Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paul Taylor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Paul, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project that I have worked on so far would be Dates Near November. The album releases March 11, 2023. My one and only son was born in November of 2021. Because his mother and I were never in a committed relationship, I unintentionally gave her my child which allowed my son to be born into chaos. A few months after he was born, I was served with papers stating that his mother wanted sole custody and was trying to take my rights away as my son’s father. I took on the battle, for my son’s sake, and even though I wasn’t given primary custody of my son in the end I am able to be a parent to him and spend time with him as I wanted to do from the time I found out that he was my child. Dates Near November is a real life drama about the things that transpired during this time period. It was a project that allowed me to heal and I hope that it allows my son to know that even though I am not around as much as I would like it was never my intention for it to be this way. My older brother, Paul, just passed a few days ago and he leaves behind several children. This project is even more important because even when I am not around physically my son can always hear my voice and never doubt how much his father loved him. I hope it encourages other fathers to take their role as a parent seriously.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Paul Taylor. Professionally, I go by Need4Cognition. While studying Psychology at Stephen F. Austin State University, my professors would tell me that I was high in need for cognition. As I continued to read and learn I understood what they meant. After I graduated with my bachelors, I began writing and creating music and never stopped. I couldn’t tell you why in the beginning. I just knew what I was doing was helping my spirit. When it came time to release my first tape, I knew Need4Cognition would be my stage name. Coming from New Orleans, LA and being the product of a father on death row and a mother doing the best that she could I face trauma. Music and having an eye for beauty through a camera lens have been God’s gift to me to heal while healing and entertaining others through my process. I began taking pictures more often through the church I was growing up in. Diane Carter allowed me to use her professional camera to take pictures when events at the church would go on. When I was in high school, I took an audio/visual class which helped teach me about photography and videography. I began making short films and creating content on the daily for years and never stopped. After graduating high school I would go on to the Air Force and my passion for art never ceased. Fast forward a few years later to me going home and creating music it started my path to doing my art as a career.

I have a professional diploma in Sound Engineering through Austin Peay State University. I can teach how to create sounds and mix them through various processes so that they blend and sound great together. I am also a song writer and beat maker. Therefore, if someone wants to record a song or needs help then I am always available for assistance. I have my own studio in my home. I am a professional photographer and videographer. If someone has an event or an idea they want help bringing to life then I am available for assistance. What sets me apart from others who may be in the field or fields that I am in is that I have a high need for cognition. My work stands alone from anyone else because there is no one else who will work harder on a project or take the time to create something that has never been seen before.

I am most proud of my discipline and commitment to others and myself. Through the face of adversity, I still create and heal. I still wake up positive and be the man to make a positive impact on the world. One thing I want people to know about me is that if I can succeed then truly any of them can. The odds were stacked against me but follow to see how far I continue to get. God is truly amazing and in control.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is creating reality to an idea that was only abstract in the mind. Many times we work for others and help build on what they started or working to continue a legacy. To be an artist who does everything himself and in-house I have learned to appreciate the entire journey of creation and truly thankful when the creation is out for public consumption. To be able to say I created something that helps, inspires, or creates any type of emotion in another person is monumental to say the least.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I know God has given me the ability to create and bring forth life. Therefore, I choose to wake up and put the gift to use. My life is a movie is more than a bar I wrote but it truly captures my life. I am just living and telling my story in the creative form that God blessed me with. I hope that my talents and creativity inspires my son to go after his passion and find a way to enjoy his art full time.

Contact Info:

• Website: Need4Cognition.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/need4cognition_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.taylor.7549/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Need4Cognition

Image Credits
Need4Cognition