MJTaylor

MJ Taylor sings with a gravely resonance, a voice raw yet refined, brimming with acoustic quality and broken passion in the same breath.

The 26-year old songwriter lives in Torquay on Victoria's Surf Coast , a beautiful landscape of cliffs and beaches that both calms and inspires. Some of MJ's songs can be traced back to stories about the coast and the people that cling to it.

MJ's distinctive vocal style is the first element of his music that grabs the listener's attention. It floats above his effortless guitar work, which utilises basic chords in a style so captivating it belies their simplicity, and unique tunings and finger-picking so soothing it belies its complexity.

It's a style that has its origins overseas. It was while living in Spain on a working holiday that MJ devoted himself to serious performing. The Spanish language has stayed with him and permeates his lyrics. Open mike nights in London saw his sojourn become a de-facto first tour.

Upon returning home, MJ set about establishing an solid reputation on the Surf Coast through regular gigs at venues such as the Sandbah Café and Surfrider Café. He scored support spots with the likes of Carus and Tim Rogers, furthering his reputation.

MJ's only album - a live recording - is in continuous demand around Torquay. Combining haunting violin and MJ's gently-plucked guitar, the album is a rare gem.

In the last few months he has toured to New Zealand, playing shows in South Island snow fields to packed bars and rapturous applause. He also toured to North Queensland, playing with fellow roots musician Ryan Toohey.

Now he is readying to begin a busy year of recording and touring, starting with a month-long return journey to New Zealand . Trips to the surf resorts of Indonesia, and east and west coast tours of Australia are being planned.