STEPH TAYLOR: For Me

Steph Taylor

For Me

© 2003 Steph Taylor (634479308437)

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Her guitar flirts with you and then her piano breaks your heart.

tracks

1 Gavein
2 In Time
3 For Me
4 Jay
5 On and On
6 How True
7 Ekard
8 Perfectly Fine
9 In This Way
10 Just Like This Song
11 Intention
12 Estrayed

notes

Born and raised in North Miami Beach, Stephanie Taylor grew up surrounded by the ocean and heavily influenced by her father's love of music. Without any musical training, her father filled Steph's childhood with his creative songs and inspired her in many ways. Steph's first "music lesson" was at 4 years old when she explored the piano, figuring out how to play "When You Wish Upon a Star" by ear. She hasn't left the keys since. At age 9, her dad challenged her to learn as many Beatles songs as she could. That challenge planted a deep appreciation of their music, which remains a source of inspiration to her.
Although Steph did not seek out musical training, playing music was as much a hobby as it was a natural part of life. At 14, she was awestruck when her friend played her one of his original songs. In that moment, she developed a new respect for creative expression and her passion for songwriting was immediate. While Steph's first love is the piano, she is a talented guitar player as well, choosing between instruments to compose her songs.
"Each instrument has a way of expressing different emotions. While playing the piano, I feel more vulnerable. I'm pouring my heart out through its music. It's closer to my truth than words could ever be...when I'm playing the guitar, I feel more in control. I'm conveying my empowerment-I often write my songs for guitar, where as the piano writes my songs itself."
Although Steph has been performing for years, she became serious about her music when she began playing the scene in Gainesville, while attending the University of Florida. Genuinely surprised and excited by the reaction of her audiences, her musical "hobby" grew into a love for performing live. Steph quickly moved from playing local open mics to packing venues throughout Florida.
"There are so many things I love about performing. I love the feeling of connecting to a room full of people. It amazes me to relate on such a simple and emotional level. Playing to an audience is incredibly fulfilling and incredibly challenging at the same time. There is a moment at almost every show when I think what am I doing? Is that really my voice filling up the room? So it can become a journey in and out of my experience (my little box)...it can be nerve wrecking, but it's one of the things that makes performing so rewarding. I hope it never changes."
After selling out of all of her five-song demo CD's, Stephanie decided that it was time for a full length. She went right into the studio and emerged with her debut release, "For Me" and a handful of lessons about the recording process.
"I improvise often within my songs, so I found it difficult to commit to a version to be recorded. I had to strip my "musical" tangents and go back to the core of the song, or at least settle in a place that lends itself to more structure throughout. Aside from some minor technical stuff, I'm really happy with the outcome."
Shortly after completing "For Me," Steph packed up and moved to Boston, where she is currently studying at Berklee College of Music. Being a self taught, she is both nervous and intrigued to discover more about her craft and excited by what Berklee and Boston have to offer.

reviews

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  • Fabulous!
    author: Jaime

    You are so talented! I really enjoy your stuff!

  • Love it love it love it. Can't wait for her next album
    author: Amy

    I love the cd, it reminds me a lil of Ani defranco.

  • Relatable songs, awesome vocals and musicianship
    author: Rachael

    This CD does a good job of showcasing Steph's strong musicianship, vocal ability and songwriting. The songs are thoughtful and despite being extremely personal, it's easy to relate to them. I listen to this CD frequently and I can't wait to get her new one when it's out.

  • A woman alone with her music, her feelings and her art
    author: Natasha

    Why should you buy this album? First, buy it for the piano. It is strong. It is complex. It is emotional. I like Steph Taylor's piano, like I worship Nina Simone's. Buy it for the guitar. I prefer her on piano but that is a completely personal bias and has nothing to do with ST's instrumental artistry. Blame MTV, but I could almost see her fingers playing across the strings. Buy it for the lyrics and the voice, both of which are clear, forceful and almost embarrassingly personal. You will hurt. You will feel depressed. It will get to you, and that is exactly what makes this album wonderful. Finally, buy it for track 7. The sound of a woman alone with her music, her feelings and her art – just be grateful that she let us listen.

  • brilliant and raw
    author: Jason Meyers

    It is rare in today's music world for a musician to display not only incredible, musical talent, but also exceptional songwriting that is not only intelligent and literarily sound, but passionate, brash, and honest. Some have compared Steph Taylor to Ani DiFranco and the likes of Alanis Morisette; on the contrary (if she deserves comparison, as she is uncomparable), her writing and singing style - gentle yet ragingly forceful - smacks more of the likes of Bob Dylan and Henry Miller. She displays pain and the reality of the world around her through hopeful, optimistic eyes in a body that still cherishes (albeit criticizes) herself, and loves life in the long run.

  • author: andy

    When I first heard her album, I was shocked she wasn't already famous.

  • excellent, excellent excellent
    author: vanessa

    I was turned onto steph taylor by a friend and now I cant get enough. Every single track just blows my mind. I can relate to alot of the tracks!! Thats when the music/lyrics are the best! Vanessa

  • im completely captivated
    author: Samantha

    The first time i saw steph live , any distraction the world tried to attract my attention with, failed in comparison to the sounds she created from her keyboard. It was honestly impossible to focus on anything else but her music. I am very impressed by the unique creativity of her songwritting. There is a quality about her music that demands attention , and stands out among other artists...And that quality is absolutely captured in this recording

  • author: Judy Stanton

    Not sure which I enjoyed more, the musical instruments or the voice of this very talented and thoughtful young artist. Her timing and voice range capture your attention, along with her musical story telling. The album was part of Sara's 21st birthday gift, she loved it. Thanks, Steph

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