Taylor ONeil
8/2/2023
Where did your music journey begin?
My journey began super early on. Having an older sister and a cool rock mom, exposed me to music in the 90's at a very early age. I was drawn to it from the very beginning and knew I wanted to pursue music in my life.
Did you play an instrument when you were little?
Yes, I started playing guitar at the age of 12 and since then I have learned guitar, bass, piano, and drums. Pretty much all the instruments you would find in a metal band, I play them.
What other artists inspire you?
My inspirations come from too many artists to name, but my absolute two all-time favorite artists are Oli from Bring Me the Horizon, and Ronnie from Falling in Reverse. These are absolute legends in the game.
Did you go to concerts growing up?
Yes actually! I am blessed I had a chill mom growing up and a dad who didn't care where I was, so it was super easy to attend concerts. First concert was Limp Bizkit March 26th, 2001. It was absolutely metal and badass. I still remember it to this day.
When did you start producing your own music?
I started producing my own music in 2020. It wasn't a covid thing, but it was just the right timing. I have always made my own music, but it was always with live instruments. It wasn't until 2020 when I said "ok, its time! Let's switch to digital recording and make endless cool shit."
What software did you start on?
I have always been a fan of Apple so messing around with garage band was always fun, so when I began producing, I went with logic pro x and still to this day I use Logic.
How much have you grown as a producer since then?
So much honestly. I have learned so much and you know what? I am still learning. Still pushing boundaries and learning new techniques. I have grown a lot and I'm pretty proud of the journey thus far.
What is your favorite part of making music?
Composition is definitely my favorite part of making music. Possibilities are endless when the creativity flow is going but it sucks when I hit writer's block too lol.
You focus on metal and dubstep; how did you start that project?
I have always been a metal head and the world is turning to EDM so it only made sense. Now there are a lot more metal/EDM infused artists but when I started there weren't. I just knew that it had to be metal and EDM, but I try to do it in a fun way and also incorporating metal with bass house, DnB, etc.
Do you have a favorite metal band(s)?
Bring Me The Horizon, Falling in Reverse, August Burns Red, Between The Buried and Me, and so so many more.
Did you always blend these two genres together?
Absolutely. Ever since the GRISLY project started, these 2 genres were always the end goal.
Who are your biggest inspirations when it comes to metal and dubstep?
I would have to say Vastive and PhaseOne. I absolutely love these two legends.
You've had some great success as a producer. What are some of the key factors that you think have led to that success?
Thank you. Honestly, I just stay true to myself and the art and just by having an honest love for this art, is key. If you are not in it for the right reasons, you will fade fast.
What are some things you have done to have a successful release?
I always plan my releases for budget purposes. That's my biggest thing. Planning is everything to ensure you have the funds at that date to push your track.
How do you get shows supporting your biggest inspirations?
Lots and lots of networking and just being a good person. That's just some of it. Of course, you need to have a good presence and reputation, but people are watching.
How do you balance working on chasing your music career and everyday life?
Again, I just plan. I tell myself and the people that need me when I have time, when I can make time, what to do during my time, etc. It is all about time management. a little every day is more than nothing every day.
What is the balance between real life, like paying bills and going to work, and producing music, marketing, content creating, and playing shows?
I haven't toured or done that crazy on the go artist lifestyle yet but based on what I have experienced and looking at other artists, being healthy and having proper time management is everything. You have to take care of yourself first.
What are your thoughts on content creation?
I will be honest. I'm old school as hell lol. This content stuff is so distracting from what really matters but I understand we have to evolve with the times, so I try to do some content but it's definitely hard to come up with ideas.
The music industry feels like it is moving towards more content creation rather than just music production. Do you think that this is a good thing or a bad thing?
I think it's a shitty thing if it's not music related. I miss the days where it took hard work and dedication to pass out demo tapes and flyers at malls. Nowadays, anyone can just make a video at home, pick up traction and make it. It's sad to me but if the content includes their own song, and a cool idea and its 100% their content then I am 100% for it and support it.
Do you think that this will contribute to a massive change in how people consume music and experience concerts?
I think so yes. One of the downsides is that people's attention span is not very good, so people always try to move on to the next best thing rather fast.
Where do you see the Grisly project going in the future?
I honestly want to see this project go really far. It is unique in my eyes, but I could be biased ;). I try to make it unique. Using metal with all styles of EDM and bringing those anthems back to people's ears and spread the metal love to balance everything out.
What festivals do you hope to play?
I hope to play Lost Lands and Forbidden Kingdom. Those are two of my goals.
What can we expect for music releases?
I have a lot of music coming out. A lot of collabs and a vocal sample pack aiming to come out this October 2023.
What cities are your favorite to play in and what cities do you hope to play in still?
I live in Florida so I gotta give love to the FL venues but out of state, I really enjoy playing in Atlanta. They go hard af. #ATLhoe I hope to play in Texas soon though! I heard they like metal over there ;)
Who do you want to open for in the future?
I really want to open for Vastive and Kayzo. I have played direct support for PhaseOne so the only two left are Vastive and Kayzo.
Who do you want to open for you in the future?
Honestly, I'm good with anyone that works hard and loves music!
