By Michael “Doc” Studard – Kickin Kountry 101
Some artists chase the spotlight early. Others live a full life first — and that’s exactly why their music hits harder.
Jeff Taylor, this week’s Indie Spotlight Artist on Kickin Kountry 101, is the latter. A lifelong musician, tech professional, and father, Jeff is stepping back into music in 2025 with something many artists don’t have: perspective.
And you can hear it in every note.
From Drums at Five to Guitar in Middle School
Jeff’s musical journey started almost as early as it gets.
“I got my first drum set when I was five,” Jeff says. “My uncle played drums in a band in the ’80s, and music was always around in my family.”
Drums came first. Guitar followed in middle school, when Jeff’s musical influences began colliding — ’70s rock and country from his dad, Motown and R&B from his mom, and a growing love for guitar-driven music.
The first song he learned to play and sing?
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison.”
A rite of passage for guitar players everywhere.
The Song That Pulled Him Into Country Music
While rock shaped Jeff’s early years, it was country music that pulled him in for good.
“The first country song I played and sang was Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) by Garth Brooks,” Jeff says. “Even as a teenager, that song hit me. Now that I’m 50, it hits even harder.”
For Jeff, country music was about the storytelling.
“The lyrics. The heart. The way the songs make you feel something — that’s what drew me in.”
Music Was Never the Plan — Until It Was
Jeff never set out to make music his career.
“I always did it for me,” he explains. “It was my outlet.”
That changed around 2009–2010 after a personal turning point — and an unexpected call from NBC casting agents for The Voice. While that chapter didn’t lead to TV stardom, it opened doors.
Jeff formed a band, played festivals and NASCAR events, and spent several years performing live before stepping away again to focus on raising his daughters.
A Tech Career That Quietly Shaped His Sound
Before returning to music, Jeff built a successful career in technology — completely self-taught.
“In the ’90s, it was books and trial-and-error,” he says. “The internet wasn’t what it is now.”
Ironically, those skills now translate directly into modern music production, where technology and creativity are inseparable.
AI, Authenticity, and Real Music
When asked about AI in music, Jeff offers a thoughtful, grounded take.
“I won’t use AI to write or create my music,” he says. “That’s a personal choice.”
But he doesn’t see it as a threat.
“We’ve seen this before — overly synthetic eras always lead to a pushback. People eventually want real music by real musicians again.”
And AI can’t replace one critical thing:
“Human connection. It can’t get on stage. It can’t connect the way people do.”
Why 2025 Was the Right Time
Jeff’s return to music came with a realization.
“I turned 50 in 2025. I’m an empty nester now,” he says. “Life doesn’t end just because your kids grow up.”
His goal isn’t fame — it’s fulfillment.
“I want to inspire people to chase what they love. We get one life, and it goes by fast.”
Indie Artists Need Each Other
One thing that sets Jeff apart is his genuine support of other independent artists.
“When you’re competing against major labels with massive budgets, indie artists have to support each other,” he explains. “Sharing fans and lifting each other up is how we grow.”
It’s a mindset that fits perfectly with the heart of independent country music.
What’s Next for Jeff Taylor
Jeff’s current single, “Beer Drinking Son of a Gun,” is playing all week on Kickin Kountry 101 as part of his Indie Spotlight feature.
He plans to release six new singles in a “waterfall” rollout through 2026, dropping a new song every two to three months.
The next release, “Honky Tonk Angel,” is set for late January and leans heavily into classic ’90s country storytelling.
Why Jeff Taylor Matters
Jeff Taylor isn’t chasing trends or shortcuts. He’s making real music, rooted in experience, honesty, and heart.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what country music needs.
Find Jeff online and make sure to follow!!!
https://www.facebook.com/jefftaylorcountry
tiktok.com/@jefftaylorcountry
Mornings With Doc 
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