Shane Michael Taylor 'I Will Stand'

Courtesy PLA Media

Country artist Shane Michael Taylor has been living with cerebral palsy and its daily challenges his entire life. Taylor, who taught himself to type with his nose at the incredibly young age of five, started writing songs around that same time. Defying the odds (he received a bachelor’s degree in Music Business and Sound Engineering), the songwriter recently released his debut album, I Will Stand, which contains thirteen impactful tracks, all co-written by Taylor and brought to life with the help of Music City vocalists including Clare Dunn and pop artist Tiffany.

The collection opens with the country rocker, “Livin’ This Rodeo,” which compares life to a rodeo encouraging one to enjoy the ride and stay the course despite the ups and downs we may encounter. And when things do hit a rough patch, the inspirational “Warrior Cowboy” reminds one that no matter how wounded (physically or emotionally) we may be, we have to remember our spirit. “I don’t need to kneel to say a prayer/to thank God that I’m still here.”

“Feel Good Side of Life” points out that things always work out, sometimes maybe just not the way we expected while other songs celebrate the tiny every day miracles (“Everyday Heroes”), traditional values (“We Get To Live It”) and the fact that dreams can come true (the driving “Honky Tonk Rock”).

“Alcohol of Fame” and “Good and Gone” both center on the good times….and maybe imbibing a little too much. The former is an up-tempo true to life humorous tune about fun nights out while the latter finds him wondering if what he remembers actually happened.

Taylor is not afraid to get personal on many tracks, including “Looking Up To You,” an emotional song about losing his mother to cancer and the power of faith, and “I’m Giving In,” a touching piano ballad (with a touch of saxophone) about being at your lowest (and contemplating the unthinkable), but realizing that is exactly what it is and there is nowhere to go but forward.

The album also includes songs that encourage us to learn from our mistakes (“Before We Fly”), and accept our imperfections (“Those Ole Wheels”). It concludes with the sole love song, a ballad, “Turn My Heart Around”

“I’m so excited to finally share my songs and stories with the world,” says Shane, who navigates the world in a wheelchair and struggles to communicate verbally. “I hope I can inspire others to pursue their dreams no matter what obstacles they may face.”

I Will Stand is one of the most touching albums of 2015, as Taylor truly lives the songs he writes. Uplifting and inspirational, I Will Stand is a testament to his own determination and spirit.

---