Mark Taylor Jr. and the Sound of the Open Road
Friday, July, 17, 2020, marks the day Mark Taylor Jr.’s first EP, “Last of My Kind” became available on all streaming platforms. With six songs that feature both local and global artists, Taylor’s music project is a celebration of collaboration, love, loss and journeys.
Since the record’s release, Taylor has embarked on a journey of his own — a two-month, cross-country road trip. After a year of setbacks, both professionally and personally, this local South Carolina musician chose to pack up his possessions, buy a motorcycle, and turn an otherwise trying time into the last of its kind.
Q. Where were you in your music career at the beginning of 2020? What projects were you working on, and where are those now?
A.
At the beginning of 2020 I was working with several very talented local artists and I was also working on my new EP, “Last of My Kind.”
Q. Everyone seems to have a moment during COVID-19 that changed either their routine, their career, their personal relationships, their way of thinking, or all of the above. What was that moment for you?
A.
I was playing music at bars and festivals but the COVID-19 shutdown put a hold on getting my music out.
Q. Being a local musician, where in South Carolina have you preformed? Where do you like to get down and jam?
A.
At many events around Charleston, Columbia, Lugoff, and Edisto Island. I enjoy playing for people, it’s what makes me happy.
Q. As a songwriter, you are always trying to engage your listeners with the lyrical word. In your own process, which comes first, the words or the sound? Or are they one in the same?
A.
It’s either or, but most of the time it’s the sound. I’ve only written one song in the past ... where words came first.
Q. You’ve said music heals. What did you set out to cure with your first record release, “Last of my Kind”?
A.
I set out to cure people of stagnating in their homes. I’m trying to get people out there again, driving and enjoying the earth we were given.
Q. With hindsight being 20/20, is there a message or a theme you wish you could have included in your forthcoming EP to speak to the present moment?
A.
I just wish people wouldn’t be so susceptible to the media frenzy stuff. My grandfather always said if you don’t understand it then leave it alone and do things you do understand.
Q. In your music you feature worldwide talent. How were those connections formed, and why was it important for you to include global talent in this project?
A.
I believe that collaboration is a wave of the future. Whether it’s local or global there’s so much talent out there. Why not all of us work at one common goal, right?
Q. For those who are not following you on social media and might not know that you’ve set out on a cross-country road trip, how did you come that the decision?
A.
My mom passed away suddenly on May 6 and I decided it was time to see something bigger in my life than just the southern USA. Life is so short we must live it before it’s taken away.
Q. Why did you choose not to drive, but instead ride a motorcycle out West?
A.
I decided to take the bike because in my eyes, and a lot of others eyes, it represents freedom.
Q. Are you pedaling along a pre-planned route or making directional decisions as they come?
A.
My route will take me through the Northwestern Corridor. Can’t give it all away in interview. If folks want to know where I’m at, they can follow my Instagram @taylr803.
Q. Now let’s talk hogs, why a Harley-Davidson Lowrider?
A.
I must have looked at 40 different bikes and rode at least three or four, and the lowrider just touched me. I love the way it sits, I love the way it handles, and you can’t get a much more beautiful machine to travel on.
Q. What do you see being the most challenging part (literal or figurative) of straddling a motor across America for two months?
A.
I would have to say just the road miles in general. It’s a lot of hard riding to get across the USA. My dad took this trip several times in his youth and he warns me constantly about how much my rear is gonna hurt from the miles of riding.
Q. Any national landmarks or must-sees on your itinerary?
A.
Oh yes. I wish to see Glacier National Forest, Yellowstone, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Bear Tooth Pass. The list goes on.
Q. After it’s all said and done, what do you hope to personally and professionally come back to?
A.
I hope that I come back with more happiness than grief. I would also like to come back to a place where people are enjoying my music and maybe, just maybe, being a bit more friendly to each other.
This story was originally published July 23, 2020 at 10:17 PM with the headline "Mark Taylor Jr. and the Sound of the Open Road."