Today we’d like to introduce you to Talbot Mayo.
Hi Talbot, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in a small town called Hereford, Maryland surrounded by a large, musical family who congregated on the family farm to play bluegrass music several nights a week. My dad, Bill and his brother, my Uncle George, starting playing Bluegrass music in the 70’s and when my brother and I came along, they introduced us to Bluegrass and classic country music and we joined the family band. When I was four, my fingers were still too small to play fiddle (something I really wanted to do, because I wanted to be just like my older brother), but not to be left out- my parents put me on stage with a jug and washboard. I started playing the fiddle at age six. I always loved to sing, but I was a shy singer as a kid. But my dad and my uncle always sang great harmonies. At night, from my bed, I’d listen to them sing downstairs and I’d work out the third harmony part until I fell asleep. Music was everywhere throughout my childhood. It’s how we communicated in our family (and still do). As a teen, I started playing with some other teenagers and that’s when I bought my first guitar – a Blueridge I still play today. I taught myself how to play a few chords and started writing songs (I also got over my fear of singing on stage, thanks to my persistent and kind fiddle teacher, Amy Hopkins). I fell in love with the stage and songwriting. The Mayo Family Band resurfaced in my early 20’s and around 2014, it became the band it is today – my dad on bass, Uncle George on Guitar, Mike Columbus on Mandolin and George Lock on banjo. I’ve had some of the best days of my life playing with those fellas and had some of the greatest laughs too (usually in the back of my dad’s truck -where we all pile in to drive to shows together). In 2019, I teamed up with friend and fellow songwriter, Susie West, to form the Monkton Road Band. Susie inspired me to write more songs than I had ever written before. That band went on to record two EP’s, including “Hometown Poets,” which was recorded in Nashville and Produced by Grammy Award winner, Matt Rollings. In 2024, after the release of “Hometown Poets,” Matt Rollings invited me to return to Nashville to record my debut solo EP, “Big Shot,” which he also produced. That was the beginning of my current solo career. After returning from Nashville, and with the encouragement of my friends, family, and bandmates, I put together my own band which features predominantly my own, original songs. I called on my good friend and colleague, Luke Chohany to join on guitar, Dave Rich (who had played with me in the Monkton Road Band) to keep drumming with me, and of course, my dad on bass (he’s been in every band I’ve ever been in). Together, we created the Talbot Mayo Band. I still perform regularly with the Mayo Family Band while also following my own solo career with the Talbot Mayo Band fellas close by my side, thankfully! Stepping out as a solo artist has brought me opportunities and inspiration I never expected, including a rigorous touring schedule (including with friends and fellow artists like Anthony Frijia), supporting some of my musical heroes (like Tim O’Brien and Lori McKenna), and getting to spend time creating and having good old fashioned stupid fun with my fellow musicians. The Talbot Mayo Band is currently recording a full album, here in Baltimore, and we are so excited for that release.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have an encouraging family and community. It has not been a smooth road by any means, but I have it a lot better than most. I have to say, most folks truly are kind and I have met most of my favorite people through music. But, it’s a gamble when you put yourself out there – especially as a songwriter. Every song, whether you intend it or not, is a little piece of you that you are putting out into the world. I don’t get self conscious about telling those stories or folks reading into them (in fact, I’m most pleased when a listener sees themselves in one of my stories), but there’s a lot of rejection in this industry. Even if it’s unintentional – getting your music in front of people, booking venues, just getting someone to listen – there’s just so much content out in the world these days (and soooooo many emails…) that it’s a struggle just to get someone who has never heard you before, to stop and listen. Listeners and venues are bombarded by content all day long. It’s a lot. Folks don’t realize how much of an artists day is spent sending emails- just to get a chance to do what we love- play our tunes and have people relate to them. For me, that’s what it’s about. I hate sending emails. But it’s worth it if I can make music with people I love and make connections with listeners through music. But yeah, sometimes a show you think is going to be great- a bucket list venue- is going to be the best time. And it’s not. You go home disappointed and like the wind has been knocked out of your sails. And then it turns out that a crowd of 12 people in a coffee shop turned listening room in Sheffield, Alabama who hang on every word and say “I lived that too”- that’s what it’s all about.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I’m definitely a singer, songwriter, musician. I specialize in traditional country, roots, bluegrass tunes- and story songs. I’d say I’m known for my story songs. I love to bring the listener in on the scene and give them a (usually) nameless character to cling on to- maybe even see themselves in. But that’s not why I write. It’s just an added bonus. I just love to write. I write because I have something to say. At the end of the day, I write assuming I’m the only person who will ever listen. And that’s good enough for me – although, it’s hugely rewarding and a wonderful feeling to have someone relate to your songs – just to set the record straight- and I’m grateful to have had the exposure to allow me to experience that. I’m also known for my outfits on stage – it’s another thing I love. It’s all just good fun. Pairing an outfit with a particular show. I carefully curate each one for the vibe I feel for that show. I’m most proud of my stories and the people I get to portray through my songs. And I’m also extremely proud of the musicians I get to work with. My songs wouldn’t be the same without them. As far as what sets me apart from others? I don’t know. There’s a lot of girls out there with long hair and a cowboy hat. And they are all doing a lot of the same things I’m doing. A lot of them are doing it better than me- especially if you count the metrics the industry cares about these days. In a lot of ways, you could put us all in a room and try to play a big ol’ game of memory- trying to match the girl singer/songwriter to her name. Maybe that’s what sets me apart. I don’t really know. I’m willing to bet I have more fun at it that just about anyone though!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love this city. I’ve been to Nashville and I have a wonderful community there with people I love. But I will choose Baltimore every time. This is my home. My family has been here for hundreds of years and so this place is in my bones- for all its good and all its bad. Baltimore is wonderful. It’s joyous. The people here are delightfully unique and unafraid to be themselves. And they are friendly and helpful and supportive. There are a lot of people taking risks here because they believe in this place and in its people. That’s what a successful artistic community looks like – people taking risks for passion. Baltimore is authentic and I choose authenticity every time. I think people beyond Baltimore are desperate and starved for authenticity. Well, look no further than Baltimore. I wish more people knew that about Baltimore. I wish more people would see the people here doing the work, making the art, and they would maybe see the world the way we see it. And they might say “hey, let’s take a chance on Baltimore. There’s some really unique and genuine stuff happening there.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.talbotmayomusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talbotmayomusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbot.mayo.music
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@talbotmayo
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3LZkMzK3efzskWdIIwAwXR?si=1WVUe8GATh-7rlhMkaSnew
