“Bakersfield” Now Streaming

“Bakersfield,” an antipathetic ode to the country music town from the eyes of Willy Tea Taylor’s grandmother.

Drift into this divey honky-tonk waltzer from Willy Tea Taylor and The Fellership. A sequel to Taylor’s popular “Big Jim’s Guitar”, “Bakersfield” sonically encompasses the booze soaked country dance halls Taylor’s grandmother once dominated. The lyrics are from the perspective of Taylor’s grandmother as she reflects on her following country pickers around a decrepit town she could never escape, and quotes her dying request, “Don’t you dare bury me in Bakersfield.” Featuring the vocal talents of singer-songwriter, Jeffrey Martin, and guitar, percussion and piano stylings from members of TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, the song twangs and two-steps in all the right places while Taylor’s low vocal delivery pushes ya along the dance floor. Bakersfield can be found on The Great Western Hangover, Willy’s full-length album set to release October 27th. Bakersfield is now available on all streaming platforms.

Download "Bakersfield" WAV

Press

“We can positively certify, that Willy Tea Taylor is a bonafide national treasure.” – Glide Magazine


“The best songwriter of our generation regardless of genre, scene, commercial or critical success… without hesitation is Willy Tea Taylor”


“Willy Tea Taylor is possibly one of the most important American singer/songwriters of our time. ”


“Willy Tea Taylor deserves to be known as a master song-crafter who mines gems from the Sierras of his soul and sings with tremendous heart.””


The Great Western Hangover

Taylor’s new album, The Great Western Hangover releases October 27th via Blackwing Music. The ten-song LP features a sample-size blend of Willy’s musical influences like Tom Petty-esque rock anthems, riders of the storm rattling westerns, and bait’n tackle choir chants, while delivering the masterful songwriting that Taylor’s cult of underground folk followers devour. The Great Western Hangover features other talents like Anna Tivel, Jeffrey Martin, The Rainbow Girls, and members of Fruition, and TK & the Holy Know-Nothings.
Recorded live in a two-and-a-half day session at Our Lady of Perpetual Heat Recording Studio & Spa just outside of Portland, The Great Western Hangover showcases many sides of Willy Tea Taylor’s musical mind and songwriting prowess. Willy Tea Taylor has dedicated his life to constantly crafting the ultimate “hero hang” as an eternal seeker of Guy Clark’s kitchen table. Gathering folks betrothed to music, who ride the wave of the unknown, and strive to experience full-hearted gratitude amidst the chaotic modern world is what built the foundation The Fellership stands upon. Some might think of it as an expanded supergroup, but in the form of Taylor’s band, The Fellership amplifies good times, supports wandering souls, and acts as defenders of a well-crafted song. Though a constantly shifting outfit, this Fellership iteration pressed in wax features Taylor Kingman (TK & The Holy Know-Nothings), Tyler Thompson (Fruition, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings), Kris Stuart (Wanderlodge, Root Jack), Dylan Nicholson (The Turkey Buzzards), and Eric Patterson (The Turkey Buzzards).


About Willy Tea

There is no question that Willy Tea Taylor’s life as a singer/songwriter was predetermined – his role realized the moment he wrote his first song.

In it for the song, the hang, and the sounds he draws from his little, tenor guitar, Willy drew his inspiration from grainy videos he watched of the true visionaries of his genre: Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Steve Young and Guy Clark, sitting around Clark’s little kitchen table loaded down with ash trays full of butts and half-smoked cigarettes, food, and booze on one Christmas Eve in 1975. Those guys, swapping songs without pretense, was what lit Willy Tea’s fire. Ever since, that’s been his passion – finding that hang and curating relationships through musical friendships that get him to his version of that night.

Willy Tea Taylor, the son of a cattleman, was born and raised in the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, known as Oakdale, California. In the past year or so, after thousands of miles driven and countless songs written and played, he has suddenly and rightfully found himself standing shoulder to shoulder in the ranks of today’s great Alt-Country musicians. Along the way Willy Tea has played some damn fine shows, collaborated with some stellar musicians and released some outstanding records. From his early days co-fronting The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, to singing solo in countless cowboy bars, Willy Tea has never lost the vision of what he knew could be. And now with The Fellership or solo, Willy Tea Taylor, he has taken his version of that hero hang on the road.

Upcoming Shows