Joe Taylor, New York’s Subway Idol, At Foxwoods Tonight

Joe Taylor has some big dreams and by all appearances, he seems to be making some headway. The singer/songwriter got his start in Toronto but has made his way south to New York City where he hopes to make a bigger name for himself. He had some time to answer questions posed by Patch before tonight’s show at the

Tell me how you got started as a musician and tell me about your band?

Well I started out playing music in Toronto, Canada. About 10 years ago I moved to NYC to try and make it in the music business and haven't looked back since.

My bands in both NY and LA are some of the countries best session players. They are seasoned professionals that have worked with various major acts.

What type of music do you play?

I have been compared to Train meets Journey. My vocals are definitely influenced by Steve Perry and the songwriting has some Train and Beatle influences as well. So I would say an acoustic retro but modern pop/rock with a Keith Urban vibe and a modern twist of soul in the vocals!

What do you like about playing music?

What I like about music is writing songs and expressing myself on many different levels. It’s great therapy to be able to release all the different feelings and emotions that most people keep locked up inside.

I also enjoy the rush of being on stage and performing in front of different crowds. Night after night spilling my guts emotionally and giving everything I have as an artist is just something that I have to do. It’s who I have become over the past 10 years. My favorite part is feeling and seeing the audience connect with me. It doesn't happen every time but when it does its awesome!

Why are dubbed you the Subway Idol?

I am the “Subway Idol” because the New York Times did an article on me when I was auditioning for MUNY Music Under New York. Apparently things went very well! They filmed the entire event and when it concluded they posted a video on their publication and I was called the Subway Idol.

Who are your greatest influences?

The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, John Denver and U2 are, hands down, my top four and then from there it goes in a million directions from pop/rock artists to classical, jazz, blues you name it! Lol

Who are you dying to play with, and why?

I would love to open for Train, Maroon 5, Bon Jovi, U2, Zack Brown Band, Dave Matthews, Coldplay; I also have Paul McCartney on the short list too! Lol

The reason I want to open for these bands are because I love their music and I feed off of

Where do you see yourself in five, 10 years?

In five years I will be touring all over the world doing every major city on the planet whether at festivals or major touring events. To continue to have a successful team around me that will break my music into several different markets. Also to be able to pay the bills comfortably!

In 10 years I would like to be one of the most known acts the world has ever known and opening or sharing bills with a lot of the people I mentioned. I would like to tour with – no limits going for the brass ring!

Have you been to Foxwoods? If so, please tell me what you like about the venue.

I have performed at Foxwoods before. I absolutely love the Hard Rock Cafe in Foxwoods. An awesome stage, great sound system, sound guys and an awesome selection of food! Its gonna be an awesome night!

Joe Taylor is playing tonight at the at 10:30 p.m. Examples of his work can be heard on YouTube and are for sale iTunes.