One of the most exciting new projects in the PNW, in my opinion, is Ballard band Small Paul. Build with members of some of my favorite local bands like The Moondoggies, Chris King and The Gutterballs and All Star Opera, Small Paul is somewhat of an eclectic supergroup of staple Seattle bands and it sounds so good.
Their debut album Come Alive and Live Again is stacked with perfect songs from top to bottom many of which are finding their way into the Locals Only playlist every week.
You can catch Small Paul live at their Vinyl release part on October 14th at the Sunset Tavern with Long Dark Moon and Altameda.
Learn more about Small Paul below:
Sunshine and storm clouds converge at the core of Seattle’s harmony-heavy, Folky Rock and Roll band Small Paul.
Musically, Small Paul is a 4 headed collaborative effort that began fortuitously during the pandemic as a fusion of 4 musicians living in the same pod.
While originally bonding over the shared love of Wings, NRBQ sounding records and singing harmony together late into the night, Small Paul became an outlet and excuse to reckon and engage with each individual's own past and present struggles and to use music as an outlet to create light out of dark days. Their debut album reflects themes of rebirth and renewal, and pulling oneself into the light. While songs like, “A Midnight Sun”, “Miner for a Dream”, “Live Along” reflect hope for better days today and ahead — “Some Love”, “I Don’t Wanna Die”, and “Sinkin’ like a Stone (acoustic)” are opportunities to reflect on the past and grow, and let go. Then there are lighter upbeat songs like “Laugh it Off” and “Amber Light”, which are reminders to not take yourself so seriously all the time. Furthermore, a reminder to try and have a healthy acceptance and perception of the unpredictability of life.
Come Alive & Live Again is the debut album from Small Paul. Produced by Erik Blood (Shabazz palaces, Tacocat, Moondoggies) in the fall of 2022. This is an album that sounds best on a long drive over the mountains or to the ocean.
Born in and raised Seattleite Kevin Murphy (leader of The Moondoggies) shares drumming and guitar duties with California’s born and raised Chris King (leader of the Chris King & The Gutterballs). Chris brings bandmate and collaborator Malcolm Roberts into the fold on bass guitar and harmony and Seth McDonald to fill it out on keyboard and harmony (member of hip-hop band All Star Opera). These different perspectives all pulled together create the vibe that is Small Paul.