We can’t wait until we enjoy Sean Taylor performing at www.costafestival.co.uk in March . I was lucky enough to catch up with him the other day and find out a little more about one of the hottest new names in the UK blues/acoustic scene and as quoted by the Metro ” A STAR IN THE MAKING”

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your influences?

My name is Sean Taylor I’m a singer-songwriter from London. I have released six albums and toured all over the world. My new album ‘Chase The Night’ was recorded in Austin, Texas with producer Mark Hallman (Carole King, Ani Di Franco, Ruthie Foster). My main influences are blues, folk and rock n roll but I find nearly all styles of music interesting to listen to.

When did you start playing music and what lead you there?

I first started singing and playing guitar when I was 15 and within two years I was gigging all over UK. The first music I listened to was a lot of sixties soul, Marvin Gaye and Temptations which really made me want to sing and write my own songs. Then I got into a lot of blues and folk music from the same period such as Pentangle and Butterfield Blues Band. Then I really got into artists like John Martyn and Tom Waits who cut across genres and influences.

What do you draw from when you write your lyrics?

I’m inspired by the world around us and different people that I meet. Every town and city I go to has a different feel, so many of my songs come from meeting people on the road. I also find other types of art such as poetry and painting very important. Poetry in particular ; I love the Beat poets of Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Jack Kerouac as well as more challenging writers like Federico Garcia Lorca and Wallace Stevens.

How would you describe your style of music?

I have always been influenced by artists who cut across genres; such as Van Morrison, Neil Young and JJ Cale. With my music I have always tried to follow my own path and create a style that sounds like no one else. I have no interest in copying other artists, and with every gig and every album the songs are developing.

We are loving that your are supporting Hillsborough Campaign For Justice? What lead you to record You Will Never Walk Alone?

I have always been a Liverpool FC fan. When I was a kind I played football till I was 17 then I got more and more into music. The Hillsborough disaster and the state cover-up of the lies is one of the biggest tragedies in our history. The strength in fighting for justice of the people of Liverpool and all those involved with the Hillsborough Justice Campaign is an incredible thing. I was asked to record a version of the song for LFCTV and the response to the track was so great that I decided to release it as a single. All the profits go to the Hillsborough Justice Campaign.

We really love your new album “Chase The Night” especially that single.

Thanks for that. ‘Chase The Night’ is the album I always wanted to make. Working in Austin, TX with Mark Hallman was very special. We have loads of different instruments and mics set up so we can record very quickly. It is a great way to record, it’s very intense and you’re never sure what’s going to happen next.

Which single off that album means the most to you and why?

I love the song ‘London’ featuring Danny Thompson who I have been touring with. Working with Danny is something I will never forget; he’s such an incredible double bass player. The minute I recorded the song I knew it would be perfect for him. I’m playing his birthday gig next year with Eric Bibb. The song is about being from London and the magic of the night-time in particular. I’m proud to be from London with its wild nights and manic lifestyle. As an artist it’s such a special place to write songs about, so many influences and stories on every street.

What are you currently writing/recording?

I’m working on lots of new songs as always. Some very bluesy stuff, I have been listening to a lot of John Lee Hooker. But also some ambient and romantic songs as I love Bon Iver’s self titled second album, which is stunning.

What are your plans for the near future?

Well the new album ‘Chase The Night’ has only been out a few months so lots of work promoting it with gigs all over the place. 2014 is looking great with gigs in Spain, France, Holland, Finland and a UK tour. I love playing live, it feels like home.

One last question – which artist or band would you love to perform or record with and why?

I really like Manu Chao I love the way he produces his albums; so vibrant and exciting. There are so many influences in there. He made a great album with Amadou et Mariam a great African duo, that is one of my favourite albums.

www.seantaylorsongs.com.