This is what I wrote on FB. Just wanted to share it here as well:
A year ago I went viral.
Going viral opened up a lot of doors for me. I got signed to a label and publishing company. My viral-ness made it much easier to get my visa when I applied to stay in Germany. I released my first really professional-sounding EP. Then I hired a promotion company to get the EP more exposure. I released a music video for “Sh*t’s F*ck*d”. Then some very creative Belaruse filmmakers made an intense, moving music video for “Graveyard Eyes”. Summer hit and I did a small tour of Scandinavia. I hit rock bottom in Edinburgh, cut the tour off early and came home to lick my spiritual wounds. Then I started writing lots and lots and lots of songs as well as my very first Synthpoperetta/ Rock Opera. A half-hour documentary was released about me. It made me feel loved.
Winter hit. I started feeling really blue (winter blues), but I kept writing songs. I had to write my way through the blues. I appeared on Das Supertalent. Got a bunch of new fans. Found a manager. Then I released a music video for “Single and Seventeen”. 3 days later, a polish “cassette” label contacted me about releasing my album “People Tonight” on cassette. The very same day, I got a mail asking me to perform for one whole week in Helsinki Finland.
So yes, a lot of good things happened to me in the past year. I feel like I did a lot but at the same time, I also feel like I haven’t done enough. I know that if I want to really make it as an artist, I have to keep pushing myself. I need to work harder. I don’t work nearly as hard as I would like to. I need to book more and more shows. I have to write more. I have to get my Synthpoperetta off the ground. I have to lay the groundwork for a new album. I have to constantly move forward, evolve as an artist and never ever ever rest on my laurels.
Life is short and my biggest desire to keep moving ahead and to keep growing as an artist (and as a human being).
Having said all of that, when I really think about what’s happened in the last year, I feel pretty happy and accomplished… and most of all… grateful.
I’m glad you guys enjoy what I do. I love doing what I do and I’m happy that it resonates with you.
Here’s to an amazing 2016. Happy holidays heart emoticon
ps: If you guys want to support me over the holidays, feel free to pick up some of my music at Bandcamp. Even if you don’t have money to purchase my music, feel free to share my music videos with your friends and families. Much love – Stephen
stephenpaultaylor 