John Paul

Bio:

.. .. .. When listening to Boston-based singer/songwriter John Paul, it is hard to guess he only recently turned 22. Paul's debut album Belmont Boulevard, was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, with some of Americanas heavy hitters such as pedal steel/electric guitarist Dan Dugmore (Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Neil Diamond, Tim McGraw), drummer Brad Pemberton (Ryan Adams and The Cardinals), bassist Billy Mercer (Ryan Adams, Mindy Smith, Matthew Ryan). John Paul also worked with pianist/organist Jason Lehning who has been nominated for a Best Engineer Grammy, in addition to working with artists such as Guster, Josh Rouse and Viktor Krauss. .. Paul has been independently rising in the singer-songwriter scene as he has been Featured on KCAL9 (LA CBS affiliate) via Skipstone Productions' show "So Cal NOW!". Paul has also performed at the UCB Theater as a special guest musician and has brought large crowds to New York City, Boston, Portland (ME) and Los Angeles. .. Spending two days in Nashville, Belmont Boulevard, which has been added to over 100 college radio stations nation-wide, was recorded live with producer Tom Acousti. “He was instrumental in getting me both mine and his Dream Team cast of players down in Nashville and making sure everything ran smoothly and on time as we cut 12 tracks in two days,” says Paul, who is also the singer/guitarist for the Boston indie rock quartet The Black Tie Affair. .. Pemberton, drummer for Ryan Adams and The Cardinals, says, “John Paul’s debut record, Belmont Boulevard, is a fantastic collection of songs reminiscent of Ryan Adams and Paul Westerberg. Excellent songs, great hooks, and honest delivery.” Dan Dugmore, former musical director of Linda Ronstadt says "Belmont Boulevard was one of my favorite records to play on last year." .. Despite Paul’s age, Belmont Boulevard touches on subject matter that is quite heavy at times for a young man who is still juggling the balance between just finishing college and forging ahead as a musician. For example “Way Too Soon,” a song about a young girl who has died too early, is presented with the grace and musicianship of artists several decades his senior. .. On the other hand, the track “21” could only be written by someone who is entering their 20’s. “I wrote it right before entering my senior year of college and it came out of me so organically and straight from the heart,” says Paul. “It basically is my ‘quarter life’ crisis song. I made no reservations as to how I feel, which I never do when it comes to my music.”

BUY "BELMONT BOULEVARD" AT:

Here are some links for you to check out:

"WAY TOO SOON" MUSIC VIDEO F/ "SOCAL NOW" ON KCAL9!

Way Too Soon Music Video

Member Since:

August 27, 2007

Members:

On Recordings:

John Paul- Guitar, Vocals, percussion

Dan Dugmore- Guitar, pedal steel, dobro, banjo

Jason Lehning-Piano and Organ

Billy Mercer- Bass

Brad Pemberton-Drums

Back up singers: Emily Fox and Tom Acousti

Influences:

Sounds Like:

"John Paul's debut record, 'Belmont Boulevard', is a fantastic collection of songs reminiscent of Ryan Adams and Paul Westerburg. Excellent songs, great hooks, and honest delivery...If you like good music, you will love this record!"

-Brad Pemberton (Drummer--Ryan Adams and The Cardinals)

"If you like guys under 55 who rock, you're better off with John Paul"

-The Boston Globe

"sounds like a grizzled veteran...combines concise pop hooks with more narrative verses"

-BostonMusicSpotlight.com

"Belmont Blvd,it was one of my favorite albums I played on last year.When I heard the acoustic demos I knew this was going to be fun,and fun it was,I felt like I was a teenager again,the songs so urgent and the band was wonderful"

-Dan Dugmore (Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw)

"While he was in Nashville, he should have been hitting the publishing houses, because he can definitely write...John Paul's got the sound, the packaging, and the drive to find plenty of fans."

-The Portland Phoenix

"Paul's formula works perfectly...killer songs...sounds like his own man...very impressive, no matter how you cut it"

-Eat Sleep Drink Music (ESDMUSIC.COM)

"In his lyrics, guitarist/keyboardist/singer John Paul completely immerses the listener in the environment he is describing...Paul gives a stunning performance"

-88.9 WERS

"Boston singer/songwriter John Paul has the backing, quite literally, of Ryan Adams & the Cardinals percussionist Brad Pemberton, who compares his songwriting to that of both Mr. Adams and Paul Westerberg. (Pemberton might be a bit biased, as he plays drums on this record.) And while I wouldn't go that far, John Paul is heading in the right direction on Belmont Boulevard."

-WLUR (Lexington, VA)

"John Paul delivers meaningful hooks with extremely versatile range and a ubiquitous vocal."

-Smother

"a rare talent"

-Scene Magazine

"Local boy John Paul is no pope, but he does sing divinely..."

-The Bostonist


View John Paul's EPK

Record Label:

Unsigned