Flash Taylor has worked in Publishing as an A&R man since 2003, working with companies such as Zomba Music, Sony ATV, Perfect Songs and his current home at Bucks Music Group. He has worked with many writers and artists over his career across all genres.
What is your favourite album cover of all time, and why?
I remember being fascinated and terrified in equal measure by my Mum's copy of The War Of the Worlds by Jeff Wayne when I was a kid. The songs and the illustrations by Geoff Taylor and Peter Goodfellow in the vinyl package worked perfectly in tandem to convey the story of an alien invasion. I still put the record on and stare at the album cover.
What is your favourite music video ever, and why?
Without question Window Licker by Aphex Twin. Chris Cunningham directed the video and I remember the first time I saw the edited version on a morning music show growing up in New Zealand it effected me so much I was jumping at shadows for the rest of the day. The full version remains to be a conceptual triumph - and the choreography is astounding when he gets out of the limo.
What is your favourite music photograph, and why?
I'm a big fan of live photo's that capture a moment not likely to be repeated. In that regard there is a photo by Tom Copi of Iggy Pop being held up by his legs in the crowd at a Cincinnati gig, pointing and staring down the punters. He's literally walking over the audience. It's a classic image that sums up a true showman.
What is the best digital campaign idea you have seen?
This was a few years ago now but when the Arcade Fire released the Suburbs album, there was an online campaign for the song We Used To Wait. The premise was to type in the postcode of your childhood home and it would utilise google maps to create a bespoke music video of sorts. It set the tone perfectly for the albums theme.
Who is the most visually iconic artist ever in your opinion?
Man, so many to choose from. I've always loved Prince's style. You can't knock an artist who changed his name to an unpronounceable piece of art.
Which current creative campaign do you most admire?
Novo Amour flipped Welcome to the Jungle on it's head for the recent Lynx campaign. I love versions that completely change the core tone of the original and he smashed it.
Who is your favourite artist that you've worked with creatively?
When I joined Perfect Songs there was an artist already signed called Femme. When I started working with her it became clear that she was as motivated visually as she was musically. It's always great fun to work with talent that occupies multiple creative spaces.
Which artist do you wish you were creatively involved with?
Kendrick Lamar is killing it this year. He would be amazing to work with. Even making the tea in the studio I'm sure would be an incredible experience.
