Reasons to be Cheerful: The Big Issue
Taylor is absolutely thrilled to have been included in this week's edition of The Big Issue. Taylor's work with the choirs of the Wilmslow Guild is featured in a wonderful, uplifting article Reasons To Be Cheerful. The article can be found online here: https://www.bigissue.com/latest/news-getting-you-down-here-are-some-reasons-to-be-cheerful/ You can pick up a copy in print from your local vendor or download a digital copy using the app. It's a great story - and a great cause!
Metro Mention
Taylor and Semitone have been featured in the Metro this weekend in an article about businesses which have received support from the government during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The article can be found here: https://www.metro.news/progress-theres-a-raft-of-schemes-that-businesses-can-apply-for-to-help-them-navigate-covid-19/2170652/ (Scroll down or search 'Taylor' to find the mention.)
The Show Must Go On!
Taylor is proud to announce that private lessons, live music sessions, and choral rehearsals are all in full swing this autumn. Though the pandemic has made it very difficult for musicians, she continues to find new ways of working at Semitone Studios to provide lessons, entertainment, and time together - even though we're apart. For details on upcoming online events, please e-mail taylor@mynameishardtospell.com
Shards of Sanity by Riley Savage
Taylor is delighted to have performed on Shards of Sanity by Riley Savage. Comprised of nine songs, the project is the final piece of work for Savage's Master's Degree in Songwriting at the University of Bath. Taylor is featured on 'My Story', 'Year of Saturdays', and the epic ballad 'Promises Kept' (to be released as a single later this year). The album reached number one in the Reverbnation local folk charts, number three in Greater Manchester, and number 29 nationally. The songs can be previewed here: https://www.reverbnation.com/rileysavage/album/260593-shards-of-sanity
Wilmslow Guild Lockdown Concert
Taylor has been working with the Wilmslow Guild Singing for Fun choirs throughout lockdown, meeting each week to learn new pieces and record them, one person at a time, during their sessions. Taylor mixed the audio so that the singers could enjoy singing with each other, even apart.
Taylor and the choirs shared their hard work at a very special concert on 7 July. Using two concurrent Zoom sessions and the mixed audio recordings, she led the choirs in song for an audience of friends and family. It was a joyous celebration of music and togetherness.
Coronavirus Appeal Update
Taylor is pleased to announce that Safety Net 19 raised £735 for Stockport Mind's Emergency Coronavirus Appeal, and even got a special thank you mention. Thanks to all who helped make it happen, especially the amazing live music community at Semitone Studios.
The appeal is still ongoing, and it's not too late to donate. Visit the JustGiving page to help.
New Single Safety Net 19 Released
Safety Net 19 has now been released and is available on Spotify, iTunes, and on other online retailers to be streamed and purchased online.
Pre-release copies of the song were given to participants in the Everyone Needs a Safety Net fundraiser, part of the Stockport Mind Emergency Coronavirus Appeal, which was a huge success and exceeded its target. More information on the final results of the fundraiser will be posted as it is available.
Virtual CMV Folk 'n' Roots Festival
Taylor will be going live Sunday 17 May at 7:45pm (BST) at the Virtual CMV Folk 'n' Roots Festival on Facebook. Tune in here.
Everyone Needs a Safety Net
Pre-release copies of Safety Net 19 are now being made available to anyone who participates in Everyone Needs a Safety Net, a fundraiser set up to support Stockport Mind's Emergency Coronavirus Appeal.
From Stockport Mind:
"Since this situation came about, at times our helpline has been non-stop, with many people who have never contacted us before ringing in crisis, as well as those we know. Outbound calls to those we already support have gone up 68%, with a 63% increase in length of time spent on calls.
But our financial position has become precarious overnight, so we are now urgently in need of support to meet this growing demand. We had budgeted for £3000 income from fundraising activities every month, funding vital functions such as our telephone helpline that saves lives, but this has dropped off very quickly."
Taylor writes: "Everyone needs a safety net. Stockport Mind is that safety net for many people. They need our help, and they need it now. Between now and the release date, 17 May, all who donate will receive a free mp3 of Safety Net 19 as thanks."
Please visit the JustGiving page to find out more.
New Video for Safety Net 19
Wayne McDonald of Manchester-based band Picnic Area has created a heartwarming, inspirational video for Safety Net 19, which focuses on how we need to hold on to each other during these difficult times. Please watch and share.
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