September 20, 2024
Three weeks ago, we officially ended our collaboration with all music submission platforms to work directly with artists. As you know, running a platform like IMC requires a lot of sacrifices, time, and above all, passion. We no longer had the time to write in-depth about the songs we selected because all our time was consumed by listening to thousands of songs.
The song we’re presenting to you today is the last one we approved, marking the end of an eight-year chapter. However, this isn’t the end of our collaboration with Taylor Lang, whom we’re delighted to have met through one of these platforms. Enough about us—here at IMC, the priority is independent artists. So, let’s get to know Taylor.
This artist hails from Calgary, Canada and has been making music for over ten years as part of several bands, which are quite different from the indie-folk sound he’s offering today. He’s been immersed in grunge rock as part of the band Crack the Lens, or as the frontman of Blaeser, a more folk-leaning project closer to his current musical aspirations. We recommend checking out his two fabulous albums, Songs & Others Like Them here (released in 2019) and An Audio Guide to Introspection here (released in 2022).
Yes, at IMC, we can listen to an artist for two hours before even starting to write about them. We’re a bit crazy like that. But when you embrace life without a smartphone or social media, you discover you have way more time than you thought (seriously, you should try it!). That’s why we have the time to write in more detail about these musical gems.
In short, Taylor has flourished in a well-established musical universe (based on everything we’ve joyfully listened to), with one common factor: a love for doing things right. The production is always meticulously crafted (those subtle piano notes at the end of "Diamond Dust" are a great example). And today, for the first time, he’s releasing music under his own name.
"Broke But Never Broken" is currently the only song you’ll find of his on Spotify (for now). But what’s it about? As you know, at IMC, we’re here to tell you stories—moving ones, if possible, but above all, real stories lived by real humans. No room for AI here, as you can imagine. And the story behind this song is truly incredible. We think it’s even better when the artist tells it to you directly:
"When I was young, I lived on a farm in the middle of nowhere in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Then when I was 7, my parents divorced. My mother ended up renting a house even further into the middle of nowhere, and for 4 years, my four siblings and I spent half of each month at each house. Back and forth.
There wasn't a lot of work opportunity out there, so my mom did what she could. She was hired as a bartender in the nearest town, a 45-minute drive away. She would get home at 4 in the morning, driving long, lonely rural roads in the middle of the night, five times a week.
Now that I'm older, I can't help but think about what went through her mind on those drives. Having to leave her young kids alone in the pitch-black prairies. Did she wonder if she made the right choices? Did she think she could have been something more if she'd chosen not to give up so much of herself?"
Yes, for Taylor, these memories of the past have turned into questions in the present—questions for which no one truly has the answers, especially since this superhero mom left this world when Taylor was 16, as he shared with us. Now an adult and building his own family, Taylor reflects on all the sacrifices his mother made to give her family the best.
Yes, this song resonates because it tells the story of a family that could be ours, a neighbor’s, or a friend’s. And it’s a song that touches you and leaves a mark from the very first listen. It certainly struck me, for example, as I’m about to become a father in just a few weeks.
If we want to delve into the technical aspects of this little gem, tinged with folk, Americana, and a touch of dreaminess, we can first notice the long intro. The vocals don’t appear until 37 seconds in. That might seem like a small detail, but it says a lot about the artist’s investment. It proves that he wants to take his time telling his story to human beings, not to impress an algorithm with a catchy chorus arriving in under 30 seconds. And that’s something I greatly appreciate!
Next, even though it’s layered between several instruments, the acoustic guitar never loses its prominence and remains at the forefront. The production is, as always with Taylor’s work over the past decade, highly polished, but there’s a more personal, intimate touch here that allows each element to express itself without overwhelming the other, especially those warm vocals. Big shout-out to Russell Broom by the way, who produced the song wonderfully and added some additional guitar to this masterpiece.
Taylor Lang’s voice feels as if it’s been close to me for years. It’s assured and confident, yet also comforting, reminiscent of a familiar, almost homely world. It’s the kind of unique voice, like Luke Beling or Thomas LaVine (who, by the way, is also releasing a new single today—go check it out!), members of the IMC Family. These warm voices could belong to an uncle singing over your shoulder at a family gathering, beside a fireplace. This intimate atmosphere, when addressing such a delicate topic like the (too?) late recognition of our parents’ sacrifices, leaves us thoughtful and invites us to reflect on our own situation. It makes us question things. We think.
And it’s precisely this authentic connection that indie music manages to establish—something mainstream music simply cannot do. On top of that, you can reach out to Taylor and chat with him. He’s a wonderful human being, always open to sharing. Like every independent artist, he shares his emotions through his songs, but also his personal memories, which makes him an incredible, approachable person who, in the end, is just like all of us. Want proof? Here’s a video on the inspiration behind the song:
You’ll really benefit from following this artist, who exudes authenticity and honesty. The connection we established through just one song was undeniable. Supporting artists like Taylor gives them the chance to share even more stories that make us dream, reflect, and take time for ourselves
Added to our "New IMC Friday" playlist on Spotify for 30 days.
Reach out to Taylor Lang
A bit more about Taylor Lang
A life spent playing different instruments and a love of language collide in the creative expression of Taylor Lang, inspiring his lush lyrical stories and music in a seldom-seen, genre-bending fusion of folk and fingerstyle techniques. Influenced by artists like Dan Mangan, Halsey, Jon Gomm, and City and Colour, he sharpened his playing and performances over more than a decade in bands: first with award-winning Celtic grunge rockers Crack the Lens, and then as the frontman of Blaeser, a YYCMA-nominated folk-rock trio based in Calgary. Now breaking out as a full solo player, 2024 is bringing something new: a collaboration with expert producer Russell Broom, a JUNO winner best known for his work with Jann Arden, Ian Tyson, Iskwe, Kyle McKearney, and many other chart-topping Canadian artists.
Lyrics
This life is nothing like you thought it would be
Full of empty pockets and so many mouths to feed
You used to dream endlessly when you were young
Now you lie awake to think of all you haven’t done
There are monsters that sit on the passenger side
When you drive home all alone each night
Was this the path that you would have chosen
Knowing you’d be broke, you’d be broke but never broken
Never broken
The crossroad signs fade in the sunset light
One way feels familiar but the other feels right
Have you done enough with your abbreviated plan
Thinking, “Will I be remembered as someone better than I am”
There are monsters that sit on the passenger side
Patient in the static where their words can hide
Was this the path that you should have chosen
Knowing you'd be broke, you'd be broke but never broken
Never broken
Never broken
Never broken
