Firsts with Aaron Taylor

Words Notion Staff

February 17, 2023February 24, 2023

British soul-storyteller Aaron Taylor takes us through his musical firsts, from meeting Pharrell to going to Glastonbury.

An endearing sound that’s captured the hearts of hundreds of millions of listeners, Aaron Taylor is the British soul artist everyone should know. His latest single, “Coffee in the Morning”, teeters between soothing balladry and warming R&B, as he talks of a desire to feel needed.

Aaron’s developed a diverse and dedicated fanbase, thanks to his comforting modern soul sonics. Receiving a co-sign from Elton John, and radio play on Rinse FM and BBC 6 Music, the artist’s evolved into stardom and continues to produce prolifically. In 2020, he released his debut album, ‘ICARUS’, which broadened his arsenal of sounds. Countless other projects have embedded him in the country’s rich soul history and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

“Coffee in the Morning” is the new single taken from Aaron’s forthcoming EP ‘Have A Nice Day’. Set for release on March 31^st, the five-track project is his first since the whimsical debut album. It follows his 100 million Spotify stream landmark, which shows the undivided support he’s received in recent years.

We chatted to Aaron Taylor to discover his musical firsts, from meeting Pharrell to playing Glastonbury festival.

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First song you ever made?

The first song I wrote was when I was aged 14 after learning my parents got divorced – it was pretty much a note for note copy of a Dru Hill song. Mine was called “Depend on Me”, and it was about being there for someone.

First CD or record you owned?

I think a Kirk Franklin gospel album.

First time you realised you wanted to do music full time?

I don’t remember ever wanting to do anything else.

First gig and first festival you went to?

My first festival was Glastonbury a few years back when Rolling Stones headlined. My first gig might have been an American singer called Leon Timbo who I was a fan of back in the day. I definitely remember the magic in the room.

First time you faced an obstacle in your career?

I remember never being able to afford equipment that could help me make quality music – instruments and computers were just always beyond my reach. I initially made music on demo versions of Cubase that wouldn’t allow me to export the whole track, recording with terrible microphones plugged straight into the back of my PC.

First instrument you owned?

My primary school loaned me an acoustic guitar which I either was allowed to keep, or I never gave back. Then we got given an upright piano which helped me to develop playing by ear.

First time you felt like giving up?

I don’t remember the first time but it’s a recurring theme. Almost weekly. There’s always a reason to give up but also always a reason not to. I’m glad I haven’t yet.

First time you felt starstruck?

I met Pharrell recently and was too timid to ask for a pic. It didn’t feel right to destroy the moment with such a request but I was gutted for about a week afterwards.

First time you realised you’d made it?

I still feel like I’m on my way but hearing the audience sing my lyrics unprompted at gigs felt unreal.