Article by Kevin Cummings and Taylor Hardin
SSBA: When were you first drawn to music? Who were your early influences? Why the blues? What other genres are you drawn to? Was your family musical – what music did you listen to as you grew up? First instrument?
T H: My love for music started with ‘90s country, thanks to my mom playing artists like Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson during car rides. That was our thing—riding with mom and soaking in the country vibes. Soon after, my dad introduced me to the heavier stuff like Led Zeppelin and Metallica.
My first instrument was the guitar, though I initially wanted drums but was too shy to ask. It wasn’t until later I discovered my uncle in California was a guitar teacher, able to teach anyone any song. That’s when I started imagining myself playing Metallica tracks. Eventually, I went to school for jazz and classical guitar, though it didn’t quite click with me. After dropping out of college, I heard B.B. King for the first time. A hundred listens of Live at the Regal later, and the rest is history.
SSBA: What memories do you have of your earliest performances? What was your first band / gig?
T H: I played my first gig the same year I started playing guitar at age 14. I jumped into a punk/metal band, named Conundrum, and we scored a gig at Bob’s Java Jive. I still remember the rookie mistake I made—changing my strings right before hitting the stage, not realizing they needed to be stretched to stay in tune. My nerves were shot, and I spent most of the gig trying to keep my Epiphone SG in tune while shaking from anxiety. My parents, friends, and even my crush were in the crowd, which made it all the more intense. We performed a medley of “The Call of Ktulu” and “Cemetery Gates” and then a bunch of punk rock original songs
SSBA: Do you write poetry, music, songs? Where does your inspiration come from and what is your process (lyrics first? Chord progression first?). Is your muse intrusive – can you ignore him / her / it?
T H: I’m almost exclusively focused on the musical side of things. I love exploring chord progressions, crafting melodies, and dialing in tones, arrangements, and sounds. I dabble in lyric writing now and then, but I often find my lyrics to be a bit basic. Though I do have things to say, they tend to come out best through the music itself. I’m lucky to have a friend, Dylan O’Connor, who’s an incredible lyricist. We often collaborate—I’ll create a guitar part, looping it over and over while he puts pen to paper. Music is always running through my head, and when I hear anything playing, at the grocery store, during a football game, I’m analyzing the chord progression 100% of the time.
SSBA: Are you originally from the area? What was your journey to here?
T H: I was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington, though I’ve lived in several nearby cities like Tacoma, Auburn, and Bonney Lake.
SSBA: What / who presented your breakthrough to performing? Any special people who have supported, helped, joined in your journey?
T H: My uncle Chris moved back to Puyallup from San Diego when I was 18, just when I thought I had mastered the guitar. (after only 4 years of learning Ha!) He showed up and completely blew my mind. He was the best guitarist I’ve ever seen in person. He could play Van Halen songs! He passed away recently due to cancer, and I miss him dearly. Almost everything I know about playing in bands, soloing, and professionalism, I learned from him. His influence is a big part of who I am today.
SSBA: What lesson would you share to young performers who want to immerse themselves in the music life?
T H: Start a band before you feel ready! Just learn or write a few songs and start playing with others. It’s the fastest way to improve. I’ve known incredibly talented players who fall apart on stage because they’ve only ever practiced alone in their bedrooms.
SSBA: If you weren’t doing music, what would you be up to?
T H: I have a passion for taking care of dogs, so I’d probably be working with animals if I weren’t in music. Alternatively, I might be involved in my family’s real estate business.
SSBA: What memory (memories) stick out the most from your musical journey?
T H: Most people don’t care how impressive your guitar solo is or how long you can hit high notes. It’s all about playing songs that resonate with them. I strive to improve my skills for my own self-esteem, but playing a good song is for everyone to enjoy.
SSBA: What are you working on now, what are goals you still want to attain?
T H: The Taylor Hardin Blues Band is my way of merging my love for Chicago and Memphis-style blues with Seattle grunge. There’s a lot of overlap between the two genres that I’m excited to explore. I’m also part of Slim Wizzy, a renowned local rock band known for our harmonies and classic rock covers. My goals are to reach as many people as I can with my guitar playing and to focus more on vocal warm-ups and practice to improve my singing