2024 CONTEMPORARY ROOTS ALBUM OF THE YEAR | Julian Taylor | | The JUNO Awards

There are so many stars in the music world that shine only for a moment. And there are stars that rise and fall, but the heat of some stars can’t be contained and must rise again. Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor is one of those phoenix-like stars. Julian is a Toronto-based, award-winning singer-songwriter, radio host, and label owner. Over the course of his esteemed career, which spans 20-plus years as the leader of Staggered Crossing, Julian Taylor Band, and his solo work, Julian has established himself as one of Canada’s greatest troubadours. He’s earned three JUNO Award nominations, along with a four of Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations, winning solo artist of the year in 2022, five Native American Music Award nominations, a Country Music Ontario nomination, Three Folk Music Ontario nominations, plus a nomination for Canada’s most prestigious music accolade, the Polaris Music Prize. Julian is known for his versatility as a songwriter, singer, and band leader. As well, as a self-managed musician who has handled every facet of his own career for over two decades, including owning his own label, Howling Turtle, Julian exemplifies the DIY ethic and been a model for other indie artists to follow.