YRK Magazine - House of Cards? Not Even Close, interview with Chad Taylor Options

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House Of Cards? Not Even Close.

In an exclusive interview Chad Taylor, guitarist of LIVE, tells the real story behind the politics, the music and his plans for York, PA

(York, PA) July 31, 2014 Downtown York, PA has been a city riddled with strife for as long as most can remember. So when three members of a locally grown, internationally renowned, multi-platinum rock band decided to bring what could quite possibly be one of the biggest game changers to the city of York and the state of Pennsylvania, one would think their efforts would be welcomed with open arms.

Recently, it seems like just the opposite is true; Think Loud Development, its owners, and affiliated companies have been the focus of seemingly endless local media attention. In light of the many versions of similar stories, assumptions and rumors that are running rampant through the community, YRK editor-in-chief, Selena Sparks, sat down with Chad Taylor to get the real story.

YRK: With the recent award of the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (“RACP”) grant, many people want to know what your plans are for downtown York?

Chad Taylor: I’ve been pretty open about our intentions to build companies that can create and sustain our local economy.

YRK: Since the state awarded Think Loud Development the RACP grant, the local press has been abuzz with how the company was able to win the attention of state government. How did this happen?

Chad Taylor: First, lets clear something up. Think Loud hasn’t received a single dollar from the state government as of yet. There are protocols in place to ensure that we reach a match, prior to the release of dollars. And yes, $5mm is a lot of money but verses the projected state tax revenues of $2b, it seems like a pretty good return on investment. We’ll secure the state’s required match and the funds will be released in due process.

YRK: This appears to be a highly political process. Have you had to get involved with political campaigns?

Chad Taylor: Yes, we’ve donated to campaigns for Democrats Bracey and Schreiber, and also Republicans Saylor, Perry & Corbett. Frankly, we’re supporting the politicians who we feel have shown the most support for the city.

YRK: Why haven’t you donated to Tom Wolf’s campaign?

Chad Taylor: I consider Mr. Wolf and his family to be friends. In fact, Mr. Wolf asked me to consider donating to his campaign but all of my resources have recently been dedicated to building our company. If anything, the fact that both Governor Corbett and Tom Wolf see the value of our project, speaks for itself.

YRK: Regardless, it has been implied that Think Loud received the RACP grant because of political fundraisers you held for the Governor and other members of the state legislature. Is this true?

Chad Taylor: No, this is not truthful. The state legislature authored the RACP last year, well before we hosted any political event. I think we deserve credit for showcasing our project and winning the approval of both political parties. I’d like to believe that our financial commitment to York is what gained us their support.

YRK: You also purchased state representative Schreiber’s former home?

Chad Taylor: Yes, one of our companies purchased Kevin Schreiber’s old house. It was listed on the market and we needed additional corporate housing. We continue to employee more and more people, and needed a place for them to stay other than a hotel. It’s a perfect fit for temporary housing. We paid fair market value, and public record was made. This is an extremely transparent transaction and no public funds were used for the purchase.

YRK: How did you learn about the house being listed for sale?

Chad Taylor: I’m friends with Kevin’s wife on Facebook and she mentioned the house being for sale. I told the guys that it would work really well for us and we made an offer.

YRK: So this isn’t a political contribution or an attempt to win influence?

Chad Taylor: We’re in a rock band for God’s sake. We fortunately don’t have to buy political favor and Kevin Schreiber is the most stand-up guy you’ll ever meet. This isn’t House of Cards. We simply purchased a cool house in downtown.

YRK: Have you purchased any other real estate in the city?

Chad Taylor: Yes, we’ve been busy purchasing key properties located around our project at 210 York Street. It’s more than fifty at this point.

YRK: And how are the sellers reacting?

Chad Taylor: We’ve met numerous neighbors at settlement that are grateful for our assistance in helping them find a way out of an impoverished neighborhood.

YRK: These homes are in poor repair, it seems like a risk to purchase them. What are your plans for the neighborhood?

