"To preserve the history of where blues came from so we can take it to the next level all the while not losing where it came from would be my first thought. But I truly believe it will never be lost."

Paul Black: Beautiful Sin, Divine Music

Born and raised in Terrace BC, Paul Black received his first guitar at 16 but didn’t pick it up until he was 18 – and he hasn’t put it down since. Raised on gospel and country, Paul played in rock bands until the defining moment when his cousin gave him tickets to see Stevie Ray Vaughn. From then on it was nothin’ but the blues, throwing himself into the likes of Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix and Muddy Waters, Paul soaked up everything he could lay his hands on. After moving south to Victoria BC, Paul formed various blues bands until releasing an album under the name TAXI. Paul has jumped onto the International scene winning first place in the Song of the Year competition for his song “About You,” beating out thousands of entries for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

(Photo: Paul Black)

The competition is judged purely on songwriting and lyrics with judges ranging from Capitol Records to Norah Jones to Universal Music manager Stephanie Wright, who has worked with Sting, U2, The Black Eyed Peas and Stevie Wonder. Playing with bands like Sonny Landreth, Chillawack, Kim Mitchel, Sas Jordon, Long John Baldry, and Buck Wheat Zydeco. Paul Black is releasing his 3rd album titled "Beautiful Sin" March 1, 2024.

Interview by Michael Limnios                   Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Music at a very young age influenced everything around me like a soundtrack to life. And through music I was able to meet so many amazing people from all parts of the planet.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

My sound like many others is heavily influenced by all the music I loved growing up. The expressiveness of a Strat through a Fender aggressively attacking every note trying to squeeze as much tone and sustain as humanly possible combined with soulful, vocals is what always caught me ear and what I would strive for in my live performances.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Seeing SRV live blew me away, with his intensity and feel. Some other highlights for me were after that opening up for Sonny Landreth I got a chance to talk to him on the ferry over to Vancouver BC, as I picked his brain on his tone (and man he had tone) he told me stories about playing with Hendrix and Clapton.

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Canada?

I believe it attracts new listeners for the honesty and timeless of the stories blues offers, it just has a way of moving and relating to all ages.

Why is it important to preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?

To preserve the history of where blues came from so we can take it to the next level all the while not losing where it came from would be my first thought. But I truly believe it will never be lost.

"Music at a very young age influenced everything around me like a soundtrack to life. And through music I was able to meet so many amazing people from all parts of the planet."

(Photo: Paul Black)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Everything is polished and produced so well and it all sounds so flawless. I still listen to records and the first thing that grabs me is the honesty and rawness of recordings. I hope there will always be a place and support for live music because without it I believe the world would be at a loss.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

To Never take myself too seriously… And enjoy every time I get the chance to perform for people, be it a small solo gig or a large festival. It’s all an amazing opportunity to do what I love to do. 

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