Paul McDonald – Modern Hearts

By starrymag | May 24, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) It sounds like me.  I’ve got a weird voice, so you’ll either love it or hate it. I’ve always been a little bit outside the box. It’s a pinch soul, rock n roll, with pop songwriting sensibilities…but pop in the way that [David] Bowie, Sam Cook, or The Beatles were “pop.”

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I love songwriters. I grew up on the Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, etc. but as for new stuff I’m all over the place with inspiration. As an early teenager, it was more rocking stuff Nirvana, Beck etc. then I moved to more Americana stuff – Ryan Adams, Wilco, Jason Isbell…Now, I’m searching for the next round. I’m always on the lookout for something fresh that inspires me.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Wildcard.”

 

A) It’s about trying to be with someone that isn’t completely committed to a relationship in the same way you are. I wrote it a few years back when I was in a very transitional place in my life and wasn’t in any place to be trying to start new relationships. I obviously liked this girl way more than she liked me. [laughs]

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I’m sure everyone has been in one of those kinds of relationships where the other person isn’t into it as much as you are. It’s a tough spot to be in, but I’m sure folks can all relate. It’s a pretty common thing.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) We wanted the video to be laid back and kind of float in a way. Not take it too seriously because the song is kind of pointing fingers in a way. I wanted to remove that and make it more of a visual piece. The whole visual trip on this record is very Bowie influenced.

 

Q) What made you select this particular song as the first single on the album?

 

A) In all honesty, I’ve actually already sprinkled out a few of these songs this past year under the radar, just for my own personal sanity and to test the response from my fans. So far, the response has been great and “Wildcard” was just the next song in line. I am really excited about this one though, and I’m most excited about finally letting go of all these songs and releasing them into the wild.

 

Q) What is your song writing process?

 

A) It all depends. Sometimes it comes from picking up a guitar or sitting down behind a piano. Sometimes I have a melody or a lyric in my head. They just kind of fall out of the sky when they’re meant to fall out.

 

Q) Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) No. Not always. Music always helps put you in a zone or a mood for certain things to pour out, but sometimes I’ll just write out lyrics or hear songs in my head and completely write a song and then put music to it later on.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) A good bit. As a solo artist it’s your job to put the team together and create the vision. My producer for this album is brilliant and I won’t take anything away from him because without him this album wouldn’t be anything close to what it is, but I wanted the songs to sound a certain way and have a certain feel. Jordan [Lehning] took that initial vision, added his special sauce to it and lifted it the music to a new level.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Paul McDonald performance?

 

A) It’s fun and full of energy. Real and raw. I put everything I have into my live shows. It’s the same if I’m playing an arena or a small club. I hop into my own world and wake up at the end. I’m really excited about the album, but the live show is where you really get to connect with the fans.

 

Q) What songs off your Modern Hearts album are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) All of them! My favorite is always the newest song, so I guess out of this batch that’s “Call On Me” – it’s a great live tune.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new solo as a whole?

 

A) I hope they can relate to the songs and the words. It’s me and I’m being very real. I made this record for myself, not for any label or radio executives trying to make a quick buck of a “smash single.” Don’t get me wrong…I would love for one of these songs to catch a wave like that to help spread the music, but I wanted to do it in my own way. I needed to make an album that felt just right to me. This album doesn’t fit in any of boxes, but I like it that way. Boxes are boring and way too easy. I’m trying to pave my own way which takes a lot of work and persistence, but I’m hoping folks can see that I’m working hard and staying true to myself. That’s the most important thing any artist can do.

 

Q) The album will be released June 1st. How do you plan to celebrate?

 

A) Oh man…good question. I’ll probably be back in Nashville and throw a little party with my pals. I’ve been sitting on this album for well over a year waiting for the right time to release it, so all of my buddies listened to it a long time ago. It will be a nice letting go party. Turning the page and onto the next thing. I’m really excited about it!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love summer festivals. It’s always fun meeting new bands that inspire you and connecting with music lovers in a setting like Bonnaroo or Coachella. I’d love to start playing more of those summer festivals with this record. It’s real fun.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) That’s a good question…I think collaborations fall into place when they’re meant to.  That new Kesha album is pretty brilliant. I think that would be real fun to get in a room with her and come up with some magic.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Right now, I’ve got Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats on blast. I love that band. Badass soul and rock and roll. Richard Swift is an amazing producer and I love what those guys are doing.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I love connecting with my fans, but social media is interesting. I have a love/hate relationship with it, but I know it’s necessary to connect with an audience. There’s so much noise out there, so you never know if it’s actually reaching people…and If I counted the hours of time I’ve spent over the years prepping a tweet or Instagram post, I’d probably have enough time in there to write a few new albums….but that being said, who knows if anyone would care.  Social media is a huge part of our culture right now, and I love any way that connects me with the people that are listening to the music and paying attention to the art.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thanks so much always. It means the world to me that I have fans that allow me to wake up and do the thing I love every day.  To anyone that is hopping on the train right now or that has been on board since my first band back in the day, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can’t wait to meet you out on the road. I’m exciting about this next chapter.