Taylor Janzen announces new EP for the world to hear.
Interview conductedon April 15, 2019
by Dan Locke
With her stunningly sparse melodies and minimalistic guitar riffs, 19 year old Taylor Janzen may seem softly spoken, but her staggering lyrical narrative and deeply personal writing sends a resounding message.
The Winnipeg artist garnered praise from the likes of New York Times with her debut EP, “Interpersonal“, which was mastered by Greg Calbi (Julien Baker, Arcade Fire, Big Thief), and co-produced by Taylor. With further praise from NYLON, Paste, The Line of Best Fit and more, Taylor kicked off the year as an Official Artist at SXSW where she performed at the Rolling Stone Emerging Artist Showcase and NPR featured her in their coveted Austin 100.
Today, she returns with “Shouting Matches”, the title track from her forthcoming EP due for release May 3. Premiering on Clash, the song opens with folk-twinged riffs set against a haunting soundscape and building drums, and sees Taylor explore her struggles with mental health and how that affects her as an artist.
Dan Locke: You are from Winnipeg. Let’s talk about some of the bands from your area. Can you tell me about some of the following bands in a sentence or two?
Taylor Janzen: Neil Young – Such a classic songwriter and storyteller. Neil Young is truly Winnipeg’s biggest pride and joy.
Randy Buchman
Crash Test Dummies
Domenica
The Wailin’ Jennys
Bif Naked – Bif Naked is such a badass! I’m so inspired by how authentic she is and how openly she shares her life and personality with the world.
What is the year and make of your guitars?
I bought my guitar off kijiji (Canadian CraigsList) and I actually have no idea what the make/model of it is! It seems to be a bit of a Frankenstein guitar. It’s got a set neck which is really interesting. That makes it super heavy which makes me feel like a badass.
Any endorsements yet?
Nope. DIY til I die. Just kidding. We’ll see.
You have a series of festivals coming up. Shaky Knees Music Festival, Bunbury and Winnipeg Folk Festival. Which one are you more excited to play?
I’m excited about all of them for different reasons! Shaky Knees and Bunbury both have incredible lineups and they’re in cities that I’ve never been to and am really excited to visit! Winnipeg Folk Festival is in my home town and I’ve always wanted to be on the lineup so that one has a very special place in my heart.
Since NPR now knows about you are you thinking about trying out for NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert?
I’m really thankful for NPR including me in their SXSW list of artists to check out, I’d love to do a tiny desk session someday!
As I was researching you, I kept reading about your cat. Tell me about your cat?
I have never loved a living being more than I love my cat. Her name is Rory Gilmore and she’s a gorgeous model and a lovely companion. I could talk about her forever.
Tell me about your debut EP “Interpersonal?”
It was recorded at my friends’ house in the middle of winter. It’s very intimate and stripped back and I’m really grateful to have been able to release it and have people actually listen to it.
Who would you like to open for?
Brandi Carlile!
Who would you like to open up for you?
There are some really amazing local acts that I’d love to play some shows with!
How do you see yourself in five years?
Touring and continuing to grow as a musician. Hopefully, I’ll be able to rip a wild guitar solo by then.
Anything in closing?
Thank you so much for talking with me, I have a new EP called Shouting Matches coming out May 3rd!
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