Julian Taylor Meets Polarisation With A Plea For Compassion On His New Single ‘Drive’ (Out Now)

JULIAN TAYLOR MEETS POLARISATION WITH A PLEA FOR COMPASSION ON HIS NEW SINGLE ‘DRIVE’ (OUT NOW)

“A joy filled ride for troubled times.” ~ Jann Arden

“Sounds wonderful. Julian Taylor is a unique voice in Americana. His songs and his sound compel you to listen.” ~ Lyle Lovett

TORONTO – (August 13, 2026) – With his single “Drive”, acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Julian Taylor meets the stark division and polarisation of our current moment with a personal plea for the sort of kindness, connection, and compassion found in Mother Nature’s unconditional love. Taylor released “Drive” yesterday, August 12^th, on all major platforms. For more information, please visit Taylor’s Linktr.ee or any of the artist links below.

Propelled by Taylor’s gentle but insistent acoustic guitar strum, and highlighted by Jimmy Bowskill’s expert fiddle and pedal steel accents, “Drive” is as musically engaging as it is lyrically compelling. Taylor’s interplay in the chorus between “ride,” “write,” and “right” is sharp, and the song would sound perfect in a playlist alongside any from Tom Petty’s Wildflowers, Tracy Chapman’s debut LP., and Blue Rodeo’s Five Days in July.

“Drive” features Taylor’s U.K. touring band: Michele Stodart on bass, Raevennan Husbandes on guitar, and Sian Monaghan on drums. Engineering and mixing were handled by longtime collaborator Saam Hashemi, who also played organ and percussion on the song.

Throughout “Drive”, Taylor references the healing thought leaders and heroes who’ve inspired him on his own journey, including Martin Luther King Jr. (and his “I Have a Dream” speech); the poet Maya Angelou (who wrote “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”); and the Seneca prophet Handsome Lake (who established a “good message” moral code to help the Haudenosaunee people survive post-colonial disruption).

“The song was inspired by the times in which we’re living,” says Taylor. “It’s a strange time. I think people are stressed, confused, hurt, and it feels as if those emotions are being taken out on each other. I want to keep spreading the good word.” Taylor chose the title “Drive” as a reminder to himself, and others, to keep pushing forward. It’s a force that motivates creators, thinkers, and everyday people to continue working toward something bigger than themselves. Even – or especially – when it’s not easy.

As Taylor sings:

Life’s not easy for you

And it’s not easy for me

Yet nature’s love gives us everything unconditionally

ABOUT JULIAN TAYLOR:

After more than 25 years of music-making, from the formative alt-rock of Staggered Crossing, to the genre-blending Julian Taylor Band, to his acclaimed solo career, Julian Taylor has built an unmistakable reputation as one of Canada’s most compelling independent artists and songwriters.

His albums The Ridge, Beyond the Reservoir, and Pathways have earned widespread recognition, including Solo Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, multiple JUNO Award nominations, and a Polaris Music Prize nomination. Blending folk, Americana, soul, and rock with deeply personal storytelling, Julian’s music has been praised for its timeless quality, emotional honesty, and universal resonance.

With “Drive”, he continues a lifelong commitment to creating music that seeks connection over division. Rooted in hope, love, balance, hardship, and perseverance, the song offers a simple but powerful message: keep moving forward.

PRESS QUOTES:

“…Taylor is a unique and important voice on the Canadian roots-and-folk scene.” ~ The Globe & Mail

“…a strong contender for one of the records of the year!” ~ Maverick Magazine

“Taylor is tough to describe but easy to enjoy. Don’t miss this one.” ~ Exclaim!

“Strong messages, poignant words & decisive statements.” ~ Americana Highways

“Among Canada’s most premier songwriters. Ultimately, Taylor remains unparalleled.” ~ SPILL Magazine

UPCOMING DATES:

Aug. 2 – The Jubilee 2026 | New Glasgow, NS

Aug. 8 – 9 – Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2026 | Edmonton, AB

Aug. 15 – 16 – Bear Creek Folk Fest 2026 | Grande Prairie, AB

Aug. 22 – 23 – SummerFolk Festival 2026 | Owen Sound, ON

Sep. 11 – Supercrawl Hamilton | Hamilton, ON