London-based Romanian Industrial trip-hop rocker Taurian has released his self-titled debut album. Born Radu Constantin, Taurian has kept the nickname he was given by his girlfriend while studying at The School of Sound Recording in Manchester, in honour of his star sign. “Being Taurus means you have single-mindedness and the ability to really focus on something,” he says. “We don’t give up on something until we’ve achieved it.”
That’s certainly been the case for Taurian, ever since he came to England from his home “between two mountains” in Romania, where he grew up on the music his Rammstein-loving father introduced him to while working as a hard rock DJ at a radio station. He relished the multi-cultural, cosmopolitan nature of life in Manchester, as well as the diversity of its music scene.
His new album, an inspirational signature piece of overcoming break-ups, (including his band and his girlfriend) contains his previous release, Scream and a new single, Guilt.
Andy Howells chats to Taurian about his music inspirations and influences.
What was the first song that made an impact on you?
It was U2’s Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me. I got it on a cassette tape from my father when I was 5 years old.
What was the first single you bought?
Funnily enough that was a U2 release as well – Beautiful Day back in 2000.
What was the first album you owned?
Going back to the previous question, it was the Batman Forever soundtrack, also on cassette tape. U2, PJ Harvey, The Offspring, Nick Cave…. I had a good head start with that one.
What’s your constant go to track?
There are many of those, but if I am to choose just one, it would probably be Alice in Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue
What’s your constant go to album?
There are a few of those which I gravitate towards as well, but at the moment it’s definitely Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon.
Who’s your latest music discovery?
I’m really enjoying Viking music at the moment, artists like Heilung and Wardruna.
What’s your own track that best defines you as an artist?
It would probably be Scream – the dynamic of going from sultry moods to intense outbursts of energy and back is something I enjoy doing a lot.