Q&A with Gail Taylor – Canadian Artist, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Music is not only entertaining, but research suggests it may benefit your health (In more ways than you might think). With many psychological and physiological benefits, music relaxes the mind, energizes the body, and even helps manage pain. We interviewed Gail Taylor, a Canadian artist and one of McDougall House’s sponsors to hear her thoughts and relationship with music and how it has impacted her. Read on to learn about Gail’s involvement with Music and the McDougall House Association.

What is your history with McDougall House? How did your association with the organization begin?

I was introduced to McDougall House in early 2021 when I inquired as to how I could help with the current opioid crisis. I learned that second-stage housing options were so important and could really make a difference in a recovering addict’s ability to stay clean and build a future without substances. I toured the house, met the ED and counsellors and was very impressed.

How did you come up with the idea of the City Girl Goes Country Music Series and your community involvement initiatives in general?

When I decided to release my 5 song series I knew there was an opportunity to give back. I have been an advocate for mental health issues for many years and went in search of a project that could use support in their pursuit to help others.

In what way does music benefit your mental health?

Music is a very powerful tool. I really believe it can be used in so many ways to transform and positively impact any individual’s well-being. My personal music journey has encompassed meditation, dance, laughter, encouragement, social awareness to name a few. I had one fan comment on how the upbeat tempo and messages in the “city girl goes country” series was helping her with her depression. I was so honoured to hear that.

How has your relationship with music evolved over the years?

I spent 25 years as a financial advisor and loved every minute of it. Having said that, without realizing it I had replaced music with audiobooks on business and finance books. I reintroduced myself to music about 7 years ago by taking piano lessons for the first time. I loved it so much that after a couple of years, I decided to retire to study music. The reconnection with music has been all encompassing. I continue to love the genres from my youth as well as adding a few more.
I went from a fan based listener in my twenties and early thirties to a musician in my sixties.
After three years, I came out of retirement in early 2020 with the inception of my start up company “Gail TaylorMusic” My messages stem around the belief that reinventing ourselves’ can be challenging but rewarding. Through music and public speaking, I really hope to inspire people to become their best selves.

How do you describe McDougall House to others?

I describe the organization as a very impressive program and group of people that are filling a much needed service that can make the difference in their client’s ability to succeed. Without McDougall House these women could have to go from rehabs back to the environment they were in prior to making the decision to turn their lives around. We all have a role to play in helping others and McDougall House has stepped up big time and I’m very impressed with their work.

Gail’s City Girl Goes Country Music Series is ongoing as Gail will donate any net proceeds from any downloads of these songs on Bandcamp for one year to McDougall House. Please consider downloading or donating directly.