Check out our interview with Singer/Songwriter and Actor Taylor McIntosh who is set to release his new single Clair in The Moonlight tomorrow June 8th.
As he puts his own unique stamp on the music industry, Taylor’s is inspired by some of today’s biggest artists like Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, and John Mayer. He is also a fan of The Killers and Train as well as music legends Elton John, Billy Joel, The Beatles, and Stevie Wonder to name a few.
He is also an accomplished dancer. His breakdancing crew, Break Ninjaz, won USA Battle of the Year and went on to place 5th against teams from around the world in Battle of The Year, marking the highest finish for a U.S. team in nearly a decade. They also appeared on NBC’s World of Dance and you can watch a clip here.
In addition to his musical and dance background, Taylor has showcased his talents as an actor with roles in the short films Hollow Me and Do You Know What It’s Like?
Follow Taylor @taylordmcintosh
Hi Taylor, please tell us a little about you?
Hi, I’m Taylor McIntosh. I am a singer, songwriter, musician, and actor based out of Las Vegas and L.A. I like to think of myself as funny, kind, intelligent, and talented.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Next Big Thing.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
What led me into the industry first was curiosity. I mean, what kid doesn’t think it would be cool to be an actor or musician? I started out doing some small plays when I was younger, and I enjoyed that a lot. Both my parents did some work in the industry, so they were inspiring and helped encourage me to try as well.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Multi-Genre Pop.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
There are many artists who have influenced me and my music, but the one person who truly inspired me to pursue a path in music was my Dad. He’s a brilliant songwriter who never made it big because he had to support his family. Instead of singing me lullabies as a kid I would ask him to sing me one of his songs he had written. I always thought it was so cool, but I never tried to sing or write songs until I was older. I think I felt like I wasn’t talented enough to try and it took me awhile to realize that everyone starts out not so good, so if you really love something then just go for it. My Dad has been so supportive and has really pushed me to get better and understand the art of writing a good song.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes! I play Piano, Guitar, and a little bit of drums. I took piano lessons when I was younger, and for the longest time I didn’t enjoy it. I found the lessons tedious and not very enjoyable until I started working with a new teacher. She really inspired me to work on composing and gave me the tools I needed to learn on my own. I taught myself how to play guitar from YouTube and just messed around with it every day until I started to make up my own guitar theory.
Do you ever get nervous?
I get nervous all the time in basically everything I do. I think a lot of people let their nerves stop them from trying to pursue or do something they are passionate about, but I’ve never really been that way. If you really love something, you shouldn’t let nerves be the factor that stops you from pursuing it. The feeling of being nervous is the exact same feeling as being excited, but the difference are your thoughts. I’ve noticed with music, however, I get less nervous. The only time I feel nervous is right before I perform, but while I’m performing it’s total bliss.
Tell us about your new single “Clair in The Moonlight?”
Clair in the Moonlight is my upcoming single. It’s an upbeat love song with a funk, dance vibe. I’ve been working on it for a long time, and I’m really excited to finally release it. It’s a total summer song, perfect for this year.
What’s the story behind the song?
I wrote this song about one of my favorite classical piano pieces “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy, which means Moonlight in English. I thought to myself, “Wow! This would be a great setting for a love song.” In fact, the beginning of the song starts with Clair de Lune, although this time it’s on guitar which is a cool twist.
Now how did you get started into acting?
When I was in 8th grade I joined an on-camera acting class, and that’s where I really started to learn about acting. For some of the students, my teacher held a sort of audition for an agency and manager, so we could possibly get signed. To be honest, I didn’t think I did that good, but for some reason my manager saw potential in me and now the rest is history.
How has this changed your life?
It’s given me a purpose and it’s something I can work at every single day for the rest of my life. Music, especially, has made my life so amazing. I’ve fallen in love with music and it’s given me an outlet to express myself and share my feelings, thoughts, and excitement with others. I hope everyone is able to find something that truly makes them happy like I did. I just know I’ll be doing this for as long as I’m alive and I can’t wait to see the places it takes me.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
I definitely think the best part of being an actor is being able to bring the character to life. After the long process of auditioning and having to prove that I’m the best fit for the role, I feel a sense of relief when I finally get to be on set. Of Course, I still feel nervous because I want to do a good job, but once I jump into the scene I start to let go. The worst part of acting is rejection. You have to have thick skin in this industry, because 95% of the time you’ll hear no.
