Stewart Taylor is out now with the music video for his electrifying new single, “Even”. A pulsating dance-pop anthem that Taylor describes as his “pre-breakup song”, the single navigates the complex dynamics of love, conflict, and the struggle to “get even”. The video portrays the relationship as a retro-inspired video game with striking special effects and bold styling, depicting Taylor and his on-screen partner facing emotional battles that escalate with each level.  The intricate choreography in the video pushes Taylor to new heights and the indie-inspired fashion looks are top notch.  Stewart Taylor explains more from his home in Los Angeles.

Stewart Taylor is an LA-based singer, songwriter, dancer, and MMG actor/model. He grew up in a small town outside of New York City, where he began writing songs and performing in local talent shows and Lower East Side clubs. Since graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, he’s collaborated with Grammy-nominated songwriters and producers including Charlie Puth and Kara DioGuardi and has penned songs for Romanian pop star Antonia, Kpop star Josh Cullen, American Idol‘s David Hernandez, and RuPaul’s Drag Race’s JuJu Bee, Mo Heart, and Manila Luzon.

He has also released several singles including his funk and R&B inspired debut single “Mess Your Hair Up” and “Favorite Ex”.  His last music video, “Nightmares”, is currently playing on MTV’s Spankin’ New. Stewart Taylor is an active voice in the LGBTQ+ community and his coming out story was featured in the New York Times bestselling book, It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living.

Who are you singing about in “Even”?

The song is about my relationship with a past boyfriend. We loved each other but we had a lot of issues. If you’re always trying to get even with your partner, it’s a ride that’s really difficult to get off. 

Do you believe in getting even?

I don’t really believe in revenge because it only perpetuates the cycle of pain. I believe in taking accountability for your actions and owning your BS before walking away.  The language of the heart is tricky. You can be very much in love with someone and also end up on opposing teams.

How does “Even” build upon your previous releases?

I think this is one of my best songs because of how honest it is. It’s also one of my favorite music videos I’ve ever made. Making a visual for a song is never easy. It took me almost a year of planning to get this project to the finish line. The special effects, animation, styling, and choreography took a long time to navigate and I really pushed myself and my team to execute my full vision.

What was the inspiration behind the visual?

I have an eighties-style jacket that says “Game Over” on the back. It inspired me to develop a music video that jumps in and out of a video game where my boyfriend and I are the players and every fight takes us through a different level of the game.  We both want to go back to when things were good and freeze frame, but we can’t.  In real life, we were very much ‘game over’ by the time I finished the song.

It’s an incredible video.

I love the car sequences with the neon Corvette and the golden panther character is symbolic of my ex who was always ready to pounce and attack.  You know, in real life, when that mask came off, I realized he was just another hurt person struggling in a relationship.

How are things between you and your ex now?

Over the years, we have healed and have managed to stay friends. He’s heard “Even” and is very supportive of it. Thankfully for both of us, the fighting is over and our struggles only come to surface again in my melodies.

By Skip Sheffield

Stewart Taylor’s “Even” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms. Its video is available on Vevo and YouTube. Follow on IG and TikTok @imstewarttaylor and online at stewarttaylorofficial.com