Full Name: Jaxon Taylor
Nickname: Jax
Age & DOB: April 21st, 1989
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Pronouns & Gender: cis-male, he/him
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Occupation: Owner of Sips & Snips (a barber shop & bar next door)
Hometown: Salt Flats, TX — lived here since he was 14, except for when he was travelling for music.
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Neighbourhood: Unincorporated (Grandma's farm)
Faceclaim: Theo James
Biography:
TW: Parental abandonment, drug mentions, substance abuse,
Growing up in Los Angeles, California, Jax had a seemingly content childhood. His father, Texas born, yearned to adapt to the Californian lifestyle, but couldn’t quite shake his Texan ways. He undertook the father and mother role in a bid to support his wife with her desired singing career. When she was around she wasn’t really there for the Jax and his brother the same way their father was. But one thing was for certain, she instilled in the boys, especially Jax, a profound love of music.
At fourteen, his entire world shifted. They moved to their father’s home town of Salt Flats, Texas after their mom left them. Being a mother was more than she could handle, and instead chased her desire to be a singer and ran off with a music producer. From then on, there was limited contact with the boys that only worsened over time.
Living on their grandma’s farm in Salt Flats was entirely different to the sporadic visits they’d made over the years to see her. School was different, the day to day activities he’d partake in were different, and there still remained the gaping hole their mother’s absence had left. Their grandma sure did try to fill that role; but she was tough, encouraging the boys to get hands on and assist around the farm. Jax always felt like he was in competition with his brother, and that only solidified further over time.
At sixteen, Jax was sure he hated country music more than anything else. It reminded him of his mom. And in a town where country music was just about all that played on the radio, he just about resented most people. That was until he met the likes of Maren Williams, a girl who dug beneath the tough exterior he fought so hard to exude. Before he knew it, country music didn’t bother him as much anymore.. not when her voice was attached to it.
As your typical high school sweethearts, they were on and off again for a number of years. His senior year, and her junior year, had them attached to the hip. He got into a local college, unsure of what he wanted to do with his life, and it still didn’t keep him from their relationship. They were truly in love and infatuated with one another. Nothing could tear them apart — until something did.
Oftentimes he would support Maren by watching her sing, and sometimes that involved her getting him to sing along with her. It took much convincing but she recognised a talent in him he didn’t quite believe nor see in himself. Encouraging him to pursue music, he eventually formed a band with college mates. They’d focus on small scale performances, which was more than enough for him.. and everything in Jax’s life felt perfect. Until Maren left for Tennessee, breaking it off with him in fear that long distance wouldn’t work. Her career was on the rise and, for Jax it meant losing the love of his life. It triggered his trauma, flashbacks of his mom leaving consuming him and, in many ways, making him realise that this was ten thousand times worse. Jax’s trust issues worsened after this and, he swore to never get into a serious relationship again. After all, everybody leaves right?
If there was one thing he wanted, it was to bring alternative music to Texas. It would be his new focus. The band he’d formed in college quickly became popular around surrounding towns, younger crowds taking a liking to new music influence. Although his father didn’t quite approve and openly stated that he preferred Jax focus on studying, his son fought for his independence and, with his rebellious tendencies, there was nothing his father could do to stop him. Over time the band grew and before he knew it, Jax was travelling around Texas, California and other states, performing as opening acts to larger bands, singers and musicians. The lifestyle was fast, busy, hectic. A whirlwind. Though they tried to maintain a home base in Austin, they found themselves being caught up in the wild lifestyles of tours and sleeping in different cities every night. This is where Jax’s substance abuse problem surfaced.
Despite the band being on and off for years on end, they only lasted a total of eight years before falling apart. Jax, still caught up in that rock and roll lifestyle, struggled to come to terms with the change.. with accepting defeat. It took two rounds of rehab for him to attempt a sober lifestyle. It’s been five years since the band ended, and he hasn’t touched alcohol or drugs since.
After rehab, Jax came back to Salt Flats with his tail between his legs. Having wasted a good amount of his money, his grandma encouraged him to invest the money somewhere. That’s when he took to purchasing a barber shop with a bar next door. The duo business, and his grandma’s support, was the one thing he truly believed saved him from going back to old habits.
Now, Jax lives in his own house, on his grandma’s farm land. He’s grumpy and gruff as hell; you’ll rarely see him smiling. He’s worked hard to learn to cut hair and style beards, and does well at it, too. His bloodhound dog, Bear, follows him everywhere he goes.. unless there’s an opportunity for food. Jax will avoid most social situations, and he sure as hell can be seen fighting with his brother ‘round town more often than not. But, if you dig beneath those layers, you’ll find a man that really does care, even if he claims he doesn’t, and wants the best for this town above all else.
