Donovan Taylor is a music artist, creative director, and humanitarian. As an art rock (indie rock with jazz, classical, new and world music influences) singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, his artistic focus is to create experiences through music combined with other art mediums to spread light and hope to those around him. He is based out of his New York City studio, New Hudson Camaraderie.

Career

Donovan’s most notable project to date is The Beatitude Project, which combines the live performance of his album, Beatitude, with the inspiring portraits and videography of professional photographer, Ty Mecham, focused on the theme of mental health and healing. This project was born in 2024 during his album debut and is now completing its 2026 National Tour with exciting future plans yet to be announced.

His discography to date includes: Beatitude (album, 2024); Pigeons (EP, 2021); 12 singles, including “Candles,” “Urban Sketch No. 1,” “Rey.,” and “Glow"“; with a new album forthcoming in 2027. He has collaborated with Brooklyn-based record label, Leestavall Records, and performed at some of New York’s most iconic rock venues: Rockwood Music Hall, Pete’s Candy Store and Bowery Electric.

Donovan strives to support charitable causes and organizations through his artistic project. Through The Beatitude Project he has partnered with Gantry Group, Laloboy Foundation, Oxbo County Jail in Salt Lake City, and various youth groups across the country.

Donovan is passionate about musician education and has dedicated a large portion of his time to tutoring young musicians. Since moving to NYC in 2019, he has taught throughout the NYC boroughs including at non-profit Renaissance Youth Center, Musipire Music Academy, and private lessons in his home studio.

Education

Donovan received a Bachelor in Music Performance (Percussion) from Brigham Young University where he toured internationally with the Chamber Orchestra (The Philippines, 2017), Wind Symphony (Australia, 2018), Dixieland Band (New Orleans, LA, 2018), The New Hot Five at Jazz Education Network Conference (Reno, NV, 2019), Synthesis (Puerto Rico/Dominican Republic/Cuba, 2019).

He received a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from New York University where he studied with legendary drummer, Billy Drummond (Sonny Rollins) and renowned saxophonist Dave Liebman (Miles Davis, Elvin Jones). He was mentored in composition and film scoring by legendary Hollywood composer, Paul Chihara.

Donovan also continues to study voice with teacher Jamie Erekson.

Personal

Donovan lives in New York City with his wife and two kids. He loves his family, food, the Yankees and the Knicks, and his new found hobby of boxing.