Oh, Silver tree, how did you make that sound?

 
Today my dear friend Adam Taylor posted a Facebook status update, calling out another band for having accused him of working the whole 'Taylor' angle toward success:

                To [ASSHAT BAND] and anyone else who feels I am "riding my brother's coattails." Work half as hard as I have and get back to me. Sorry folks but, there's no "silver platter of success." It wasn't given to me, and it won't be given to you :)

I have chosen not to reveal the name of the Lancaster-based band here, because I don't want to give them any additional attention.  A lot of people know who it is, and you could probably figure it out in a matter of minutes.  But I don't think their shitty attack on Adam warrants people clicking LIKE on their Facebook page or searching for their videos on YouTube.

Let's back up for readers who may not be familiar with the incomparable Adam Taylor.  Adam is a 20-year-old musician from Lancaster, PA.  He released his first EP, Play the Piano Drunk, in 2008.  His new CD, No Poet, is set to be released April 18th.  Both records were produced by his older brother, Chad Taylor, who is a founding member and kick-ass guitarist for both Live and the Gracious Few.  Chad is also a seasoned producer and has been in the music business since his teens. 

Adam Taylor is undeniably one of the hardest working musicians I know.   He gave up an art school scholarship to move to Lancaster from his hometown of Hagerstown, MD, and pursue his music career full time.  He also works as a graphic designer on the side, because a good song won't always pay for the ramen noodles.  He acts as his own booking agent and does all of his own social media work.  Actively.

Adam and I chat regularly, and I know he is almost always thinking about his work.  Even when he's off being a graphic designer or just hanging out and being Adam, he always has the music in the back of his mind.  He estimates he spends anywhere from two to twelve hours a day working to be a successful musician. 

"Some days being Adam Taylor means talking to fans all day long," he says.  "Some days it means being a booking agent, or being an accountant, or a salesman.  Some days I get to be an artist."

Let's be honest: having Chad Taylor as an older brother has probably had its advantages.  It's probably cracked open a few heavy doors that other acts are still pounding on with their bloody fists.  And having a producer who knows you so well could be advantageous when you're going into the studio, surely. 

But here's the thing about Chad: he's possibly Adam's toughest critic.  There are almost certainly people who don't like Chad, whether personally or professionally, and they would be just as likely to slam the door in Adam's face when they make the connection.  And having a producer who knows you so well could be unnerving when you're going into the studio, surely.    

Chad is also an incredibly hard-working musician, and he modeled that work ethic for his brother.  "Chad was kind of the first person to give me tough love, ya know?  What I learned from him is that if you want something, if you truly want it, you'll work for it," says Adam.

Admittedly, Chad opened the door to Adam for me.  He asked his own fans on his own Facebook page to give his brother's music a quick listen.  When I did, I loved what I heard and wanted to hear more.  The thing is, Adam's music is not Chad's.  They are stylistically different and phenomenally talented in different ways.  Adam doesn't stomp when he plays, either.  (Though I'd really, really love to see that just once!)

The star quarterback's little brother is just as good at throwing a ball, but he has a completely different playbook.  And he's not wearing his brother's old jersey.

I did my first interview with Adam last year after hearing his music, and we developed a friendship.  I am personally offended that anyone would talk smack about the boy when it's totally unwarranted.  You wanna talk about how he needs to brush his hair or trim his beard or even take a shower, fine.  He'll probably admit the same things.  But to insinuate that he's only gotten as far as he has because he's Chad's brother is asinine and just downright wrong. 

I asked Adam if he thinks of himself as successful.  "Hell no!" he says.  "I've had successes, but I wouldn't say I'm successful!"

Not yet, Adam, but there are a lot of us who are doing everything we can to help you get there.  We can hear your hard work and your passion in your music, and we appreciate that you put it all out there for us to enjoy.  That's why your Kickstarter goal was met in three days.  That's why 112 people gave you $8,158--instead of the $6,000 you were hoping to raise. 

As Paul Schipper, Facebook fan and friend of Adam, said, "I believe you asked me for six thousand dollars not your brother."

Adam Taylor, I know you had Chad's support, and I know Chad is proud of you.  So are your dad and your mom and your sisters and your nieces and your band mates and your friends and your fans.  But you did this.  You got this far, and you will get even farther, because you are a talented musician with no pretense or ego--just as your brother has publicly stated before.  You are honest and genuine, and it comes through in the incredible music you make and share with us. 

And as for you, ASSHAT BAND, I'll be in Lancaster in a couple of weeks.  I have a big pair of black boots that haven't done any kicking in a while.  They'd really like to get to know your shins a little better.

  

Comments

[Cheryl Porter]

Well said.

Also, I have pair of big black boots that have been itching to do some kicking themselves. I'll loan them to you.

[StephQJ]

I'll wear them on my hands. Two sets of shins at once. It'll be awesome!

[David Jerke]

Wow this is awesome, Steph! As one of the proud 112 backers, thank you for sharing this. Adam truly is a beast of talent. He has a very bright future head of him.

[StephQJ]

Indeed he does, David! I know I'm not alone in my love of Adam, and it was amazing to see how many people stepped up to defend him when the asshats came calling. I, for one, am very excited to see where he goes from here.