Julian Taylor (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Julian Taylor
Background information
Origin	Toronto, Ontario
Genres	Rock, folk, pop, Americana
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, guitar
Labels	Warner, Howling Turtle
Associated acts	Staggered Crossing, Julian Taylor Band

Julian Taylor is a talented Canadian singer, songwriter, and radio host. He is known for his music that blends different styles like rock, folk, soul, and Americana. Julian started his music journey in the late 1990s with the band Staggered Crossing. Later, he formed the Julian Taylor Band and then became a solo artist.

Over more than 25 years, Julian Taylor has won many awards and is known for being an independent artist. He also helps other musicians. His songs have been featured in popular TV shows like Degrassi: The Next Generation, Elementary, and Haven.

Julian Taylor has both Black Canadian and Mohawk heritage. In 2025, he sang a cover of "Compete with Loneliness" for a tribute album called Songs from the Gang.

Early Music Journey

Julian Taylor grew up in Toronto, Ontario. He loved many kinds of music, including soul, hip-hop, blues, and 1990s rock. In 1996, when he was a teenager, he helped start the band Staggered Crossing.

The band signed with Warner Music Canada and released their first album in 2001. This album included a big hit song called “Further Again.” It was one of the most played Canadian rock songs in the early 2000s.

After leaving Warner, Julian started his own record company called Bent Penny Records. Through this company, the band released two more albums: Last Summer When We Were Famous (2002) and Burgundy & Blue (2004). During this time, Julian learned a lot about making music, running a business, and promoting songs on the radio. His hard work helped their song “Perfect Prize” become a very popular independent rock song in Canada in 2005.

New Bands and Solo Work

Staggered Crossing broke up in 2007. Julian then took a break from the big music companies. He became a popular part of Toronto’s local music scene. He even hosted a special open mic night at a pub called Dora Keogh.

In 2014, he returned with the Julian Taylor Band. They released an album called Tech Noir. Another album, Desert Star, followed in 2015. These albums showed his unique mix of funk, rock, R&B, and pop music. People noticed Julian for his catchy songs and ability to blend different styles.

Becoming a Solo Artist

Julian Taylor became very well-known as a solo artist in 2020. He released The Ridge, an album with mostly acoustic, roots-inspired songs. This album was about his own life and family history.

The Ridge was nominated for two Juno Awards. It also won a Canadian Folk Music Award for Solo Artist of the Year. The album was even nominated for the Polaris Music Prize.

His next album, Beyond the Reservoir, came out in 2022. It explored ideas about strength, sadness, and growing up. This album was also nominated for a Juno Award and other music awards. Both The Ridge and Beyond the Reservoir are seen as very personal albums. They helped Julian become a strong voice in Canadian roots music.

Recent Music and Projects

In October 2023, Julian Taylor released Anthology Vol. 1. This collection looked back at his music from Staggered Crossing, the Julian Taylor Band, and his solo work. The anthology also had new songs. It showed how he was reflecting on his career and celebrating getting ownership of his music back.

In September 2024, Julian Taylor released Pathways. This was his third solo album. It followed The Ridge (2020) and Beyond the Reservoir (2022). Julian worked with Colin Linden to produce Pathways. The album talks about who you are, being strong, and thinking about yourself. It has simple music and thoughtful lyrics. The song “Pathways” is a duet with Allison Russell. Songs like “Weighing Down” show how Julian keeps growing as a songwriter.

The album has received good reviews from music magazines. Besides performing, Julian hosts a radio show called Julian Taylor’s Jukebox. This show is played across Canada and the U.S. He also works on educational and cultural projects, especially around Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada.

Helping Musicians and Business

Julian Taylor is also a business owner and helps other musicians. In 2001, a company called Song Corporation went out of business. Julian and his Staggered Crossing bandmates were part of an important Canadian court case. This case changed bankruptcy law. It made sure that artists would get ownership of their unreleased songs back. These songs would not be treated as company property.

Later, he started his own company called Howling Turtle Inc.. This company manages his music and business. Julian also hosts his radio show, Julian Taylor’s Jukebox, which is heard by many people.

Discography

• Zero to Eleven - 2013
• Tech Noir - 2014
• Desert Star, Vol. 1 - 2015
• Hey Hey Two Two - 2015
• Avalanche - 2019
• The Ridge - 2020
• Beyond the Reservoir - 2022
• Anthology Vol. 1 - 2023
• Pathways - 2024

Awards and Nominations