Music Questionnaire No 12 -Scott Taylor

Scott Taylor is a guitarist and composer. He has released several recordings of his own music which basically consist of treated or remixed field recordings. These can be alternately comforting or disturbing, and have been released by Phonography, Authorised Version, Stradtgruen and Sijis amongst others. his track "Droner" appeared on the Touch CD "Spire".

He runs the "lower case" music label Lapilli, releasing CDs by Daniel Menche and Francisco Lopez, and is a member of the team that runs the Sijis label - "The Home of Music With A Limited Appeal".

His more commercial music can be heard on some TV adverts, and he has a background in a successful 80's pop group. Scott and I have worked together on a couple of occasions as "Thames Barrier".

Who are you?

Scott Taylor

Where are you based?

North Kensington

What instruments do you play?

Guitar

What is your current or most recent project?

'Please Keep Clear At All Times' on Entr'acte, pop songs with an 18 year old called Kristina Harvey, an upcoming album release by Z'EV and Francisco Lopez on my label, Lapilli and an upcoming release of an album by guitarist Gary Smith with a second album of remixes/interpretations by Bernhard Gunter, Steve Roden, David Tibet, Bill Fay, Elliott Sharp, BJ Nilsen, Peter Rehberg etc on a label I co-run, Sijis. Also, currently recording Gary Smith for a duo album in collaboration with Bernhard Gunter for release next year. And just finished an album for Spanish label Conv called 'Five Dreams For Sleepers'.

Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-

'Easy Rider' soundtrack caught my ear first of all when I was 8 or 9. It was, 'what the hell is that', particularly after a diet of Johnny Mathis and Trad Jazz in the parental home. That was what sent me off down years of musical cul-de-sacs or wide open boulevards.

What was the last record/CD you played-

'Low Valley' - Yannick Dauby

List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear-

The Drift - Scott Walker
Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys
The Parker Tapes - Casette Boy

Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-

Recently, it would be seeing the Flaming Lips - rare to see such genuine, innocent fun with spirit. The entire audience left with a huge smile on it's face.

Your favourite live venue-

Used to be The Marquee when it was on Wardour Street, now, no particular favourite, although the fleapit that is the Astoria is good.

What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?

A car park in Valencia, Spain at 2am in front of 10,000 pissed Spaniards.

Tell me about your worst experience as a performer-

1980 - a pub in Peckham - a psychotic looking skinhead stood directly in front of our singer, staring her out. He ended up having a fight with some punks at the back of the pub.

Tell me about a great experience as a performer-

Playing in Germany, 1,000 people, hit the downbeat of the first chorus of the first song and all the power tripped. Very odd feeling. Like Wile E. Coyote running in mid air after he's gone over the cliff edge.

Is improvisation important to you?
Essential when working things out, but I don't think that's what you're asking, so I'd have to say no.

Name three heros or heroines-

No.

What is your favourite city?

A toss up between Paris, Barcelona or Amsterdam. Certainly not grotty, over-rated London.

A couple of favourite books-

Perfume - Patrick Suskind
A Secret History - Donna Tartt

A couple of favourite films-
Stalker - Andrei Tarkovsky
Under Siege - the director is not particularly important (Andrew Davis). The presence of the mighty Steven Seagal is what counts.

What makes you laugh?

Steven Seagal, Peter Cook, Bill Hicks, real life slapstick.

A favourite website?
http://www.stuffonmycat.com/

Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?

'Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime' by The Korgis. Ahhhh!!!!!!


Thanks Scott
the music questionaires are an ongoing series