Justin Taylor: PRS Private Stock, Gigging at 13, and Why “Perfect” Music Feels Wrong

Episode 29 — Justin Taylor   In this episode of The Shift with Mike & Joe, we sit down with Maryland-based artist and guitarist Justin Taylor for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts music nerd-out and real talk about the craft.   We talk about how Justin started gigging at 13, what those early years taught him, and how he built his career through relentless reps, touring, and staying obsessed with getting better. From there we dive deep into PRS guitars (including his Private Stock), tone-chasing, live rig choices, and why blending electric/piezo tones can make a three-piece band sound huge.   Justin also shares how songwriting in Nashville often starts as a simple conversation that turns into a finished song fast — and why he’s leaning into “Work Tapes,” voice notes, and imperfect recordings that feel more human than polished perfection. We wrap with a great discussion on live shows: winging it vs. choreography, the internet’s effect on performance, and why authenticity is having a moment again.   Guest: Justin Taylor Find Justin: Instagram @JustinTaylorMD | Website JustinTaylorBand.com | Music: Hindsight (available on Spotify/Apple Music) The Shift with Mike & Joe is produced by Image & Sound Media www.imagesoundmedia.com   🎧 Support The Shift with Mike & Joe • 🌐 Website: https://www.theshiftwithmikeandjoe.com  • 💸 Donate: https://www.theshiftwithmikeandjoe.com/giving-page-2-1  • ✉️ Email: [email protected]  • ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheShiftwithMikeandJoe • 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshiftwithmikeandjoe/  • 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61574975860350  • 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shift-with-mike-joe/id1813198065  • 🎙 Podbean: https://joer7.podbean.com