2023 Young Player
flo perlin
We are thrilled to announce that the incredible Flo Perlin is our Young Player recipient for 2023 as chosen by this year’s panel; well-known and much-loved Scottish singer-songwriter Jenny Sturgeon and our 2021 Young Player recipient, Dustin Furlow.
“Flo's music will be perfectly suited to the rich tone and quality craft of a Taran guitar. Flo creates songs which resonate far and wide, with thoughtful lyrics which are both powerful and delicate. I really enjoyed exploring Flo's music and look forward to hearing more in the years to come! " - Jenny Sturgeon, 2023
“Flo’s music feels familiar, yet deeply personal. Pleasantly relatable, but also complex. When I first listened I was of course impressed but after revisiting her songs throughout the days and weeks I enjoyed them even more. I think that’s the mark of a great songwriter. Her use of harmony and storytelling are warm to the ears, so I have no doubt hearing the sound of a Taran guitar in her songs will be an absolute joy and enhancement to already great-sounding material. I can’t wait to hear what she comes up with!” - Dustin Furlow, 2023
Flo is a contemporary singer-songwriter from London, UK with Iraqi and Belarusian heritage. She has been hailed as a ‘true storyteller’ by BBC Radio 6 with a style that blends contemporary folk, jazz and soul. The songs explore themes such as family history, human nature and being good to yourself. Her unique, emotive voice and lush instrumentation draws you deeper into her lyrics revealing more with every listen.
Flo released her EP ’Stories’ in 2019, a single ‘Life Lives Inside’ in 2021 and her first album ‘Characters’ in July 2021. This album led to Flo gaining a wide international audience, with her single ‘Baghdad’ gaining over 3 million streams on Spotify. This led to a string of high profile gigs and festivals throughout 2022 including Cambridge Folk Festival, Wilderness, Celtic Connections and Americana Festival plus shows at Omeara, EarTH Hackney and The Green Note as well doing her first UK Tour. Flo was invited to do a live performance and interview on BBC Radio 2 for the Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe. She also gets regular airplay on BBC 6 Music, Folk Radio UK and other regional BBC stations.
Having been awarded fundings from PRS Women Make Music, Flo is recording her second album ‘CLAY’ which will be released in 2023.
“It’s a great honor to have been selected as Taran Guitars Young Player 2023 recipient. I’m truly grateful to have been awarded such a special, once in a lifetime opportunity to work with Rory and his team on creating a bespoke guitar, which I believe will enrich my experience as an artist.” - Flo Perlin, 2023
2021 Young Player
Dustin Furlow
America-based singer/songwriter/guitarist Dustin Furlow, was unanimously selected by our 2021 artist panel which was made up of multi-award winning Gaelic singer, Julie Fowlis, Irish Fiddle and Bouzouki player, Éamon Doorley and our 2020 Young Player, Iona Lane.
You can read more about his powerful Italian Spruce/African Blackwood Tirga Beag here - it was a pleasure and joy working with Dustin so closely on his build and he had this to say about the experience:
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and meet Rory and co. after winning Taran’s Young Player Bursary. The first time I played a Taran I knew it was special and in it’s own class but at the same time it felt bittersweet because with the wait list and my budget I didn’t think I’d ever own one. It’s an inspiration to me that they’re doing this for young artists, I really couldn’t be more proud to have collaborated with them. This guitar has brought me so much inspiration for my songwriting and will only get better with time.
Dustin Furlow is an award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist whose playing and songwriting reflect a clear influence of today's contemporary-folk artists. With comparisons to songwriters such as Ray LaMontagne and virtuoso guitar-players like Tommy Emmanuel, Furlow eventually carved out a sound that became easily distinguishable by it's marriage of complex guitar work and warm, home-spun lyrics. From the haunting melodies in "Evergreen" to the foot-tapping groove of "Cherokee Lake" Dustin is an ambassador of dynamic control on stage. In 2019 he played over 200 shows, many with Harp-guitarist and International Fingerstyle-Guitar Champion Matt Thomas.
2020 young player
iona lane
In 2020, we were delighted to announce that the Taran Guitars Young Player recipient was upcoming folk singer and musician, Iona Lane, as selected by our 2020 artist panel comprising of multi-award winning Scottish songwriter and singer, Karine Polwart, and previous Taran Guitars Young Player Bursary recipient, Chris Amer.
“Being awarded the Taran Guitars Young Players Bursary changed my life as a musician. Working with Rory and his team on creating a bespoke instrument was something I never imagined I'd be able to do. The guitar I had built is a beautiful beast, responsive and resonant, graceful and intimate. I grow with it every time I play and it has shaped who I am as a musician today.” - Iona Lane, 2022
With her new Malaysian Blackwood/European Spruce Tirga Mhor, she recorded her spellbinding 2022 debut album Hallival which was greeted with acclaim by audiences and critics alike.
“An intriguing debut - her sweet voice recalls Emilíana Torrini, while her lyrics and musical arrangements crackle with wide-eyed curiosity.” -
Jude Rogers, The Guardian (2022)
Iona studied BA Hons (Music) Folk degree, with a scholarship, at Leeds College of Music under the tuition of Jim Moray, Nancy Kerr, Sam Carter and Bryony Griffith. Performing a mix of traditional and original folk songs, Iona has been praised throughout the scene for her delicate yet powerful vocals, which have captivated audiences up and down the country.
young player bursary 2025 will open next year
The bursary offers one young musician, who is 30 years of age or under and is either playing professionally and/or studying, the opportunity to commission their very own instrument at a significantly reduced rate.
Details
Every year there is one build slot available which is open via application only.
The starting price for Guitars is £3500, Tenors £2000 and Mandolins £1650. This equates to a reduction of approximately 65% on the current Taran Guitars base price*
The successful candidate will have the option to upgrade their instrument at an additional cost. Upgrades will also be priced at a reduced rate.
A flexible 0% interest payment plan can be arranged to spread the cost over a specified time period.
*accurate as of November 2022. All prices subject to VAT for UK clients.
Eligibility
You must be:
30 years old or under and;
Playing professionally and/or studying music
TARAN GUITARS YOUNG PLAYER BURSARy 2025
APPLICATION FORM
Applications for the Young Players Bursary 2025 will open next year.