter or despairing but a perfect celebration of life`s many characters.
An infectious solo release, metaphorically exciting and a few steps away from acclaimed success.
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http://boomboomchik.com/2009/11/album-review-julianshah-un-ange-passes.html
Boom Boom Chik blog review
Julian Shah-Tayler is a solo artist who writes, produces and performs all his own music.
He has produced and/or played guitar, bass and keyboards and sung in bands with Siobhan Fahey, Courtney Love, Joaquin Phoenix, Whitey, drinkme, Adamandevil, Bunny, Piel, Xerox, PFC and many more.
He is set to release his debut Solo EP, “Un Ange Passe” on Impossible Things Records.
The debut EP has a very special meaning to Julian as it is a dedication to his friend/muse Christine Shroy-Hull who passed in September of this year.
Almost All of the tracks on his EP are in some ways dedications to Christine for the inspiration she gave him.
He does this by crafting some indie-rock/electronic tracks that can go from upbeat dance party to moments of reflection on the things life throws at you.
Playing all the instruments on this EP, you can tell this guy has massive talent as a musician.
Be it the crazy guitar solos on “Wetter”, or the dark/ mysterious instruments played on “Communication”, he crafts songs that really invoke emotions within the listener. This guy has something going for him, and when his EP drops, I think people will start to notice.
The album will be available on January 1 st 2010 through all digital retailers. Also worth mentioning is that anyone that buys the special edition EP CD from the Impossible Things Records website will also get a bespoke recording for them by Julian.
It may be a specially recorded song, a live favorite, a version of a song from the EP or something else altogether, but guaranteed to be available to no-one else in the world.
enjoY!
http://markfishers-musicreview.blogspot.com/2009/12/julian-shah-tayler-un-ange-passe-mark.html
Julian Shah-Tayler
Un Ange Passe
Pick For The Day •
Genre
Alternative / Rock / Pop
•
Location
Los Angeles, California
United States
•
This Selection
Has Six inventive tracks
"Christine" seems to stick in the Head.
"Everything Is You"
Is more like a Early 70's track
Blended with Today's Madness
Vocals Are Excellent.
"Communication"
Is filled with many sounds
in the intro that intrigue the listener...
Wonderful vocals fill the track.
"Wetter" is a wild track filled
An Electro Beat and Great Mixing!
I
Suggest listening to these tracks.
•
∆
Click Here
∆
Final Comment
The Production is Superior
on this release of tracks.
http://beehivecandy.blogspot.com/2009/12/beehive-recommends-julian-shah-tayler.html
Beehive Candy blog review
Julian Shah-Tayler is a solo artist who writes, produces and performs his own music.
His EP - "Un Ange Passe" (dedicated to the memory of Christine Shroy-Hull) is released on 1st January, 2010.
His debut album, “Coito Ergo Sum” is due for release spring 2010 on Impossible Thing Records.
Julian has played guitar in 'Whitey' co writing the smash hit “Wrap It Up” which has been featured in Whip It, GTA 4, Sopranos, Kyle XY and CSI Miami.
He has also played keys & sang with Siobhan Fahey (Shakespear’s Sister), and played keyboards & sang on Joaquin Phoenix’s solo album among others!
Having listened to a number of his his songs, I reckon he could well break through in 2010, which would be deserved as his song writing and performance is quite stunning.
The melodies and variety of styles he uses along with first class production have really gained my attention.
Beehive Candy Blog
http://www.nerdy-frames.org/2009/11/alan-mcgee-favourite-julian-shah-tayler.html
Julian Shah-Tayler
Wetter EP – “Un Ange Passe” released 01/01/2010
.
“Wetter is Massive, It will make (Julian) a star” – Alan McGee (Oasis/Primal Scream/My Bloody Valentine)
“Very Impressed” – David J (Bauhaus/Love and Rockets)
Broadjam - 2 Number 1s – California and Alternative Rock
5 Garageband “tracks of the day”
Played guitar in “Whitey” – cowriting the smash hit “Wrap It Up”
(heard in “Whip It”, GTA 4, Sopranos, Kyle XY and CSI Miami)
Played Keys/Sang with Siobhan Fahey (Shakespear’s Sister)
Played keyboards/sang on Joaquin Phoenix’s solo album,
Played guitar for Kerli (Island Def Jam)
Now releasing the debut solo EP “Un Ange Passe” in tribute to Christine Shroy-Hull who left us on the 6th September 2009 and features on the cover.
