Don’t miss out on our exclusive interview with Taylor McIntosh! Fully immersed in the world of entertainment, performing has always been a part of who he is! Recently, he released a song unlike anything he’s ever done before, “Tattooed On My Brain,” which you must check out! Thanks, Taylor!
Share with us why you decided to get into the entertainment world?
Growing up, I’ve always dreamed of being an entertainer. My parents enjoyed the arts and always took me to see movies, plays, and sometimes concerts. I loved watching movies and always had the thought that it would be amazing to be an actor. I would even try to reenact scenes from movies like Phantom of the Opera. My little sister, Saree, would play along. I would direct her throughout the scene, shouting commands like, “okay, now you’re in pain! Okay, now your happy! Play dead!” I can’t pinpoint why I decided to focus on entertainment as I got older. It has always been the thing that I love to do. I love to create and perform.
Growing up, what relationship with music did you have? How did it help you through tricky times?
I didn’t have much of a relationship with music growing up, which is surprising considering music feels like my whole life now. I started learning to play the piano when I was young, but I didn’t appreciate it until later. Basketball used to be my escape from hard times. It held a lot of my focus. At one point, I thought I was going to play college basketball and be in the NBA! That changed very quickly. It wasn’t until I was 16 that I wrote my first song. Music has completely taken over my life ever since then. I’ve made a massive amount of progress for someone who didn’t start writing songs until 16. It’s crazy how one moment can change your whole life, how one passion can devour all your interests and become an obsession. Music is my obsession and is therapeutic for me.
Tell us more about your musical style and what your purpose is as an artist?
With my musical style, I try to combine all elements and genres of music. I like pulling from anything that inspires me, whether it’s an old sound mixed with a modern one or trying to combine genres that wouldn’t usually fit. I never want to feel trapped in one sound or one genre. I enjoy being a more fluid artist that can fit into any mold. I think if I can connect or bring joy to anyone, that would be my purpose. I just enjoy making people happy and helping them through a hard time. I share my music because it has helped me, so maybe it could help someone else.
How do you feel when you perform choreography? What does dance mean to you?
Practicing choreography can be tedious and tiring, but once I step onto that stage, everything changes. In general, when I perform, I feel almost free. Time seems to slow down and speed up all at the same time. Once the performance is finished, you feel a rush of adrenaline, and I feel like I’m on top of the world. Dance is amazing because I can combine both athletics and art. My favorite style of dance is Breaking (also known as Breakdancing) which is exceptionally athletic. Dance has even taken me around the world. My crew and I got to compete at one of the biggest breaking battles in the world. We went all the way to France and got to compete and hang out with the best Bboy’s in the world!
What is your favorite part of acting?
My favorite part is getting to transform into another person. It’s almost like you get to live another life. You get to be someone you’re not. I’d like to think of myself as a kind person, but I can become the villain through acting. It’s fun, and it’s incredible to see your performance come to life on a screen and watch as the story unfolds.
How do you balance all your different careers?
I’m fortunate because at least music, acting, and dance are somewhat connected. All three can all be used in each career in some sort of way. Skills can transfer from one to another, which has made it a lot easier to manage. I did decide not to go to a traditional high school and just do my schoolwork online. That way I have a lot more time for the things I want to do.
Who are you when you aren’t working? Any hobbies people don’t know about?
I like to have fun. I love watching movies and TV shows. It’s something that my family and I can do together. I’m really into video games. My best friend lives in another state, so video games have become our way of hanging out. It’s the reason we have remained best friends. I just started playing tennis with my family, so that’s something that I’ve been doing for fun. I’ve recently gotten back into golf which has been my main hobby. I’ve been working hard because I just want to beat my dad!
In what areas do you think you have grown the most?
I think I have grown the most with music, more specifically, the guitar. I only started playing guitar at 16, and in three years, I feel incredibly comfortable on the guitar now. My confidence level is at a point where I feel like my skills are equivalent to that of my dad’s. He’s been playing most of his life, but I feel like I’ve learned a lot these past couple of years. I just started playing electric guitar, and in the last two weeks alone, I’ve improved tremendously. I started working on a new song and made up an electric guitar solo, and play it.
What comes next?
I have a new song that I’ve worked very hard which dropped on July 27th! It’s called “Tattooed On My Brain,” and it’s unlike anything I have released yet. Other than that, I’m just trying to expand my fanbase and connect with my followers. I’m looking at making significant strides this year, so get ready!
@VULKANmag
Talent Taylor McIntosh
Photography Araya Doheny
Grooming Allison Noelle Mesa
Interview Alexandra Bonnet
