Julian Taylor has spent thirty years carving a distinct path through the musical landscape. A staple of the Toronto scene and a multi-Juno Award nominee, Taylor’s trajectory from the rock-infused Staggered Crossing to the soulful Americana of his solo work—highlighted by acclaimed albums like The Ridge and Beyond the Reservoir—reflects an artist in constant evolution. In this episode of Curious Goldfish, Taylor joins Jason English in Nashville during Americana Fest to discuss his new album, Pathways, and the philosophy of a seasoned songwriter.

Taylor approaches performance not as a showcase of ego, but as a shared human experience. He views himself as a vessel for the music, noting that his creative process is driven by a deep, honest connection to himself and his audience. When asked about his intentionality as a songwriter, Taylor offers a characteristically witty reflection: "I’m intentionally confused about everything".

The conversation dives into the systemic challenges Taylor has faced as a Black and Indigenous artist in the industry. He previews the track "Six Line Road," inspired by Herb Carnegie, a hockey pioneer who was barred from the NHL due to the color of his skin. Taylor connects Carnegie’s struggle to his own experiences with overt prejudice, framing resilience not as a choice, but as a necessity for "seeing this thing through".

Despite his accolades, Taylor remains his own most rigorous critic. "My biggest obstacle is myself," he admits, discussing the song "Weighing Down". He argues for the importance of self-care and letting one's perspective "soften" in the face of a hard world. For Taylor, success isn't found in reaching a final destination, but in appreciating the "life in between"