A moment with 'TDC Music Studio'
ABIA meets Sydney saxophonist and wedding entertainer Taylor De Col
Etienne Reynaud
As a cruise ship entertainer Taylor De Col, of Sydney-based TDC Music Studio, played his saxophone in Mexico, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, The Caribbean, Bermuda, Jamaica and the Bahamas before moving to Australia and becoming a professional wedding entertainer.
“Music brings people and cultures from all over the world together,” Taylor says of his craft, and he’s proud of the powerful effect this can have on a couple’s wedding day.
Of course, it helps that he can cater to any genre, era or musical taste, with his ability to play everything from romantic wedding classics to high-energy dance-floor favourites, either solo or in collaboration with live bands and deejays.
ABIA persuaded Taylor to set aside his saxophone for a moment, to chat to us about embracing his passion professionally, touring the globe and bringing his clients’ musical visions to life.
Etienne Reynaud
Tell us about your wedding entertainment service.
TDC Music Studio is Taylor De Col. I’m a professional saxophonist who offers live entertainment packages for weddings. I’ve been playing the sax for more than 20 years and have been performing at weddings for more than a decade.
My top priority is to entertain, and as a passionate performer I roam the dance floor playing soulful saxophone melodies, pump up the vibe with my dynamic and engaging performances or use music to highlight elements of the day, like pre-dinner drinks, the wedding entrance, the first dance or the after-party at the end of the night.
I most commonly perform sax with DJs, but also play solo saxophone or with a live band and cater to all musical tastes, from smooth jazz to RNB, pop, funk and timeless wedding classics.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
I moved to Sydney from the USA in 2013 and began performing with local musicians at jazz clubs. I have always loved performing and shortly after moving, and connecting with other musicians, I began to get offers to perform at weddings, which lead me to what I do today!
Where are you based and what locations do you service?
I am based in Sydney and service the greater Sydney area, Hunter Valley, South Coast, Central Coast and Blue Mountains. With areas outside Sydney I add a travel fee.
Image courtesy TDC Music Studio
Etienne Reynaud
At what age did you start playing the saxophone? When did you realise you wanted to turn your talent into a business?
I started playing the saxophone at the age of 14 after playing the clarinet for three years. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to perform music professionally — it's always been my passion and dream.
My talent became a business when I discovered the beauty and joy of creating music for special moments and the positive impact this has. It is my absolute pleasure to play my saxophone at weddings and it means a lot to me.
When did you first discover your love of the saxophone?
The very first time I saw a saxophone played, live in a school assembly, I knew I wanted to play it. Something about the sound and look really spoke to me. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't been at school that day. I'm so glad I was there.
The first time I played my saxophone it was a magical experience — I fell in love with the instrument and never looked back!
Images Etienne Reynaud
Do you play any other instruments?
I play the clarinet as my other primary instrument, and some flute as well, but saxophone is my favourite as I can really connect at a deeper level to create and express feeling — the notes and music flow freely. Saxophone is also more versatile and expressive — it can cover a broad range of styles and genres, which makes it perfect for weddings.
What are some of your most memorable performances?
A music tour of Europe was a favourite, in particular a performance in Switzerland where the audience was so appreciative and grateful that one lady was crying tears of joy.
Another highlight was touring Australia with Italian soul-jazz singer Mario Biondi and his band earlier this year. We played in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney and the audiences were so engaged with the music and so happy. It was a great reminder of how music brings together people and cultures from all over the world.
I also used to perform professionally on cruise ships, so I’ve played everywhere from Alaska to The Caribbean, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet and perform with some amazing musicians from across the globe.
Etienne Reynaud
What should couples look for in a wedding entertainer, and how far in advance should they book?
Couples should look for a wedding musician or entertainer who is passionate and really cares about what they do. Someone who will bring bright, positive energy and go above-and-beyond to really connect with them, to learn about their vision and musical dreams and align their services to make them a reality. I do these things and I take bookings anywhere from a month in advance, right through to a year in advance.
What makes your wedding entertainment service unique?
TDC Music Studio's saxophone offers a beautiful tone and I have the ability to cater to all styles of music to create magical moments throughout the wedding day — from romantic, elegant serenades to upbeat, high-energy, groovy tunes. I bring passion and energy to every wedding and can play smooth solos over any song, genre or era — from ABBA to Michael Jackson to Bruno Mars and everything in between!
Plus, with all bookings, couples get a free phone or Zoom consultation so we can discuss exactly what they want from my saxophone and how I can bring their vision for their wedding to life through my performance. I pride myself on my ability to connect with each couple to ensure I get the vibe just right.
How would you describe the couples you connect with the most?
It's great when couples have a creative vision or idea of how I can help to make their wedding special, memorable or unique through my saxophone performance. Being able to collaborate with a couple to bring a collective vision to life makes me happy.
Etienne Reynaud
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