New York City singer-songwriter Paul Spring has released his new album, Kind of Heaven. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
The 10 tracks range from acoustic ballads to open tuning Celtic guitar arrangements and Bach-inspired counterpoint.
Paul has released three albums in the past two years - 2023's Always Almost Home, 2022ʼs Thunderhead, and River Flows Two Ways.
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
He was raised in Saint Cloud, Minnesota and is now based in New York City. In addition to his solo work, he was lead singer and songwriter of the band Holy Hive until their dissolution in 2021.
Kind of Heaven was recorded live over two days last June, with drummer Jon Nellen (Nick Hakim, Big Thief, Sister Ray).
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m the ninth of 10 children raised by two literature teachers mostly in Minnesota. My parents taught us how to travel on a budget and encouraged creative pursuits. We took many road trips around the US but also went overseas. They taught a study abroad group in Spiddal, County Galway in 2002. So, I got to fall in love with Irish culture and music at age 13. Had the pleasure of returning there in 2022 for a small tour.
I’ve always had a side job in order to pay rent and stay afloat while writing my music. I’ve been a high school English teacher, wilderness canoe guide, a nursing home nurse, landscaper, snowplough driver, and for the last four years, a Brooklyn political campaign manager. But amidst it all I’ve released 11 solo project albums and seven albums with bands. As well as doing session guitar and co-writing with other artists.
I’ve done two river canoe concert tours and hope to do more. With my guitar in the boat, I’ve paddled downstream stopping to play shows along the way. In 2016 I canoed down the Mississippi and in 2024 I canoed down the Hudson River.
How would you describe your music?
I’m interested in having a conversation with my favourite music of the past (Irish folk and classical), while bringing in contemporary production techniques and lyrical themes. Each album for me also begins with a question, personal and musical. 2022’s Thunderhead asked 'where does my anger come from?’ while exploring Irish trad and hard-hitting electronic music. My new album, Kind of Heaven, asks ‘can I learn to be grateful for my present situation through daily practice?’ while musically embracing the moment by capturing live performance in the recording process. We made the album in two days, committing to first or second takes.
Who are your musical inspirations?
If I could pick my three favourite musicians right now, I’d say John Prine, Leadbelly, and Irish flute player Fintan Vallely. I’ve been listening to his album nonstop for three years and started learning Irish flute because of it.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I saw BB King and Jeff Beck at a casino in Minnesota in the seventh grade.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I always got my CDs from the local public library - lots of Leadbelly and Robert Johnson when I was 11 and 12 years old. Or I listened to my older siblings CDs. Around 12 years old I started mowing lawns and making my first cash. I remember my first purchase was a three-disc collection of Bob Marley’s early music. Listened to it daily.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Arthur McBride - Paul Brady.
Favourite lyric of all time?
‘I’m frightened by the devil, but drawn to those who ain’t afraid’ - Joni Mitchell
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
JS Bach’s Prelude in C major from the well-tempered clavier. From 2022 to 2024, I played a weekly gig in Manhattan where I sat in the corner of a bar and performed Bach guitar pieces. I’ll never get tired of this song; every time I play it I hear something different. I dream of one day owning enough property that I can set up a two-mile-long walking trail that has wind chimes every 100 yards, each of them tuned to each chord/measure of the piece. My friend Carlo has already bought me the wind chime for the first measure.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My music is on all the streaming services, and I also have some vinyl available on my website. Otherwise, I try to keep concerts and releases announced on my Instagram. I’m self-managed and self-release my music, so I do as much as I can to get it out there. I’d love to come play more shows in Ireland.
Alan Corr
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
