An American folk music band, Hiss Golden Messenger originated in Durham, North Carolina, led by MC Taylor. For the various recordings he is joined by a number of guest musicians. Taylor released his early material on his own label.
The band’s music contains elements from various musical genres, such as folk, country, dub, country soul, rhythm and blues, bluegrass, jazz, funk, swamp pop, gospel, blues, and rock. The band’s style was also described as “alternative country” and “country rock.” The band’s main influences include the Beatles, The Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield.
Taylor was inspired to pick up the guitar by his musician father, who had previously played in the Settlers, a pop outfit that once opened for John Denver.
The band was formed by MC Taylor and Scott Hirsch in 2007, after their relocation in North Carolina. Both Taylor and Hirsch were the members of the hardcore punk band Ex-Ignota and San Francisco-based indie rock band The Court & Spark, whose dissolution led to the formation of the band. The band’s early recordings were released through Taylor’s own recording label, “Heaven & Earth Magic Recording Company.”
When Taylor signed with Merge records in 2014, things began to change in a big way for the duo.
In 2016, Hiss Golden Messenger released the album Heart Like a Levee and embarked on an international tour. Taylor kept busy and recently completed the next album, Hallelujah Anyhow, set for release this September 22nd.
Hear the new song from it “Domino (Time Will Tell)” on K-ZAP 93.3 FM and streaming at K-ZAP.ORG/LISTEN/
Discography
Country Hai East Cotton (2008)
Bad Debt (2010)
Poor Moon (2011)
Lord I Love the Rain (2012)
Haw (2013)
Glad (EP)(2013)
Lateness of Dancers (2014)
Southern Grammar (EP)(2015)
Heart Like a Levee/Vestapol (2016)
Hallelujah Anyhow (2017)
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