MUSIC
While I now primarily work in film and TV, I have over two decades of hard-won experience in the music world as a guitarist, bassist, producer and songwriter.
In the 2000s I played in several notable Toronto bands, which you can read about here.
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My own songwriting/bandleader projects have appeared under several names, including Blackeyes, Church & State, and "Nick Taylor." I have received Ontario Arts Council and FACTOR funding and have scored short films, documentaries, theatre and dance projects.
I'm now a proud hobbyist and release music under my Wu-Tang name: Phantom Watcher.
"Nostalgist" is a new album of ten original songs. Produced by Nick Taylor and R. Grunwald. Supported by the Ontario Arts Council and featuring over a dozen of Toronto's best musicians.
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The album was recorded gradually between 2015 and 2019.
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Nick Taylor: lead vocals, guitars. synth, percussion
Robbie Grunwald: engineer, mixer, piano, keyboards
Marshall Bureau: drums
Jay Anderson: drums
Mike Smith: bass
Charles James: fretless bass
Drew Jurecka: strings and arrangements
Mike Eckert: pedal steel guitar
Karen Ng: clarinet, saxophone
Jay Hay: flute, saxophone
Chris Isom: slide guitar
Veronique Dault: duet vocal 'Rebounding Man'
Scott Maynard, Samir Khan, Michael J. Boyd: bg vocals
Claire Doyle, Joanna Mohammed: bg vocals
Jeff McMurrich: bed track recording engineer
Fedge: mastering engineer
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BUY ON BANDCAMP OR LISTEN ON YOUR PREFERRED STREAMING SERVICE.
This solo album was produced with my friend Darin McConnell. at the Gas Station on Toronto Island and in his loft on Dufferin St. between 2010 and 2013.
String/Wind Quartet arranged and conducted by Caitlin Smith at Revolution Recording.
Mixed by Steve Major. Mastered by Fedge.
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Musicians: Bryden Baird, Jay Baird, Pat Blanchard, Rob Teehan, Jay Anderson, Matt McLaren, Scott Maynard, Lisa Lobsinger, Caitlin Smith, Julia Hambleton, Monica Fedrigo, Krista Wodelet, Emilie Mover, Andrew Innanen, Christopher Sandes, Andy Scott, Robbie Grunwald, Jaron Freeman-Fox, Mike Smith, Roman Tomé, Fiona Stewart, Ronley Teper.
IN CANADA, RELEASED ON EXIT SIGN MUSIC AND DISTRIBUTED BY SONY MUSIC CANADA, AVAILABLE HERE. REST OF WORLD: STAY TUNED.​
​PRESS FOR NAVIGATOR:
"Nick Taylor's resumé boasts a pretty impressive string of musical accomplishments, including playing with bands like Deep Dark United, The Old Soul and current gig in soul-rock outfit Steamboat. On Navigator, though, he's stepping out from the sidelines and taking full control of his sound.
And while Taylor's definitely at the helm throughout, his collaborative creative spirit hears him teaming up with guest musicians like Emilie Mover, Lisa Lobsinger (Broken Social Scene), Ronley Teper and Caitlin Smith.
Songs range from tried and true roots rock ("On the Corner," "Don't Say a Word") to more elaborate, orchestral numbers woven together by folksy fingerpicking ("Kings," "One Last Song") to gentle, carefully crafted folk-pop songs ("The Dark Doves," "The Lakes"). The collection blends together seamlessly, delivering moments that are simultaneously haunting and soothing, traditional and experimental."
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- EXCLAIM Magazine, July 2015.
Church & State was a rock band consisting of:
Nick Taylor - guitar and vocals
Katia Taylor - bass and vocals
Andrew Innanen - drums and vocals
Matt McLaren - guitar
Christopher Sandes - organ
Alia O'Brien guests on flute.
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Recorded by Jeff McMurrich at 6 Nassau over 3 days in March, 2009.
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I mixed the record. Ryan Mills mastered it.
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BUY ON BANDCAMP
LISTEN ON YOUR PREFERRED STREAMING SERVICE.