Get To Know Get To Know… Taylor Janzen
With her new song ‘Devotion’ out today, meet Winnipeg’s shiniest new star.
Hello and welcome to DIY’s introducing feature, Get To Know… getting you a little bit closer to the buzziest new acts that have been catching our eye as of late, and working out what makes them tick.
Recently we’ve met Vancouver-based indie-pop band Peach Pit, electronic experimenters Lunch Money Life, pop superstar in the making Remi Wolf, Oxford-based songwriter Rhys Lewis, and now we’re introducing you to indie songwriter Taylor Janzen.
Channeling a Phoebe Bridgers and Hayley Williams-vibe (complete with fiery red hair), Taylor’s already been tipped for greatness thanks to her heartfelt songwriting.
Sharing her latest example of this today, new track ‘Devotion’ is a twinkling indie gem about balancing being in love while still keeping your identity. “I am the type of person who is completely unable to love anything or anyone casually,” she says. “I’ve always been that way. Eventually I realized that while loving wholeheartedly isn’t a bad quality, I have a tendency to search for things to throw my whole identity into, like I’m always searching for things to control me. Things to belong to. If you’re being controlled by someone or something else, you’re less responsible for your own actions and feelings. I forget who I am and I create identities for myself based around the people and things I love. This song is about trying to find myself again.”
We sent her some qs to find out a bit more!
Describe your music to us in the form of a Tinder bio.
If you like an existential crisis and getting caught in the rain… then you can find Taylor Janzen on all platforms
Will only match if u have cat pics xoxo
What’s your earliest musical memory?
My earliest musical memory is wanting so badly to be Avril Lavigne that it practically hurt. My mom was really cool and encouraged any and all musical interests growing up. Although at that age I was pretty mad that she was forcing me into piano lessons when I wanted to play guitar like Avril Lavigne.
Who were some artists that inspired you when you were just starting out (and why)?
Brandi Carlile, Hayley Williams, mewithoutYou, Julien Baker, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tegan and Sara… I could go on. I have always been inspired by people (especially women) that weren’t afraid to confront themselves and be honest about their emotions, whatever that ended up sounding like.
You’re from Winnipeg! What do you think of the music scene there at the moment?
I truly think Winnipeg has the most underrated music scene in Canada. There is so much talent in this city, and it’s really inspiring to come up in such a welcoming and brilliant scene. Bands and artists like Boniface, Begonia, Yes We Mystic and so many more literally inspire me daily, and they’re also such incredible people that really know how to support and hold each other up.
Are there any other artists breaking through at the same time that you take inspiration from?
Definitely! Baebadoobee, Boniface, Soccer Mommy… so many amazing artists are coming up right now and absolutely killing it.
Who would be your dream collaborator?
Probably either Brandi Carlile or Jack Antonoff. I would assume those collaborations would both sound very different but very cool!
Musically or otherwise, what are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m mainly just looking forward to finishing this record! I’ve been thinking about what my first full length album would look and sound like for years so it’s very surreal to have it really start to take shape now.
If people could take away one thing from your music, what would it be?
That emotions are a beautiful and positive thing, even when they’re overwhelming or unfamiliar. Feelings are a gift.
With Bob Vylan, St Vincent, girl in red, Lizzy McAlpine and more.