NEWS | FEATURES | PREVIEWS | EVENTS
By Gary Wien

originally published: 01/04/2021

The latest song by Taylor Tote was released on Christmas Day as part of the Telegraph Hill Records Vol. 3 playlist. Artists were asked to sum up 2020 as they reflect on a year of limitations and loss and describe their individual contributions in their own words. Taylor Tote's contribution is "Quarter-Life Crisis" - an anthem for those in their 20s and 30s trying to make their way, while striving to discover exactly which way they want to go.

"'Quarter-Life Crisis' was inspired after being told I wasn't an adult because I don't 'struggle enough' which is silly considering the year we've been through," explained Taylor Tote. "I was actually really offended! I felt like my whole life I wasn't taken seriously because of my age and now I'm at a point of being split - I'm either too young for something or too old and there seems to be no in between." 

"I think 'Quarter-Life Crisis' can relate to anyone regardless of age but I have a feeling those in their 20s and 30s will feel this a little bit harder," continued Tote. "I hope this song can serve as an anthem for getting through these tough times while thriving through it!"  

The lyrics in Taylor's song will likely resonate with many who are either starting their careers or working and hoping to make their dreams come true. Getting there is never easy, but the pandemic has definitely made the path more difficult.  She sings, "Deep in this bottle of wine, there's a worry about everything all the time / I'm trying to get on with my life, but no one wants to give me a try."

The digital release of Telegraph Hill Records Vol. 3 on December 25, 2020 did not come easy this year.  Recorded remotely in basements and makeshift studios for safety, the label delivers 17 brand new singles from its diverse catalog of established and rising stars right on time.  Expertly finished "to go" as they imported it all into the central studio for mixing, the only remnants of this COVID-19 twist are in the theme of the songs themselves. 

 

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In addition to Taylor Tote, the collection includes tracks by Marc A. Tappan, Jarod Clemons and the Late Nights, The Foes of Fern, Malibu, Des & the Swagmatics, Alexander Simone and WhoDat, Natalie Farrell, The Burns, The Hell Yeah Babies, Lake Champagne, Patty C, Morningside Lane, Levy and the Oaks, Airacuda, Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son, and Cranston Dean Band.  The playlist is available at Spotify.

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Here is the complete tracklist

"Change The World" - Marc A. Tappan

"Ramblewood Parkway" - Jarod Clemons and the Late Nights

"Time Management" - The Foes of Fern

"Quarter-Life Crisis" - Taylor Tote

"Think 2 Much" - Malibu

"Slow Kiss" - Des & the Swagmatics

"Push On" - Alexander Simone and WhoDat

"Keep Me Close" - Natalie Farrell

"Come And Go" - The Burns

"Mexican Coke" - The Hell Yeah Babies

"Leave Me Alone" - Lake Champagne

"Dancing In The Snow" - Patty C

"Cigarettes And Perfume" - Morningside Lane

"Look At The Future" - Levy and the Oaks

"Drive (Live)" - Airacuda

"Honey Hair (Live)" - Cranston Dean Band

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Taylor Tote has made quite a splash in the NJ music scene in a few short years. The 25 year-old Jersey Shore native is mesmerizing, with her unique, upbeat, and soulful original songs. Currently residing in NYC, Tote grew up in Tinton Falls, New Jersey with her fun-loving family. When Tote is not performing, recording, or writing she is at Marymount Manhattan College studying Media and Arts Management, Social Entrepreneurship, and Music Industry. Tote’s intense schedule is surrounded by music, there is no doubt that music is Tote’s passion and what she was born to do. This really becomes self-evident that she is self-aware and possesses a unique brand of stage presence that goes far beyond the stage itself. Tote relies on influences such as Amy Winehouse, Stevie Nicks and many more.

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Telegraph Hill Records is an independent record label based in Asbury Park, NJ and New York City, NY. Founders Joseph Pomarico & Matthew Fernicola have been recording and performing with artists in Asbury Park since 2009. The duo is responsible for some of the city’s most popular recordings and music events, including multiple fundraisers to benefit the entire community. 

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Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. He can be contacted at gary@newjerseystage.com.

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