Up and coming artist from Long Island, NY will make his first debut in Cortland this coming Friday. The performer is hoping to find a fan base at his second home.
While he had participated in choral groups and theater since elementary school, he always wanted to learn how to play the guitar.
The School of Rock in Port Jefferson, NY is where he learned the basics. “It was the stepping stone into my overall goal,” said Lane. “The bigger picture was being able to sing and play [guitar].”
Lane moved from Oceanside to Mount Sinai in the Summer of 2017, and that is when his parents signed him up for lessons. “There was nothing for me to do and I didn’t know anyone in my new town,” said Lane.
Once he began high school, he practiced very minimally outside of the lessons and did not have as much time as he would have liked to play and sing. Lane was a three-sport athlete and participated in several singing groups, so it was his last priority.
When the COVID-19 lockdown started, he had more time to play the guitar and discovered that he could write music on his own.
“As sad as it is, I would not be where I am today in my music career without quarantine,” said Lane. “I’m happy to say that I made the most of my time at home.”
During this time, he created a YouTube channel and released his first video. “I had a tremendous amount of support,” said Lane. “This was a very vulnerable time for me because I never sang in front of an audience, but the amazing feedback showed me that I could do it.”
Lane has four songs to date that he has released on all streaming platforms. He promotes his singles via social media including Instagram, TikTok, etc.
When he came home from his first year of college, he wanted to start performing outside of his internet fan base. His mind was set on pursuing his music career, so he took the risk and quit his summer job as a lifeguard with only one gig lined up.
By the end of the summer, Lane had 26 gigs and played at several hot locations in the Hamptons including the Montauk Yacht Club and Inlet Seafood Restaurant.
“Without the full support and encouragement from my family, friends, and teachers, none of this would have been possible,” said Lane. Now, it is time to bring his talent to college as well.
BRU 64 has been in communication with Lane since the beginning of January when he gave them his business card. They viewed his platforms and reached out to him to perform.
Students and a local crowd are often found at BRU 64, so it is a great place to begin. The establishment has a strong reputation with live music in town.
“I want to help bring more music to campus,” said Lane. He is an Inclusive Childhood Education major and did not incorporate music into his class schedule as there is no music minor at the university.
Lane expressed that he does not want music to stop when he gets to school.
Come to BRU 64 on March 1 from 6-8 to see Taylor Thomas Lane in action and stay tuned for future performances. This is the first, but certainly not the last.