An Interview with James Taylor: Delving Into Koalas, Touring’s Allure, and Gaining Knowledge About Taylor Swift.

As the clock approaches midnight in Australia, James Taylor appears on the screen looking relaxed in a t-shirt and his signature baseball cap. Currently on tour in the country for the first time in seven years, he is eager to answer questions, but not about his music career, hit songs, or upcoming U.S. tour. Instead, the immediate focus is on koalas.

A recent photo posted on his Instagram page showed the soft-spoken Taylor affectionately holding a native marsupial, and it was clear that he was captivated by the experience. According to Taylor, these animals exude a peaceful energy and are delightful creatures that have a simple diet of just one plant. This simplicity resonates with Taylor, whose music is known for its calming effect, including hits like “Fire and Rain,” “Your Smiling Face,” and “How Sweet It Is.” Despite his upcoming summer tour with his All-Star Band in America, Taylor took a moment to chat about the joy of touring, the music that brings him comfort, and the creative process behind his next album. The tour will kick off on May 29 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, making stops in cities like Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Lenox, Massachusetts, before culminating in special 50th-anniversary performances at Tanglewood on July 3-4.