Chad Taylor: Let’s talk straight, we didn’t create the dynamics of the neighborhood but we are helping the members of the community by lowering crime, and yes, raising the value of the properties. It might be a tough blow to some that their home values are low but our neighbors at 210 have been faced with a dreadful national economy and little choices for jobs. Hence why were trying to create jobs in the city. We need something to change.

YRK: And how will you effect change?

Chad Taylor: This was the question I asked myself over and over again as I contemplated building our enterprise in York City. My partners and I knew we wanted to develop real estate but another industrial park, office complex or shipping hub wouldn't put York on the map. Through a bit of universal luck, we learned about the need for a diverse fiber optic pathway to connect New York and Washington DC. When we looked at the proposed pathway, we were excited to learn that it passed directly through the city.

YRK: And how would this fiber pathway impact York?

Chad Taylor: One of the primary reasons why San Francisco has so many tech start-ups was the over abundance of data storage and transmission infrastructure created prior to the dot-com bust. Suddenly, a light bulb went off. If we were able to build a diverse fiber pathway, why couldn't we also build redundant storage – a data park?

YRK: You could have built this company anywhere along the pathway, why did you choose York?

Chad Taylor: York has so many incredible resources. It's got super-smart, industrial people capable of building complex machinery; a superior college; an abundance of excellent vocational schools; power and water infrastructure; plenty of raw buildings and office space; and a prime geographic location.

YRK: So you see York as a technology incubator?

Chad Taylor: The answer for an economic revolution was right in front of us. York could become a technological epicenter if it simply had the infrastructure to support the next Apple, Google or Facebook. We purchased 210 York and began to envision the building as our headquarters to a new movement towards technology and economic development. What became clear was that while we were ready to jump into these new waters, our neighbors and many members of our community would have to get on board.

YRK: What’s the reaction of the local community when you try and explain the importance of telecommunications infrastructure?

Chad Taylor: A wonderful local banker told me, as though he was somewhat reluctant to spoil my dreams, that "York already had the Internet.” I had to explain that while York, and actually the state of Pennsylvania, did have the Internet, it was wired through a series of garden hoses. What I am talking about is akin to the Colorado River of information. A super highway of data that can deliver 100-Gigabits per second.

YRK: You’re clearly passionate about downtown York. Why?

Chad Taylor: You could say Bearcat pride. We could’ve easily built our company in Lancaster, or even the County of York, but Chad, Patrick and I envisioned a company that would generate revenues to support the city of York. We knew that by creating jobs within our cities borders that we'd see the proven impact on crime and education that only a strong economy can deliver.

YRK: And what is the status of your progress?

Chad Taylor: We've invested millions of dollars to build the company thus far, having just completed construction of our 13.8-mile loop in New York City. We're just about to begin construction of our 400-mile long pathway that passes right through York.

YRK: And how will York benefit from the fiber line?

Chad Taylor: Rather than speed by our city like a Midwestern locomotive, we're prepared to build a major stopping point right in our city. We've purchased over 50 city properties and secured funding to build a state-of-the-art data center in downtown.

YRK: This is pretty impressive news. How aware of these plans are city and state officials?

Chad Taylor: The mayor and city counsel should be praised for encouraging us. Tom Wolf and our Governor have both pledged their support in addition to a wide array of legislators. How many times does that really happen in today’s political landscape? While energy may be one of Pennsylvania's greatest assets, we need proper infrastructure to house the forward thinking companies of the world and Think Loud is working hard to provide that.

YRK: So your plan is to build a data center that will connect to the project at 210 York?

Chad Taylor: Yes, we're buying homes and beginning to transform our neighborhood. We hope it's for the ultimate good of our populous. Our company is capable of doing business with some of the world's largest companies. It has the earning potential to prop up our city schools and enhance our civic culture, and that’s why we’re fighting so hard to build it here.

YRK: There have to be concerned members of the local community?

Chad Taylor: Our goal remains to do no harm and to help the community that gave birth to our dreams. I'd like the citizens of our city to support our project and see that it remains a struggle to build and develop these types of opportunities without their support and endorsement.

YRK: Your recent opinion column in the local paper was trending in the Top-10 on Twitter nationally. How has it been received?

