Once upon a time, in the comparatively carefree days of late-February/early-March, 20-year-old Canadian singer/songwriter Taylor Janzen was about to hit the road in the US with Beabadoobee, before coming over to the UK for a sunny spring set at The Great Escape. You can guess where this is going, right? “Can’t wait to meet Beabadoobee soon!” she told us. Unfortunately, her plans have been well and truly thrown out of the proverbial window. Still, with new music on the way very soon indeed, it’s a great time to get to know a new talent that’s been compared to the likes of Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers.
Hi Taylor, how’s it going? Are you having a fun day?
Hey! Yeah, I’m having a great one! I’m in LA this week, enjoying the break from the Canadian winter.
How was your tour with Half Moon Run, was it a good one?
Ya, it was incredible! I loved being about to play so many cities in Canada for the first time, and Half Moon Run are such amazing musicians. I felt so lucky to be able to watch them play every night; they’re so inspiring to be around. I’m also very grateful that Devon let me do his makeup for an Instagram video. That was definitely a highlight, haha.
Tell us about your early days as a musician, how did you break into playing gigs and releasing music?
I’ve been playing music since I was a kid, and it’s always been my only passion and my first love. I started playing around the Winnipeg scene when I graduated from high school. Winnipeg’s music scene is so welcoming and nurturing; it really helped fuel a lot of growth in my musicianship and my career.
Have you always wanted to be a performer?
Always. I used to force my family and friends to watch me sing when I was a kid, haha.
Have you travelled much with your music? Where’s the most exciting place it’s taken you?
Yeah, I’ve travelled a lot! I’ve loved being able to tour recently. I’d say I’m most excited to explore more cities in Europe. So far though, I really liked visiting Seattle. I love anything on the coast because I grew up so landlocked. Ironically though, my favourite city to play will always be Winnipeg. There’s something really special as beautiful about being supported by your hometown.
What do you most enjoy writing about? Do songs find you, or do you usually have to find them?
I mainly just like to write about my life and my experiences, no matter how hard it is to confront those things. Usually, the best songs find me at unexpected moments, like when I’m driving or meditating.
Do you have many new songs in the bag, waiting for release?
Ya, I have quite a few! Writing the record I’ve been working on these last few months has been such a healing and exciting experience. I’m currently making some of my best work, and I couldn’t be more stoked for it.
What else are you up to over the next few months?
Just trying to finish this record. Hopefully, you’ll hear some new songs soon!
Taylor Janzen’s single ‘Devotion’ is out now. She’s taking part in new online festival Homeschool too, which runs from 8th-10th May – visit homeschoolfest.com for details.
