We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taylor Watkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on would undoubtedly be my new record “Ghost Shirt Society”. This album represents a vulnerable side of myself that I have not expressed in previous releases. This collection of songs acts as a reflection of the four years I spent living on the road and settling down in Western North Carolina. The themes range from self-reflection, grief, and existential dread while staying hopeful and sharing inspiration for growth.

Taylor, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been playing music since I was a toddler and it shaped into a lifelong journey of entertaining and songwriting. I moved to Nashville in 2017 to record my first record on Music Row while still going to college. After graduating and spending years in the music city, the road was calling to me. I knew I needed to travel and spread my message the good ole fashion way, live and in-person. I lived out of a tour van for four years full-time, living all over the United States, including Maine, Idaho, Kentucky, Alabama, and many more before finding a home in North Carolina. From years of recording and production experience in Nashville, I knew it was time to produce my third record out of my home in Black Mountain, NC. My new record “Ghost Shirt Society” sets the tone for my music moving forward. I have developed an incredible network of friends, musicians, and fellow artists that helped this record come together. This is only the start. After a decade of dedication, thousands of shows on the road, and paying my dues into the “struggling artist” fund I am stepping into the era of my best self, as a musician, husband, and community builder!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

A lot of my week goes to developing direct support into my community, whether that is local or nationwide. Working hand in hand with my regional community, I am collaborating first-hand with all varieties of artists: booking shows, event coordinating, raising funds for artists funds and organizations, hosting songwriter series, etc. The best way to support this community including myself is to share their art on social sites, follow accounts, buy merchandise, and spread the news word-of-mouth. Especially in this age of streaming services and fast-media consumption we need the community and audiences to give back directly to the artists to create a sustainable lifestyle so the world can continue to flourish with all mediums of art!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Since we are focusing on my new record “Ghost Shirt Society” I guess I will include an easter egg for the readers. Although stacks of philosophy and occult novels have shaped my mindset over the years, one of my top authors of all time is hands down Kurt Vonnegut. Whether it is music or books I am a believer in consuming art in chronological order from its release dates. And my new record finds its’ name from Vonnegut’s first novel “Player Piano”. I would do a deep dive into him and give me a shout if you find out the reference!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/thebandwatkins
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebandwatkins
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebandwatkins
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebandwatkins

Image Credits

Photos by RaeAnne Genth – House of Venus Photography
Artwork by Melinda Self