RUSSELL TAYLOR - tin man
The industry has been abuzz on the new release from soulful musician Russell Taylor. He’s already had a string of successful releases, but his latest, Tin Man, takes the game to an entirely new level. We had a moment to catch up with Taylor to talk about the new album and what’s in store for music fans.
U.G. Digital Mag: This is really awesome. Thanks so much for your time this afternoon.
Russell Taylor: Oh yea, man, thanks for having me.
U.G. Digital Mag: There’s so much talk of the vulnerability that you offer in your music. It’s truly an amazing thing because you don’t get it from a lot of artists. I think they want to travel that road, but just don’t for whatever reason. Why did you choose to reveal so much emotion here?
Russell Taylor: It comes from the title track. I think art is a form of activism. Looking at history, some of the most challenging and difficult times yield the best and strongest arts. Like civil rights, Vietnam, and particularly violence against African American men. The title of this project, Tin Man, comes from the Wiz. Remembering the actor, Nipsey Russell, one of his songs what “What Would I Do If I Could Feel”. Being an African American male, and living in our times to stay alive, I need to be behind a lot of barriers. I have to protect myself and cover all sides. After a while, it becomes post traumatic stress disorder and problematic with your interpersonal relationships. For me it’s important. I once heard someone say nobody wants to hear a man be vulnerable, but that’s not true. Some of the best soul singers from the 70s have nothing but full exposure. I just wanted to go against current status quo and tell the truth.
U.G. Digital Mag: Was there pushback in regard to your material and what you wanted to put out?
Russell Taylor: No, other than that comment I heard, and I don’t even think it was directed at me. You know, nobody wants to hear a man be vulnerable. It makes him weak. I’m like yo, last time I checked, I’m not weak. I want to be vulnerable and unlock the door. People think it’s soft, but it’s not. It means being in the moment and experiencing what’s happening, letting people in. You don’t give up the right to defend yourself just by being vulnerable.
U.G. Digital Mag: Talk about this album, versus your last, and the growth that has come?