Rocketown Records recently announced the signing of its first rock artist, Taylor. A Belmont University senior who will graduate in December 2003, Taylor admits his pure rock and melodic pop styles reveal the influences of a steady diet of Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Elvis. But his upcoming debut, a five-song EP set to release October 7, explodes with a uniqueness that is all his own. Crunchy guitars, plaintive vocals and Dave Perkins’ production (Over the Rhine, Chagall Guevara) surround Taylor's insightful and honest songwriting on the EP, titled The Fill.

“Taylor is a writer wise beyond his years,” said Rocketown Records President Don Donahue. “I've known him since 2000, and due to his songwriting and an amazing live show that he has honed around Nashville for years, I realized he’s someone who can widen the musical scope of Rocketown and still make sense for our label. The key element is the songs are incredible, and the lyrical focus is clear to listeners of his generation.”

A native of Adrian, Mich. and named after his parents' alma mater (Taylor University), this 22-year-old religion major spent the past several years playing clubs in Nashville and colleges throughout the Midwest with his band. As an independent artist, Taylor’s song “Mercy Streets” appeared in the 2000 film of the same name. He has also opened concerts for dc Talk, Eddie Money and Asleep at the Wheel. This summer he landed the slot before the Newsboys on AtlantaFest’s main stage and will also be appearing in Orlando at Rock the Universe in September.

Describing his music as “reformed American rock with a European soul,” Taylor’s style expresses itself almost as an anthem, proclaiming and crying out to be more than simply good rock ‘n’ roll. “My music is about love, the love that put the nails in the hands of Jesus,” Taylor said. “That love applies to a kiss or to serving in an AIDS-stricken country or to playing music. It’s a love that makes these things holy, that makes them sacred, that makes them the gospel. It’s a love that’s revolutionary because the gospel is revolutionary.”

The EP’s title, The Fill, as well as the title for the full-length CD, The Overflow, take their names from a quote in John Piper’s book, Desiring God: “Love is the overflow of joy in God which gladly meets the needs of others.” The Overflow is tentatively scheduled for a Spring 2004 release.Samples of Taylor’s music will be distributed online and on samplers at major music festivals as well as at tastemaker retail stores this summer and fall.

Grammy Award-winner Michael W. Smith and former Reunion Records A&R chief Don Donahue started Rocketown Records in 1996 with the goal of building a label around a foundation of great songs and a family atmosphere. Since its launch, Rocketown has garnered commercial and critical acclaim with more than 2.5 million units sold, 23 No. 1 songs and nearly 40 Dove Award nominations, including New Artist of the Year nominations for four of the six new artists the label has introduced.