Andrea Taylor is an administrator for the Photon Science Group at the Advanced Light Source and has been at the Lab for three years. Music has been a big part of her life, and she even considered doing it professionally, but found the focus on marketing instead of the artistry was too exhausting. The Open Mic events provide a chance to share her love of music and connect with colleagues. The next Open Mic takes place Friday, August 14, at 4:30 p.m.
What role does music play in your life?
I was raised in a musical family. My dad plays guitar and bass, my mom has a lovely alto singing voice, and both my brothers both play guitar. I grew up on the stage, singing mostly, in our church’s band. When I started playing guitar, it really clicked for me. I graduated from writing bad poetry to writing bad lyrics too! When I play my guitar, time slows down and I feel at peace. It’s a refuge for me.
What kind of sound are you going for in your Open Mic performances?
I’m going for soulful, folky, unpretentious and relatable; songs I could play chilling with friends around a campfire. My musical influences are pretty eclectic. My idol is Joni Mitchell, though her music is too tough for me to sing and play. I learned guitar playing a lot f Neil Young, CSNY, Led Zepplin, John Denver, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, and Laura Marling.
You’ve performed in a few Open Mic sessions. Why do you like participating in this event?
While I love playing music, I have debilitating stage fright, so thought the Open Mic would be a good way to perform for people, which I love, without being crippled by stage fright. this event is just so wholesome and uplifting. There’s a great sense of camaraderie among the performers; even if we don’t know each other well, we root for each other and celebrate each other’s efforts in bringing something authentic and even vulnerable to our Lab colleagues.
The next Open Mic event takes place on Friday, August 14, at 4:30 p.m. Go here to learn more and add it to your calendar.
Interested in performing? Go here to sign up by COB on Tuesday, August 11.