Maria Taylor
Meet Maria.
From youth programs around music to local performances at community events, to music resonating from local venues every night, music is always in the air in South Pasadena thanks to performers in our town like Maria Taylor. Beyond her encouraging and active presence in town, Maria is a talented singer-songwriter based here in South Pasadena, helping us keep our musical spirit so vibrant.
About the Legend
Introduce yourself!
I am a singer-songwriter from Birmingham, Alabama. Between my band, Azure Ray, and my solo project, I have released around 16 records and spent most of my 20s and 30s touring around the world to support them. I have lived in several cities, but once I made my way to South Pasadena, I knew this was where I wanted to raise my kids. We have fallen in love with this city. I still write songs and release records, but I don't tour nearly as much now that I have a family.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a husband, two sons (8 and 11), and two very wild, very sweet furry sons.
What are you passionate about? What do you love about what you do?
Writing songs and playing shows occupied 98 percent of my time until I had kids. When they were very young, I would still tour with them. They have both seen almost every US and European city (but probably only remember a few). Once they got older, I knew that missing weeks of school wasn't good for them and I have a hard time being away from them for even a day.... So I started touring less and less. Recently I dusted off my drumsticks and went on tour with the band Bright Eyes and also started a new project with my friend called "HAHA." I love to just see where life takes me, watch it all unfold... And I couldn't be happier that my steps somehow led me to South Pasadena :)
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I am so honored to have been in some of my favorite tv shows throughout the years. A few that I can remember off-hand are: "Six Feet Under," "Parenthood," "Grey's Anatomy," "This is Us," and "Cobra Kai." One of my songs was in a prominent scene in "Devil Wears Prada" and I remember how exciting it was to hear it in the movie theater. I also feel so lucky to have collaborated with so many incredible artists. I wrote a song with Michael Stipe. Adam Duritz sang a duet with me on one of my songs. I sang on a couple of Phoebe Bridgers’ songs. I've sung on many Josh Radin songs and so so so many Bright Eyes songs. Collaborating is definitely my favorite part about making music...
What inspires you?
Life inspires me. I love to find commonality between my life and others experiencing the human condition... and then write about it. Writing songs has always been a catharsis for me. I've experienced the death of a boyfriend, beautiful loves, break ups, amazing friendships, marriage, childbirth, motherhood, feeling lost, feeling connected.... and I put all of these experiences into my songs.
What is something on your bucket list?
Man, I don't even know. Maybe to do a tour with my kids in my band :)
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I recently wrote a song specifically for a TV show. The song was an integral part of the storyline and the characters sang it throughout the series. I really loved learning about the characters and writing the song for them. I'd love to start doing more of this!! But who knows, maybe I'll be 58 and banging on the drums for some band in some foreign city haha! Just never know!
What is something interesting about yourself that most people don't know about you?
Hmmm.... I was a ballet dancer from when I was 3 to 20 years old, but then left it all in the rearview mirror when my band got a record deal with Geffen Records.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
After a long tour opening up for Jason Isbell, we were saying our goodbyes and he gave me his nice Capo and said, "Don't forget to tune your guitar!!" Lol I swear, Jason, I've gotten a little better about it.
Your South Pasadena Story
Tell us your South Pasadena story! How did you come to live or work in this community?
I lived in Silverlake for a little while in my early 30s but when my husband and I moved to Los Angeles this time, we had a 2-year-old and I was 6 months pregnant. I asked one of my friends, "Where should we live?" He said, "Dude, no question... South Pasadena!" We couldn't be happier that we chose this community, we love it so much!
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have been here now for about 9 years.
What words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word "HOME"?
Contentment, Roots, Warmth
What is your go-to "happy place" in South Pasadena?
The Arroyo trail
What local landmark, business, organization, etc. feels to you like it captures the South Pasadena spirit?
The Dinosaur Farm
What is your favorite community event or social outing in South Pasadena?
We love them all but probably the Farmer's Market.
Some Fun Stuff!
What are your top three favorite songs?
This would just be impossible to answer haha, but some of my standard go-to's are: Leonard Cohen, Prince, Elliot Smith, Carole King, Peter Gabriel, Cyndi Lauper, Lucinda Williams, The Beatles, Tom Petty, Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, and Fleetwood Mack.
What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season? Or even a favorite date in general?
I love Christmas time. I'm not religious, but I love the traditions, all the pretty lights, the parties, and family time. Especially now that I'm a mom, it's such a magical time.
You can learn more about Maria and support her music here: https://www.mariataylormusic.com/
Help spread the word and celebrate our Legend! Download or screenshot the images below to share as posts and/or stories on social media and congratulate our Legend! Be sure to tag @LegendsofSouthPasadena so that we can shout out your post on our social media.
