Meet Taylor Irving | Musician & Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Irving and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Discovering new things is what makes me the most happy. I think discovery is at the core of why I love making music. Whether it be discovering a new band or genre, learning how a certain song or sound was made, or ending up somewhere unexpected while creating something. In addition, I love the challenge of making music. I love that moment when hours, days and months spent trying to bring an idea to life is finally realized. That moment, a moment of pure joy and excitement, is what keeps me going. It makes all of the time spent, dead ends, and frustrated feelings, absolutely worth it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a musician and music producer that mainly makes metalcore and EDM. I started playing guitar when I was around 10, but didn’t really discover music production until I went to music school. It opened up a whole new world for me, and gave me the tools to realize my ideas in new ways. It was also really inspiring. There were so many amazing musicians around, and it was a really supportive environment. Through one of my teachers, I had the opportunity intern at a music studio. Everyone at that studio was so generous with their knowledge. It really transformed my approach to recording, which in turn, allowed me to be more self-sufficient as an artist. Metal and EDM are the genres that have always excited me the most. I love artists that blend those genres together, such as Mick Gordon, Northlane and Bring Me The Horizon. Artists like them have inspired me to continue to push myself and to get more experimental with the music I make. However, experimenting always involves a certain amount of creative risk taking, and that can generate a lot of doubt. I often worry that a new idea isn’t working, that it’s not good enough, or that it is just not that interesting. I think as artists we all experience these kind of doubts in one way or another. Many times it can mean that we don’t see an idea to the finish line or that it never sees the light of day. I know I am very guilty of this. However, one way I have discovered to overcome these doubts is to just get my ideas out there as soon as I can. Usually this means sending it off to some trusted friends, or posting something to social media, despite its imperfections. That feedback is so helpful, and it’s exciting to see heavier genres of music gaining more acceptance and traction in recent years. I have always gravitated towards metal and darker genres of music. It has provided me with a really amazing outlet to explore tough emotions. Mental health has always been a struggle for me, as for many, but heavy music has been a healthy place for me to let those emotions get the attention they deserve. Music has always brought me a lot of joy and I hope someday the things I create can do that for others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d say we would start at some of my favorite cafes. My current go-to’s are Cara Vana in North Hollywood and Giorla’s in Studio City. However, if someone is looking for a cafe that caters to plant-based and vegan diets, then definitely check out Coffee and Plants in Sherman Oaks. Next, I’d say hiking either Fryman Canyon or up to Griffith. Both are solid options, and have amazing sunsets views. If you’re at all into synthesizers or electronic music, then you definitely have to check out Perfect Circuit’s Burbank showroom. They have everything in there. Total synth nerd heaven. For dinner I have to recommend either The Stand in North Hollywood, they have great sandwiches and burgers, or The Park’s Finest BBQ in Echo Park. They have amazing Filipino-inspired BBQ, and their Mama Leah’s coconut beef adobo is to die for. Lastly, for a good bar/music spot, I highly recommend Gold-Diggers in Hollywood, especially if you go for Very Good Mondays. Some really amazing music there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends, bassist Chase Bryant and audio engineer Steve Olmon. Both have been so generous and supportive of me as I have gotten my start here in Los Angeles.

Instagram: @taylorirvingmusic

Image Credits
Ava Claire Pendragon