Photo: Chris White

This week’s feature is not about the former NFL player, but a crooner from Birmingham, U.K.

At just 22, Lawrence Taylor has already made a name for himself in his native country, with his single “Waiting For Your Love” receiving praise from the likes of the BBC. Wonderland Magazine touts Taylor as “Birmingham’s Golden Boy” and its no wonder that his popularity is trickling over to the States as well. Taylor’s debut EP, Bang Bang, is a four-track project that showcases a polished songwriting skill and beautifully-crafted music – not to mention some incredible guitar grooves.

In a July interview with Wonderland, Taylor said his father began teaching him guitar at a young age, while a move to London at age 19 ultimately got the ball rolling on a music career. Taylor told Wonderland that he started out doing open mics whenever he could as a way to hone his skill. As far as his musical influences, Taylor said in the interview that he listened to a little bit of everything from Led Zeppelin to Bob Dylan.

From listening to Taylor’s Bang Bang, you can tell that he’s shooting for a rock, bluesy vibe – and he accomplished just that. The album grabs your attention right from the get-go with the soulful “Chains” and doesn’t let you go until the final tune “Robyn.” It’s a true work of art. One could say a lot about Taylor but I think The Clash summed it up perfectly when it said that he’s mature beyond his years.

Have a listen to “Waiting For Your Love” below and be sure to pick up the debut EP.