Chad Taylor: I’ve received thousands of messages supporting our efforts and remain more than ever, soulfully committed to our community.

YRK: How much do you know about operating a fiber optic network and data centers? This seems like a fairly complex business.

Chad Taylor: We have a veteran executive team in place to handle daily operations. For example, our CEO was the former President of Vonage. Our entire team lives, eats and breathes data. I’m simply the chairman of the board, so my responsibility is to help govern the company.

YRK: Bill Hynes, your partner in Think Loud Development, was convicted of a crime and even served time in jail. Were you aware of his past?

Chad Taylor: Yes, Bill has always been very forthright. If you know Bill, he doesn’t really hold too much back. What you see is what you get.

YRK: So he disclosed his crime to you?

Chad Taylor: Yes, I was fully aware of the bank issue. I guess being a graduate of York High teaches you that people of all walks of life can make the best of a bad situation. I’ve had the chance to break bread with some of Bill’s military buddies and each one of these guys would take a bullet for him. I figure if anyone should receive the benefit of the doubt, it’s those who were brave enough to fight for our country.

YRK: To you this is a non-issue?

Chad Taylor: I am always concerned about the health and well being of our company and we have very strict financial governance in place. While we are an emerging company, we have a fiduciary obligation to our partners and investors to maintain balanced control. The circumstances surrounding Bill’s conviction are not applicable to our corporate governance and operations. The taxpayers of the state of Pennsylvania are embracing and supporting an entire company, not just one member.

YRK: How does the company run and how often are you in York?

Chad Taylor: I leave my house every morning at 6:30AM to drive my children to school and come to work at 210 York. I’m dependent on the various executives to run their specific divisions but I’m not scared to get involved. It’s so inspiring to walk into this incredible facility and see our staff busy building our company and impacting our community. I work closely with all members of our team. We’re in this together.

YRK: And what about LIVE? Do you have time to make music?

Chad Taylor: My relationship with music has changed throughout the years. Next year will be LIVE’s 30th anniversary, so I’m looking forward to releasing new music and playing shows to support the album. Obviously, music remains my primary passion.

YRK: What does the band sound like without Ed?

Chad Taylor: I think we’re creating dynamic music that people will recognize as LIVE. Chris Shinn is a talented guy that can hold his own with the best in world. Our fans have really embraced Chris and I’m super proud of the guy for being brave enough to well, be brave.

YRK: Do you keep in touch with Ed?

Chad Taylor: No, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want the best for him. I’m trying to stay loyal to the new line-up and focus on the album release.

YRK: You had an ugly lawsuit over the LIVE trademark, is that settled?

Chad Taylor: I never imagined any of us being involved in litigation. To me the entire situation could have been avoided if we would have only been able to communicate with each other.

YRK: You weren’t talking?

Chad Taylor: Some of this I don’t want to communicate in an interview or can’t due to the settlement. It turns out that in the U.S., you have to police and protect your own trademark and that’s exactly what we did. We couldn’t have Ed using the mark when he was, in fact, not a member of the band. It’s still a tough topic but I suppose this is what the court system is for.

YRK: So the lawsuit is settled?

Chad Taylor: Yeah, but our fans don’t want to hear about this. It’s old news and for lawyers to sort through. I’m focused on the new album.

YRK: And when will the new LIVE album be released?

Chad Taylor: It will come out this fall. It’s the first album that we’ve written, recorded and mixed, all in York. I’m pretty proud because it brings us full circle and back to our natural roots.

YRK: Did you utilize the new studio?

Chad Taylor: For sure. The crew at Kinsley worked extra long hours to make sure we could track most of the album there. The building still isn’t complete but the studio sounded incredible. They did an outstanding job.

YRK: Will there be any local shows to support the release?

Chad Taylor: It would be impossible for us to ignore York. Eric Menzer from the York Revolution and I have been talking about doing something for a long time. It would be really cool to utilize that incredible ballpark. I can recall a time when it was the ballpark drawing the controversial headlines.

YRK: So, you like the ballpark. Do you attend the games?

