Interview with Paul Manchin

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

What got me into music was writing a song for my older sister’s French teacher when I was five years old.  I enjoyed it immensely and continued to write.  Also, a friend of the family, Mary, who encouraged, inspired and connected me to the music producer Mark Rogers for a music recording when I was a teenager.

As an indie artist I've done a lot of different things outside of music and continue to do so today.  I've been a bartender, waiter, grocery clerk teller, railway construction worker, security guard, photographers assistant, call center representative, loan officer, newspaper carrier, real estate agent, tutor and liaison for child actors on film sets.  So if I had not gone into music, I would still create and have a deep appreciation for it.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

When I'm not playing music, I like to walk through the forest and connect with nature.  I try to be present and appreciate everything around me.  This influences my creativity because I'm able to observe my surroundings with a clear mind and listen to the different types of sounds which may lead to a lyric or harmony or beat when I compose.  Also, I like to connect with family and friends who keep me centered.  I value the people in my life and those who support me as a human being and artist.    

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been making music since the age of five, so all my life. 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I'm based out of Toronto but I've lived in New York City as well.  Big cities have always been influential to my music because there are so many stories to write about.  For example, I learned a lot when working in 'La Bohème' at the New York City Opera because I saw the many talented artists that gave it their all every night and believed in their craft just like I do.  I hope that this remains to be a constant theme in my lifetime. 

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

There are so many memorable live shows.  Playing at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, The Tunnel Nightclub and Plaid Nightclub with my backup dancers in New York City was exciting because I was able to play freely my sound to a large and open group of individuals in a unique setting full of colorful lights and energy.  This has always been my vision for a live show.  Also, playing at the Now Lounge and Reverb in Toronto back in the day was cool because I always wanted to play there since I was young.  In addition, being asked to write the theme song for the Scarborough Walk of Fame and play for the Mayor of Toronto and inductee Maestro Fresh Wes was a great honor.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

It's hard to narrow it down to one venue.  All the venues mentioned above were my favorite venues to play at.  The places I want to play are establishments that want me there, believe in me and take care of their artists.  So I would be open to play at new venues if they have these requirements.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

This is a difficult question.  I would like to play a show with artists that are unique in sound, believe in their music and support other artists.  

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

The advice that I would give someone who is just starting to make music is to believe in themselves.  Be passionate and dedicated to their art.  Also, continue to grow in your craft and make music that is meaningful.  Lastly, don't wait for others to make it happen for you, you have to advocate for your own work.  I have never been that one person trying to appease the masses and on the contrary the opposite.  Not by choice but for who I am.

Some advice I would give to my younger self is to investigate and explore all options in music.  Also, eat a little better and get some rest.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

It is very difficult to say only one.  All of my songs I've written mean a lot to me in different ways.  I will discuss the more recent tunes on my new compilation album 'Master'.  The song 'Gratification' is about acceptance but not needing it and more about having confidence in one’s self.  The song ‘Turn It Up’ is about wanting to meet someone and the feeling is mutual.  The song 'King' is about everyone having the opportunity to be Kings and Queens, and lead their own path in life.  The song 'I Had A Dream' is about reconnecting with loved ones that passed through your dreams, and the song 'What Makes People Happy' is about the pursuit of happiness.  

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

There are many I like to play.  These songs would include 'Turn It Up', 'What Makes People Happy', 'King' and 'Gratification'.  The songs that get requested the most are 'Turn It Up', 'What Makes People Happy', 'King', 'Gratification', 'Don't Love You Anymore' and 'Orange'. 

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

My songs are inspired predominantly through observation and sometimes through personal experience.  The creative process starts with the lyrics and melody or the music.  Once the song is written, the song will be produced and recorded by myself or in collaboration with another writer and producer.     

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

The messages that I would like to get across in my music are relationships, identity, rebirth, loss, mortality, time, love and heartbreak.  My music has always been about diversity and I have a love for all people.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

My plans for the future is to have a music release party for the album 'Master' and set up live shows in 2024.  Also, I would like to have more exposure and airplay for my music.  In addition, I would like to spotlight my new music video single 'First' which is about the gestation of a child inside the womb vocalizing to the mother.  I play a child in the fetal position.  Here is the link:  http://www.youtube.com/paulmanchin

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

Fans can find me on my website which includes socials:  https://paulmanchin.wixsite.com/paulmanchin