John C.J. Taylor is not just a musician. He is the creative whose past lives read like a Melbourne street poster: band night flyers, animation reels, gig posters and midnight studio sessions. Having cut his teeth in Sydney’s Agency circuits before migrating to Melbourne with Uncle Bob’s Band, he helped shape the visual identity of venues, printed gig posters that became part of the city’s creative fabric. Then he transitioned to writing and recording songs that feel timeless.
His solo record Caught in the Middle is a record made in the sweat of a portable studio and the mind of a troubadour, a visual thinker. Every track has the polish of a songsmith who knows both melody and narrative.
On stage, in the studio or in his sketches, Taylor remains the creative constant: a man whose tunes carry the warmth of bygone pop, his lines drawn as clearly as his animation cells. This is one to watch — or rather, listen to — now.
Artistic journey
Taylor began his musical path in Sydney bands during the late 1960s and 1970s, playing bass guitar and performing vocals in acts such as Soap, Llama, Hot Rocket, Uncle Bob’s Band, Phones and Secret Police.Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Relocating to Melbourne in the mid-1970s with Uncle Bob’s Band, he immersed himself in the local creative scene. Alongside music, he developed his talent as a visual artist and poster designer, producing artwork for venues, concerts and promotional materials.
In the early 1980s, Taylor co-founded the band Little Heroes, who achieved chart success with songs such as One Perfect Day, one of their signature singles in 1982.
Beyond music, he pursued studies in animation (Post Graduate Diploma in Animation) at the Swinburne Film & Television School. His student film The Huge Adventures of Trevor, a Cat won the prestigious AFI Award for Best Animated Film in 1986.
He also made a name as a filmmaker, animator and lecturer; his documentaries and educational films earned recognition, including awards in scriptwriting (AWGIE Award) and teacher-media categories.
Music Today: Solo career & current work
Taylor is now focused on writing, recording and collaborating with fellow “muso mates” when opportunities present themselves.
His debut solo album, Caught in the Middle, released in January 2022, comprises 15 original songs spanning blues, rock, pop and singer-songwriter styles.John CJ Taylor+23CR Community Radio+2
Tracks such as Deeper Blue, Be My Girl, Lowdown Blues or Negroni O’Clock showcase his melodic songwriting, his lyrical storytelling and his willingness to explore both introspective and evocative themes.John CJ Taylor+1
The album has attracted attention from independent radio, with interviews and airplay promoting the project.3CR Community Radio+1
He is currently working on his second solo album titled Right On Time.JOHN CJ TAYLOR+1
Artistic style & influences
Reviewers have described his music as melodic, with catchy hooks reminiscent of “a golden bygone era,” evoking comparisons with classic rock/pop bands of the past yet with his own distinctive voice.JOHN CJ TAYLOR+33CR Community Radio+3Facebook+3
His multi-disciplinary background in visual arts and animation infuses his music with a sense of narrative, visual storytelling and artistic craftsmanship—reflecting his legacy as both a musician and a visual creator.Wikipedia+1
Showcase tracks
Here are some sample tracks/videos you can embed or reference:
Longevity & experience: decades in the industry spanning live bands, chart-facing pop/rock successes, and creative production.
Creative cross-discipline: not just a musician but an animator, illustrator, filmmaker and lecturer, bringing rich artistic sensibility to his songs.
Independent spirit: even in his solo career he continues to collaborate, self-record, produce and release on independent platforms, staying true to his roots.
New relevance: his recent solo album demonstrates that he still has fresh stories, musical ideas and artistic energy to share.
Contact / More info:
Official website: johncjtaylor.weebly.com
Listen / purchase album: on Bandcamp.John CJ Taylor+2John CJ Taylor+2