Chad Taylor: Yeah, we’re season ticket holders. I love summertime baseball. We’re so lucky to have the Revolution in our town. The community really benefitted from that investment. I love when the cannon announces a homerun. We can hear it in our building.

YRK: Does LIVE still play “Shit Towne” in concert?

Chad Taylor: For sure, it’s a classic from Throwing Copper, only now we dedicate it to those who are focused on the negatives of our hometown, rather than the positive. LIVE fans from all over the world know about York because it was such an integral part of our journey.

YRK: So you’re still a rebel?

Chad Taylor: I’ll always dream the same. The lessons we’ve learned from LIVE are the same lessons we’re applying to creating jobs in our community, or creating new music. I’ll always stand up for the small voices in the room. I have a big guitar rig to amplify those dreams. Not much has changed, other than a few album sales.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/YRKMagazine/photos...5970292/?type=1

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I didn't realise the Bill Hynes had a recent criminal record.

Here's an article that explains what happened:

State: Think Loud CEO's criminal past won't affect $5M grant

By ERIN JAMES

The CEO of a York-based company that received a $5 million grant from the state earlier this month was convicted in 2010 of a third-degree felony theft related to business transactions in Northampton County.

Gov. Tom Corbett was not aware of Bill Hynes' conviction before signing off on the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to Think Loud Development, according to a Corbett spokeswoman.

Informed about the conviction Thursday, Lynn Lawson said the governor is "all systems go based on the tremendous plan they have."

"When you look at what Think Loud has committed to doing and is already in the midst of doing to help the economic devlopment for the City of York and providing jobs and bringing to Pennsylvania a landmark data center, that's what the focus is," Lawson said.

Lawson noted "broad legislative support" for the project, though it is the governor who makes the final call on grant awards.

"I think the impact and value of Think Loud and what they're all about, from a philosophical approach, to how they do their business speaks much louder than this incident from five years ago," she said.

The project: Think Loud plans to use the $5 million to finish construction at the former Bi-Comp Inc. building, where Think Loud has established business offices, a recording studio and several apartment suites.

Construction began in 2012 on the $16.8 million project at 210 York St. but had been on hold while Think Loud waited for state officials to decide on the RACP grant, Hynes said last week.

After that project is done, work will begin on the construction of a 40,000-square-foot data center — at an anticipated cost of $30 million — for United Fiber and Data, a fiber optic company with plans to build an information-transmission line between New York and northern Virginia.

In preparation, Think Loud has purchased about 80 percent of the homes on the northern side of Chestnut Street and plans to demolish them, Hynes has said.

Partners in both Think Loud and United Fiber and Data include Hynes and Live musicians Chad Taylor, Chad Gracey and Patrick Dahlheimer. Hynes, 42, has a home in Nazareth, Pa., in Northampton County.

Taylor, Dahlheimer and Gracey formed Live with former lead singer Ed Kowalczyk in 1985. The four, all York natives, went on to achieve mainstream success with their 1994 album "Throwing Copper," which produced a string of radio hits.

Lawson said Think Loud is "likely" to receive more RACP funds "given the scope of the project."

She said she does not anticipate Hynes' conviction will have "any impact on the existing project, again, because of the strength of that project."

"We're talking 700 jobs," she said.

The RACP process requires audited financial statements from the applicant, Lawson said.

She also noted that the state "does not turn over a check at the start of a project" but reimburses RACP projects. The state also withholds 10 percent of the reimburseable amount until the project is complete and an audit confirms financial information, Lawson said.

The charges: Bethlehem Township Police charged Hynes on July 28, 2009, with theft by deception, a third-degree felony.

Police allege in the criminal complaint that Hynes stole about $13,500 from Team Capital Bank.

On July 8, 2009, according to court documents, Hynes deposited funds from a Navy Federal Credit Union account into the Team Capital Bank account in two checks — one for $7,000 and another for $6,500. The checks were signed by Hynes and made payable to ADS Builders East LLC, a development company Hynes co-owned.

