Q & A with Brian Taylor of the Vegas Dragons

The next Artist on the Q&A is none other the the Mighty man himself Brian Taylor

Thanks for taking part Amigo

Who are the artist whose style you like (world wide)?
I am a fan of many different styles of music. Some of my all time favourite artists are Billy Joel, David Bowie, Muse, The Beatles and blues legends like Elmore James and BB King. I also love listening to classical music by the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
However my main love is loud rock n’ roll and heavy metal. I am a big fan of Metallica, Guns n Roses, Pantera, Korn and Alice in Chains.
Do you draw from reference or from your ‘imagination’?

I take from a mixture of both. I sometimes write very personal songs that reflect what is happening with my life. “One life only” is a perfect example of that. It is a song telling me to make the most of this short life that I have.

Other songs I write trying to imagine how a person may feel about dealing with their situations. “17 Steps” and “Hands of love” are good examples.

The new Sellaband CD “Lovingly Cruel” is no exception. There are personal songs like “Betrayal” which talks about how it feels to be betrayed by someone you trusted and “Fix your life” which is an ode to fixing up the screw ups of your life.

Then there are songs like “But I can’t” (which features Tiffany Gow) which is a song about a man who wants to be reunited with his loved one but he can’t be because he killed her. Then there is a song called “Heroin Helen” (which features Sarah’s Smile ’s Joyce Dijkgraaf ) about drug abuse. I haven’t used heroin or killed anyone so I rely on my imagination there.

When you get an idea for music, what do you do most of the time? Do you sit down and write the whole thing or do you record a little bit at a time and then put it all together?
It varies. Sometimes you get a break and you can write a great song in less than an hour. That was the case with “Very Bad Day” and “One life only.” However a lot of the time it is hard work. I will struggle to perfect the lyrics and come up with a melody or a riff and work from there. I have been blessed to work with musical genuis producer Phil Tweed on all three CDs and he comes up with great ideas to make the songs even better.
What is the most memorable moment of your career?
There have been a few. I remember how proud I felt when I finished our first CD “One life only.” I remember thinking: “If I die today, at least I have done this with my life.”

Playing live on the same stage with my great friend Tiffany Gow in 2007 was very special.

Making the “Sellaband Presents part 2″ CD was fantastic, as was getting to $50,000 and being the 8th recording artist for Sellaband.

Going to Europe in 2007 and being on stage for Sellaband was very special. While I didn’t sing at the gig it was great to meet so many genuine and wonderful people. It was very special to be on the stage with the Boss (Johan V) and announce the acts.

What goes through your head right before you walk on stage?
“I wonder if the people in the front row will be offended if I puke all over them?” I get anxiety attacks just before going on stage. It is probably like the feeling you would have just before sky diving: Nervous as hell but it is one hell of a rush when you get out there!
When you are creating your fabulous music, which comes first – the lyrics, the melody or the instrumentals?
It varies. Sometime I just churn out lyrics. I have bookloads full of them. Other times I am just mucking around on the guitar or the piano and a great music idea pops out first. Sometimes if I am really lucky – they both come together at the same time. I have learned not to question it but just go with the flow.

Besides other musicians is there anyone else that you looked up to during your childhood?
My mother (Vegas Mama) was and still is my hero. My father died when I was two and my brother was not even a year old. She brought us up by herself and sacrificed a lot for us. I love her very much and have always looked up to her.

What’s your favourite musical Instrument?

Guitar. Nothing beats the sound of loud guitar for me. I love sitting down and working out new riffs and working on songs with guitar. Piano would be a close second – especially if it is being played by Phil Tweed. Then violin and cello.

what CD or tape do you have in your player right now?
Vegas Dragons “Lovingly Cruel” on repeat.
How would you describe your experience so far of Sellaband ?
Fantastic! It is been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my entire life. This website allowed Vegas Dragons to make a world class quality CD. Just as important, the friends that I have made on this website are some of the greatest people I know. I am a huge fan of Sellaband and I always will be. I am very proud that I have the company’s logo tattooed on my arm.

How would you describe the recording process of your Sellaband CD?

I felt a tremendous amout of pressure from the moment we raised the money. I knew that the money had to be very wisely spent and that the songs had to be of premium quality. I honestly believed that we accomplished that. However I guess our Believers and the buying public will be the final judge on that.
Where in the world would you most like to visit ?
Europe and to come with the whole band. I am hoping that we can raise another $50,000 at http://www.sellaband.com/vegasdragonslive/ and make that dream a reality.

What can we expect from your forthcoming Album ?

Killer guitar riffs, aggression, screaming, unique lyrical content, unrelentless uncompromising music from a band that are playing as if their future depended on it.

Anything else to add?

I would like to thank all the people who have supported Vegas Dragons on Sellaband – it really means the world. Thank you for Believing in Vegas Dragons.