Liquor Cabinet Music: Nolan Taylor

When I say that this is one of the rawest performances I have seen in ages, you'll know it's true the moment you listen to this all the way through. 

Nolan Taylor is everything I look for when I'm scrolling the ole internet looking for new artists. 

I'm a firm believer that most folks' true musical identity comes from the first or second albums. Sure, there are exceptions but it's typically the rule, especially for rap and red dirt grit. 

There's a live recording of Taylor's song 68 which is the one above. Nolan tells the audience that the next song is the most important thing in the world to him except for his girlfriend. When he starts playing, you can hear the story begin to unfold and understand why. He talks about his life and his relationship with his mother. You can hear the pain in his voice when he talks about being forced to drive home while she was drunk in the passenger seat. You can hear by the end of the song that this wasn't a fading moment in his childhood but a theme throughout his life even into adulthood when he had the money to give. If you're the kid of a substance abuser, you hear this shit and feel it. 

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I was listening to a random playlist on Spotify when I first heard the song. I was driving down the road and kinda daydreamed into Bolivian like I usually am. By the time Nolan got to the bridge, I was tuned all the way back in and locked on the lyrics. I'm sure you will be too. 

There are certain artists in this genre that stop you dead in your tracks with their unique voices. Colter Wall. Zach Bryan. Tyler Childers. Sturgill Simpson. Billy Strings. All those artists write and sing from the ole heart. While Nolan isn't as country as the rest of those I named and has more of an Americana folk vibe, he for sure captures the best parts of each of those artists. Honesty. He writes and sings with honesty. 

Whether it's Childers talking about his and his family's drug issues or Nolan with a difficult upbringing, there's something special in their songs and the openness to share. One guitar. One mic. One dude's stories. Musically, doesn't get much better than that imo. 

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PS: I realize he is handsome as fuck but this isn't about looks or raw, undeniable sex appeal. It's about talent and he has it in spades.