Then, on July 14, 2009, Team Capital Bank was notified that the first two checks for $7,000 and $6,500 were returned for insufficient funds. But in the meantime, court documents indicate that Hynes had drawn $13,100 from the Team Capital Bank account and incurred a holding fee of $371.

According to the criminal complaint, a police officer had "numerous conversations" with Hynes, who said he had "made a mistake" and would wire money to the bank.

But that hadn't happened by the time police filed charges on July 28, 2009.

Hynes waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded not guilty.

At a bench trial Sept. 15, 2010, a judge found Hynes guilty. He was sentenced Dec. 22, 2010, to a minimum of three months and 15 days in prison, followed by 24 months of probation.

That sentence was later reduced to a minimum of two months in prison, followed by 24 months of probation. Hynes said he spent about three weeks in prison. He was also required to perform 100 hours of community service.

Interviewed by phone Thursday, Hynes characterized the incident as a clerical error that originated with his company and led to a dispute between two banks about which company had been shortchanged.

Hynes said he attempted to remedy the situation immediately upon discovering the error but was unable to do so because one of the banks held the money in an escrow account for 60 business days.

Hynes said he believes he was charged and convicted because of his temper.

"Honestly, they convicted me because I'm very passionate, and I yelled at them and screamed at them and said, 'This is crazy,'" Hynes said. "But that's a mistake too."

In a statement, Taylor said Think Loud "encourages the oversight and scrutiny of our state government."

"Ultimately, our company is prepared for this level of scrutiny and responsibility because we believe in our project and of course, our community," Taylor wrote. "The City of York, the state of Pennsylvania, and our fellow taxpayers will be better off as a result. We're proudly creating hundreds of jobs while highlighting the incredible resources and potential of our hometown."

Hynes said he's been upfront about his past with community members. He also pointed to his philanthropic contributions through Think Loud.

For example, the company paid $6,500 to buy and train the York County Sheriff's Office bomb-sniffing dog, Dargo. Think Loud has also been a financial supporter of the York County Quick Response Team and the York City Police Department.

"Big deal. I bounced a check. I made a mistake. Let's move on," Hynes said.

Hynes paid the bank the full debt owed shortly after the trial, according to court documents.

Hynes has unsuccessfully appealed the case. He said he intends to appeal again.

According to a judge's ruling on Hynes' first appeal, an evidentiary hearing was held Jan. 27, 2012. Hynes alleged that his first attorney in the case, Adam Sager, was ineffective in his representation.

In testimony at the hearing, Sager said Hynes agreed to deposit the money into an escrow account at Sager's firm "but only if they had an agreement with the bank to drop the charges and the district attorney's office agreed."

For several days in January 2010, Sager said, he advised Hynes to wire the money to the bank, which had agreed not to testify against Hynes if he paid the debt. But Hynes did not wire the money.

Eventually, Sager testified, he advised Hynes not to wire the money until he could "revitalize the agreement" with the bank.

Sager testified that he resumed advising Hynes between May 2010 to September 2010 that he should wire money to the bank. Hynes disputed that claim in his testimony at the hearing.

At the trial, a representative of the district attorney's office testified the office had offered to withdraw the charges if Hynes fully satisfied the debt. Bank employees testified they'd "actually attempted to assist the defendant with wiring the funds before trial."

Hynes testified he did not believe Sager adequately prepared for the trial.

According to the judge's ruling, Hynes said he "would have called a number of people as witnesses, including his business partner, mayors, congressmen, and other people who he dealt with on a regular basis because those individuals could have attested to his ability to pay."

— Reach Erin James at ejames@yorkdispatch.com

http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_26...ast-wont-affect

More info: http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_26222813/think...bout-conviction (contains a link to Think Loud's Business Plan)

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(York, PA) Sunday August 3, 2014

This is Part II of an exclusive interview Chad Taylor, guitarist of LIVE, as he tells the real story behind the politics, the music and his plans for York, PA

YRK: You’re a proud graduate of William Penn Senior High School. Are you concerned about the lack of interest in sustaining the music program?

