Rising Student Artist: Liam Taylor leads Nothing Personal

Nothing is more unforgettable than bright pink hair. Except, maybe, Nothing Personal.
That pink hair belongs to Liam Taylor, a freshman at Oswego State and founding member of the band Nothing Personal of Rochester. Donât be surprised if you catch the singer with a new hairdo. His hair varies as much as his talents.
As part of Nothing Personal, Taylor is currently part of a nearly completed project to release the bandâs first full-length album. Senior Mike McKean is recording and mixing the album for the group.
âIâve wanted to do a full album for a long time, but I havenât really had the opportunity,â Taylor said. âIt was such an awesome opportunity that Mike McKean gave us.â
The album is titled âUnforgettableâ and consists of a variety of sounds. Nothing Personal takes inspiration from their favorite bands, including All Time Low (ATL). Their namesake is a tribute to ATLâs hit 2009 album. Blink-182 and Twenty One Pilots also offer a source of inspiration for Taylor, especially when he writes.
âThereâs a lot of, kind of heavier pop punk songs, a lot of brighter ones,â Taylor said. âAnd then thereâs like, a folky, acoustic song on there. Iâm really excited about that one.â
The album also includes a duet featuring fellow student artist Kristen Geary.
Having already finished most of the recording process, McKean is eager to finish work on the final product.
âItâs something that Iâm proud that heâs getting and Iâm also proud to show,â McKean said. âThis is what Iâm doing with my life so Iâd be proud to show this to future employers.â
During the recording process, pride is a visible feature on both Taylor and McKeanâs faces. They both have a passion for the project and their roles in the creation process, as well as for the music industry they both aspire to work in. Taylor has enjoyed being involved in the recording process and hopes that âif the whole ârock starâ thing doesnât work out,â he can find success as a producer.
McKean discovered Taylorâs talents at a Thursday Open Mic Night at the beginning of the semester. As a first time performer, Taylor captivated his audience and has done the same each time since. Taylor says he always finds support in the audience there âeven if he messes up.â He shows his modesty by making lighthearted jokes regarding his performances, which never seem disappoint his audience.
âThereâs never a rude person there,â Taylor said. âThey can be so accepting of everyone, and even if someone messes up, they can just keep cheering them on and make everyone feel better. ⊠I look forward to it throughout the week.â
The positive atmosphere at Open Mic is something McKean encourages as the Lifestyles Center Peer Mentor in charge every week. So far, his encouragement has resulted in a nearly completed full-length album, with a hopeful release date in early December.






