Want to learn about Julian Taylor? Get ready! This musician is a burst of charisma and energy! He’s made it through the thorns of major labels, become a key figure on Toronto’s music scene, and rightfully earned the title of a “musical chameleon“. His trademark? Incredible versatility. One moment he’s lighting up the stage with an R&B band, and the next he’s performing a soul-stirring solo set at a folk festival that gives you goosebumps. Once a member of the band Staggered Crossing, Taylor has been pursuing a successful solo career since 2001, releasing twelve studio albums. But it was in 2020 that he truly made waves, his second acoustic album, “The Ridge“, skyrocketed through the charts and earned rave reviews from critics. If that’s not success, what is?
And now, in 2025, Julian is back with a brand-new single, “Dedication,” released on June 6. It’s the first track from his upcoming album Anthology II, set to be released in September. The song was co-written with his longtime friend and collaborator Robert Priest and, according to Taylor himself, is about full-on commitment in love, in life, and in art. “This song is about going all the way,” he says. The track was recorded with Julian’s UK touring band Michelle Stodart (bass), Ravennen Husbandes (guitar), and Sian Monaghan (drums). You’ll hear melodic guitar lines, powerful chords, and rich vocal harmonies.
“Dedication” begins gently: an unhurried rhythm, the melody flowing smoothly and effortlessly. But before you know it, the surge of the chorus sweeps you up — and you realize this is the real deal: guitars bite, vocals rasp, and the air crackles with rock ’n’ roll energy. It feels like British melancholy meets American groove – and together they strike up a conversation in the language of guitars, rhythm, and heart. Dedication sounds tender, bold, melodic and blazing with energy. Like many of Taylor’s songs, “Dedication” is about making your way through life, building relationships, and carrying love into the world.
This idea comes vividly to life in the music video, where Julian and his British band bring the energy of a live performance straight to the screen – no overproduction, just raw emotion, musical synergy, and a sense of unity between the musicians. The video perfectly captures the song’s spirit: forward motion, sincerity, and the deep commitment Taylor sings about. It all feels incredibly natural, like you’re witnessing a rehearsal or an intimate concert where the music is being born right then and there. The single is now available on all streaming platforms, and the video is up on YouTube. Don’t miss it!
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