Chad Taylor: The primary reason why I wanted to locate our companies in downtown York was because I knew that our corporate taxes would have a major impact on the school district. I’m still in touch with Don Carn, our music instructor from when we attended Edgar Fahs Smith. It’s clear that the financial burden of the school will have draconian effects on the music program if something doesn’t change.

YRK: Why do you think music should be taught in school?

Chad Taylor: Music teaches intuitive thinking, a key developmental tool for science, math and everyday life. Chord progressions and melodies are essentially mathematical formulas. As we learn to comprehend these formulas, it gives us a guttural basis for guessing what’s next.

YRK: Are you using your musical skills as a businessman to forecast what’s next?

Chad Taylor: I have no formal education, other than my degree from York High. What I’ve learned from music is to listen generously. If we can’t hear what our neighbor is saying, we can’t possibly create harmony. This skill leads to better understanding, be it for musicians or co-workers. It’s very easy to simply shutout other voices but the truly great works are mastered when there is ensemble resolution. It’s that collective “yes” that gives us a rise.

YRK: How did you find your way into business?

Chad Taylor: First off, I’m a musician. It’s my primary passion and what gives birth to my creative discipline. In order to show any level of competence with an instrument, you have to dedicate yourself to many levels of understanding. There are the notes, and they relate to the scales, and the scales relate to chords, and the chords relate to each other. In science, this is called a holon, or holonarchy. It’s the discovery that all things share an individual identity, and also community.

YRK: How does your experience as a musician relate to the broad array of companies you own?

Chad Taylor: I’m using those well-trained intuition and listening skills to hear the needs of both my local and global communities. I’m also paying close attention to the incredibly talented employees, partners and executives I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with. The art of business is being able to marry the opportunity with the capital to propel it forward. Frankly, the capital is much easier to raise if you’ve clearly identified and carved out the opportunity.

YRK: And what type of opportunity attracts your attention?

Chad Taylor: I’m personally driven to find opportunities that manifest positive energies that uplift the human condition. Without sounding too holistic, my family and I never invest myself in any endeavor that doesn’t benefit a community. We’ve had many chances to work on projects that would only fortify our bank accounts, but these types of deals never yield the same feeling as when there is a collective victory. I suppose this is why I prefer the intimacy of private equity, opposed to the public stock markets. Or why I’d rather be in a band, than be a solo artist.

YRK: How does York and the surrounding community benefit from these private investments?

Chad Taylor: I think a better question would be, how can we expect to lift each other up without a strong local economy? This means, we’re charged with identifying products and services that will do good, while generating profits for the company and its investors. It’s much more realistic to find start-up executives willing to build in York than to convince established corporations to relocate. It’s why we have domiciled the vast majority of our endeavors in Pennsylvania. We’re committed to paying our taxes in the communities we want most to benefit from our success.

YRK: Is there a model or an example of this type of success?

Chad Taylor: The Kansas City Start-up Village is one example of a community being reborn through an investment like we’re making. In my opinion, York has the opportunity to embrace the tech sector, but this will only succeed if we have a workforce prepared to meet the demands of the industry, combined with the raw infrastructure needed to support it. We’re building the infrastructure, but the community will have to broadcast its desire for start-ups to launch from here.

YRK: What would you tell a start-up about York?

Chad Taylor: York has got a robust cultural arts community that has produced notorious artists like Jeff Koons, Del McCoury, and even LIVE. There is an abundance of affordable real estate ripe for rehabilitation and reuse. We’re a diverse city that is full of independent spirits from all walks of life and we’re located in a central geographic location to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC.

YRK: In your global travels, what is the biggest misconception of York?

Chad Taylor: Most journalists think that York is a farm town. They don’t understand that we’re a real city. When they do their research they’re often shocked to see the number of negative stories the local papers run about the city itself. One of the reasons we invested into YRK was to create a publication that focused on the positive aspects of our community. Try a Google search on York, PA and you’ll predominately see news articles featuring the unfortunate violence and crime that is associated with a downtrodden city, rather than a city on the mend as we see it. We’re trying to change this perception to the reality we know. York is on the make.