Tell us about your work on short films Hollow Me and Do You Know What It’s Like?
Working on Hollow Me was a crazy experience and one I will never forget because it was one of my first jobs. I got the call to be a part of the project at around noon-ish and they asked us if we could be in LA that night. So, I had to quickly get packed, and rush to L.A. so we could make it in time to meet with the Director. The people I got to work with on the shoot were incredible and super genuine. They made the whole process a blast! I think my most memorable scene was when I had to walk into the freezing cold water of the ocean at 8 in the morning and perform a whole screaming scene. Do You Know What It’s Like was a small short film I did about a young boy going to therapy and opening up about his anger issues and the struggles he’s having. This role was challenging, but I had a fun time portraying the emotional struggles this young boy was dealing with.
How do you prepare for a role?
Usually, when I prepare for a role I focus a lot on learning the script as much as possible. The more information I can collect the better I think my performance will be. If there are source materials I can read or watch, that will be one of the first things I do. After that I just have fun playing around with the lines until I find something that I think clicks with the whole character.
What other projects you have been part of?
I also got to work on a short film with my sister called Cached! It was really fun being able to work on a project with her because that never happens! Plus, it was a fun and silly script. We had a good time working on it together.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I would love to play any role based in a fantasy genre like Lord of the ringside or Game of Thrones. I think it would be so cool learning how to ride a horse and sword fight. I’m also a massive Batman fan, so getting to play any character in a Batman movie would be so awesome!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I think the most rewarding part of my work is just watching something that started as an idea or melody in my head, then turn into a full song with layers and a story. It’s like, every time I finish a song I’m taking a part of me and putting it on display. It’s an amazing feeling to experience.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend would probably describe me as an idiot haha! In all seriousness, I hope he would describe me as a loyal friend who has always been by his side. I feel that’s what makes a good friend, someone who sticks with you for the great moments and hardships in your life. Sometimes we won’t talk very much for like a month because our lives get very busy, but once we hang out again, it’s like we never missed a beat. We start right where we left off.
What’s next for Taylor McIntosh in 2021?
I’m hoping this year I can finally start performing live, as well as being able to share my music with as many people as possible. I just graduated High School, so I am really looking forward to diving head first into my career and creating a wave in this industry.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I’d have to say my favorite healthy food is grilled chicken and rice, or steak and asparagus.
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food has to be Linda’s Fudge Cake from Cheesecake Factory. It’s probably my favorite dessert ever.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I would describe my fashion style as 70’s hippie meets elegant rockstar, maybe with a little GQ casual.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I think for me it’s living in the moment, following my excitement and passions, as well as being around people I enjoy being around. It’s easy to get caught up in the craziness of life, so I always try to enjoy the little moments because those will be the things you carry with you for a long time.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet John Mayer because I think he is one of the best songwriters of our generation. He seems like a really smart guy. We could have some deep conversations that aren’t just surface level. Plus, he just seems like a cool guy to hang out with.
Best advice ever given?
“If you can write songs, you can write your ticket.”
Do you support any charity?
I’m a big fan of the Hold You Foundation. They support families with children that are in medical crisis. Their goal is to keep families together!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself on tour and traveling the world doing what I love. I want to be performing for thousands of people every week, and still writing songs everyday.
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song is Let It Be by The Beatles. This is my favorite song because it was the first song I listened to that really made me fall in love with music. It was the first time I grasped the weight that sound and lyrics can have on the soul.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it can be both a tool and a problem. It can connect people around the world and be a great way to create and spread content, but more and more we see a level of disconnect from the real world. People are living inside their phones, and judging and comparing themselves to others based on how many likes someone they get.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me @taylordmcintosh on Instagram, and Tik Tok, and Taylor McIntosh on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and most other streaming platforms. Taylor McIntosh on FaceBook.
Book: My favorite book is Wonderstruck.
Quote: My favorite quote is “Whether you think you can or think you can’t – you’re right.”
Movie: My favorite movie is Braveheart.
Tv Series: My favorite TV series is Game of Thrones.
Favorite Food: My favorite food is Steak.
Travel Destination: My favorite travel destination is anywhere there is a beach.
Sports Team: My favorite sports teams are the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the Denver Broncos.
Photo Credits:
Photos: Araya Doheny Photography
Grooming: Allison Noelle
