Local musician speaks about his 20-year journey
“From a very young age, music appealed to me. To this day I can’t explain why but there was just something about it.”
This year Edenvale musician Garth Taylor will celebrate 20 years in the music industry.
Garth, who started playing instruments in 1998, began his musical journey as a teenager.
To celebrate his 20-year journey, Garth performed at Gold Reef City’s Barnyard Theatres on April 21.
“From a very young age, music appealed to me. To this day I can’t explain why but there was just something about it,” said Garth.
As a child, Garth would play the guitar and the piano whenever he had the opportunity.
Also read: No end to Garth Taylor’s talents
When his mom had friends over and they brought their instruments, he would play along with kitchen utensils.
“Every child dreams of being a fireman or a police officer. I dreamed of being a pop star.”
“I did not have the best upbringing. I had an abusive father and there were often fights at home. There was abuse and I was sent to two children’s homes,” explained Garth.
After returning home to his mother’s care, Garth’s mother remarried.
Garth left school at the age of 16.
“My school marks weren’t great but any child coming from an abusive home would not be able to concentrate on school work,” said Garth.
Soon after he left school, Garth ran away from home to pursue his music dreams.
Garth said when he first started singing he sounded terrible.
“I was awful but I had a few tricks up my sleeve,” he said.
Also read: Garth Taylor packs a punch for Little Fighters Cancer Trust
Since Garth became an established artist, he said he has come full circle.
“While living in the children’s homes, celebrities would often visit and spend time with us,” said Garth.
“Now I have the opportunity to visit homes and speak to children about women and child abuse.”
In addition to visiting children’s homes, Garth is actively involved in the Edenvale community.
In 2017, Garth, an avid kick boxer, fought in the boxing ring to raise funds for Little Fighters Cancer Trust (LFCT).
Garth has played on both national and international stages during his music career.
Some of the artists he has played alongside include Simply Red, Shaggy and Judy Boucher.
As a musician, Garth encouraged anyone interested in becoming a musician to follow their dreams.
“You will need to develop a thick skin and make sure that you make music your priority.”
“If you don’t focus on music 100 per cent, you might not make it.”
