18 hours ago

Henry Taylor on ‘Sweet Thunder,’ Songwriting with His Wife & Staying True to His Sound on The Hang!

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger welcomes Canadian singer-songwriter Henry Taylor for a deep and personal conversation on his musical journey, the stories behind his songs, and the creative heartbeat of his newest album, Sweet Thunder.

Broadcasting from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Taylor shares how a simple cassette tape changed the trajectory of his life. That tape—containing tracks from Neil Young and Rush—sparked a love for music that would evolve into a rich, genre-blending career defined by rock, folk, and country influences.

Throughout this engaging interview, Henry opens up about the intimate collaboration with his wife, who also serves as his songwriting partner. Together, they weave stories and melodies that pull from lived experiences, current events, and raw emotion. Taylor emphasizes how the female perspective in lyrics adds a powerful layer of authenticity to their work—a point he believes makes their songs resonate deeper.

Scott and Henry dive into the complexities of modern music production, including the struggles of mixing in a digital world, and how sometimes the quest for perfection can suffocate creativity. Taylor advocates for the “imperfections” that make music human and real, often choosing to “go to tape” for that warm, analog feel.

The conversation also highlights the vibrant, tight-knit music scene in Kitchener-Waterloo, where originality is still celebrated, and supportive community energy fuels local artists. Henry speaks candidly about the rewarding moments of unexpected recognition, including winning an award for a Christmas song, and how playing live shows helps fine-tune songs before ever hitting the studio.

Listeners get a sneak peek into the stories behind Sweet Thunder, a collection that balances heavier sounds with acoustic introspection. Taylor explains how each band member contributes their unique voice to the project, enhancing its emotional warmth and sonic depth.

This episode of The Hang is for music lovers who care about authenticity, collaboration, and the freedom to explore sound without being boxed in. Whether you’re a fan of Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, or simply love discovering emerging indie talent, Henry Taylor’s story is a reminder that music rooted in truth will always strike a chord.