YRK: You’ve had a long relationship with the city papers. They’ve written articles on you since you were a teenager. What’s the status of your relationship with them?

Chad Taylor: I used to work for the newspaper. I sold subscriptions to the York Dispatch when they were a part of downtown York. Things have changed, as far as I’m aware, a large conglomerate in New York City owns the York Newspaper Company now. While the journalists are members of our local community and even people I consider friends, it’s my belief that their corporate entity has no vested interest in the wellbeing of downtown York. When the paper’s tax abatement ended several years back, they moved their operations out of the city and abandoned their building. Although this may be their right, I think it’s a hypocritical position. They claim to protect the citizens of York but lets face it, they’re in the business of generating content, and negative content seems to sell. I don’t take it personally; they’re in a similar position to the record industry, it’s a dinosaur business hence the need for massive consolidation.

YRK: The papers did highlight the issues with Bill Hynes and the potential use of eminent domain in the surrounding neighborhood. Are you upset about that?

Chad Taylor: I would fight and defend their right to print and publish the truth on any of these matters. I value the newspapers. I simply wish that they’d join with Think Loud in establishing a downtown presence. How can they have the word “York” in their title and not be located in the city?

YRK: Would you ever consider owning a newspaper?

Chad Taylor: The reality is that my plate is full and they're doing the best they can. I'd gladly help them move back to downtown York. I’ve obligated myself to help govern Think Loud and to also be the best musician I can be. My playing has really improved and I think fans will hear it on the new album.

YRK: Do you have a title for the new release?

Chad Taylor: LIVE is ramping into an aggressive press and promotional schedule. I’m sure we’ll be able to release some sonic clips and even the record title shortly. So yeah, we’ve got a title.

YRK: Will you tour? And if so, where?

Chad Taylor: LIVE were always talented players but we truly became a band on stage. I don’t think we’ll ever capture the essence of our live performance in a studio, so we’ve got to tour. Our fans appreciate the drama and energy that the stage provides us. We are getting older, so I can definitely see a time when we don’t tour anymore. It’s really just a matter of time until we end that cycle. Then again, I have no idea when that will be.

YRK: So you can see an end to LIVE?

Chad Taylor: Absolutely. A big part of doing LIVE, especially this first album without Ed, is just proving to ourselves that we’ve still got “it”. I can’t imagine expending the amount of energy we have to end it tomorrow but like all things, it will come to an end.

YRK: How do you imagine it ending?

Chad Taylor: Our band has a strange ritual of never saying goodbye. Tours come to an end and we just get on our airplanes and fly home. I can’t recall ever saying goodbye. So most likely, we’ll just head home with little fanfare. Not that much different than how we started.

YRK: You’ve signed York native Dana Alexandra to a recording contract. What should we expect from her?

Chad Taylor: Dana just might be our Johnny Cash. She’s got a seasoned spiritual voice and a knack for entertaining. She can’t help but to flirt through her music. We hired Chris Thorn from Blind Melon to produce the album and it sounds fantastic. This is the part of the investment that I just didn’t see coming. Artists like Chris and Dana, embracing their roots, recording and writing in downtown York.

YRK: Chris Thorn is from the area?

Chad Taylor: Yes, he and his family are from Dover

YRK: You also signed the Shackeltons from Chambersburg, PA.

Chad Taylor: Our label president, Jeremy Weiss, turned us onto them. Their album “Records” is out on iTunes. They have the same spirit as the Doors or even Morphine. I’m really proud of their affiliation with Think Loud Entertainment.

YRK: You produced two feature films, “Home” and “Another Harvest Moon”. Both were made in Pennsylvania and starred an array of Academy Award winners. Will you produce any more films?

Chad Taylor: After Ernie [Ernest Borgnine] passed away my heart just wasn’t in it. I had to take a break. He is one of the greatest silver screen legends and I feel like I went out working with the best. In a very short time period, he and I became great friends. I’m only sorry I hadn’t met him thirty-years ago. I’d like to try my hand at directing some day but only after I’ve ensured the success of our current endeavors. Ernie always said, “let’s put on a great show!”

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