It will be released on iTunes , all download sites and special edition CD mail order via Impossible Things Records on 1st January 2010
Anyone that buys the special edition EP CD from the Impossible Things Records website will also get a bespoke recording for them by Julian.
It might be a specially recorded song, a live favourite, a version of a song from the EP or something else altogether, but guaranteed to be available to no-one else in the world (unless they upload it themselves.....
Ask for something specific, you might maybe perhaps perchance get it, but be careful what you wish for!!
It is currently available for pre-release download on the free/donation site via this link: http://julianshah-tayler.bandcamp.com/album/un-ange-passe
Recordapedia interview
Recordapedia: When did you first start singing and writing music?
Julian Shah-Tayler: I was singing when I was 5 in a choir in Harrogate, England and started writing my first song (a sacred christian Magnificat) when I was 8 intentioned for the choir to perform. First rock song I wrote was when I was 14, It was called "Rayn"
Recordapedia: What musicians/bands have influences your sound?
Julian Shah-Tayler: Prince, David Bowie, Radiohead, The Cure, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and so many others like Cocteau Twins to My Bloody Valentine and Debussy
Recordapedia: Any recent funny stories in the studio or getting ready for a show?
Julian Shah-Tayler: Too many to go into here. Naked hotel corridor shenanigans, biting famous guitar players on the face, I guess you will have to wait for the autobiography... ;)
Recordapedia: What problems arose when recording your first demo? Could you give any advise to up and coming artists?
Julian Shah-Tayler: I did not really know what I was doing, how the song was going to turn out, had no concept of multitracking, I thought that writing a song intuitively would just throw up something special, did not take the time to finish off half baked ideas.
What came out of it was a respectable curio, but nothing remarkable
Recordapedia: Are there any tricks or tips that you learned in the studio recently that would be useful for artists or engineers?
Julian Shah-Tayler: Experiment with the limitations of what you have and make them part of the sound. A useful idea is to be sure that imagination is foremost in your mind. Do not try to imitate other people's ideas in the recording process, but invent your own paradigm. Accumulated experience of good music/experience will give you good ears, not years of study in engineering school, although that can be good for recording technique. A healthy dose of ability coupled with imgination will steer you well
Recordapedia: Are there any products out right now that you cannot live without? If so, what is it and how has it helped you?
Julian Shah-Tayler: Protools is its own world. It is an enabler for great music and imaginative ideas
Recordapedia: Are there any products out right now that you are not a fan of? If so, why should you stay away from it?
Julian Shah-Tayler: I have very little equipment, so my experience is pretty limited, and I would not downplay ANY music making medium, as if you CAN you WILL irrespective of tools...
Recordapedia: Any industry news that you want to comment on? If so, what is it and why do you think it is important to mention it?
Julian Shah-Tayler: Music sells less and less in the conventional sense, so don't look for a label anymore, take it into your own hands, get good, and get BUSINESS about music. If that means employing a manager to work with you, then do it. If no one wants to manage you, you just haven't earned it yet, baby!
Recordapedia: Where and When are your upcoming shows?
Julian Shah-Tayler: I am playing the Key Club on the 18th April, Bardot on the 2nd May and Moscow (Boardner's) on the 20th May
Do you have a new album coming out soon? When can we expect it?Any new
influences on the album?
The album is out on the 22nd June. "Coito Ergo Sum" is its name. LA was a big influence on the way it has turned out.....
Recordapedia: Are you listening to any new bands?
Julian Shah-Tayler: Beatnik Jr, Mahi Gato and Adamandevil (of course!)
Find out more:
http://www.myspace.com/juliandrinkme
http://www.impossiblethingsrecords.com/shah
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View Julian Shah-Tayler's EPK
Contact impossiblethingsrecords@gmail.com
