WAIM #143: MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger

There is a rhythm to life in the south that appeals to MC Taylor, the mercurial mind and voice at the center of the band Hiss Golden Messenger. Taylor has come to treasure that slower cadence of life in North Carolina, a place he has now called home for roughly two decades. Growing up in southern California during the 1980s, Taylor was a typical LA kid. He spent his days skating and soaking up the sun.

Eventually, the Bay Area and the allure of starting a band pulled Taylor to San Francisco where he fronted Court And Spark, a cosmic folk/country band that helped Taylor to hone his songwriting chops, and find a bit of musical footing. After the natural dissolution of Court & Spark, Taylor and his partner moved to the Durham, North Carolina area where he formed Hiss Golden Messenger while also pursuing a master’s degree in folklore studies.

Taylor’s work in the world of folk studies led him to a greater understanding that good songwriting requires presence. He’s also made an effort to be as efficient in his songwriting as possible, continually trying to say more with fewer words. Taylor also mentions that his songs are where he puts his vulnerability. That openness and the raw vulnerability within his songs are an intrinsic part of what makes Hiss Golden Messenger such an engaging listen.

During our chat, MC and I hit upon his San Francisco glory days and wax poetic about the magical musical scene there in the Y2k era. We talk about field recordings, story collecting, Grammy nominations, and the Newport Folk Festival, while also dancing toward the inward places within ourselves. This is a great conversation with a terrific songwriter who is also a thoughtful and gentle soul.

Let’s get into it.

Cheers,
Matty C