Human beings wait in line for any number of things on a daily basis, causing irritation, panic disorders, and road rage. However, none of these instances seems to duplicate the annoyance of standing in line at the DMV. So last time Boston Folk Legend and songwriting genius Ellis Paul was waiting for the motor vehicle Gods to pull his card, he decided to give Pioneer in the Valley a call. Here's what he's been up to.
PIV: What and who inspires you?
EP: I get inspired from all sorts of different sources. The story of what I am capturing for each song is generally a different inspiration each time. I also obviously love great books, great movies, photographs, and great paintings. I'm always keeping an eye out for different forms of inspiration.
EP: I get inspired from all sorts of different sources. The story of what I am capturing for each song is generally a different inspiration each time. I also obviously love great books, great movies, photographs, and great paintings. I'm always keeping an eye out for different forms of inspiration.
PIV: What’s the writing process like for you?
EP: Nowadays I get an idea and I carry it around with me to shows, and I will edit it in the car. I usually will get an idea and then I sit down with a guitar and work with some guitar pattern and come up with the lyrics from there.
PIV: What's in your CD player right now?
EP: Right now I am listening to seventeen of my own songs trying to figure out which will make the cut for the new record. It has been really helpful for me.
PIV: When can we expect some new Ellis Paul material?
EP: It looks like Probably by summer or early fall.
PIV: What can we expect from the new album?
EP: It's interesting because I’m listening to the songs right now and they are kind of all over the place. There is some country, some folk, a little electric rock. We are going to do a hybrid record with singer songwriters and rock and roll type stuff.
PIV: What can we expect from the new album?
EP: It's interesting because I’m listening to the songs right now and they are kind of all over the place. There is some country, some folk, a little electric rock. We are going to do a hybrid record with singer songwriters and rock and roll type stuff.
PIV: Anything on the new disc that you are really excited about?
EP: Yeah, there is a song called "Hurricane Angel" that I like a lot. It's a story I wrote about a Hurricane Katrina victim. As far a story song, it’s one of my best.
PIV: Is being on the road so much still enjoyable after all of these years?
EP: Of course. I love to play, it is a huge part of the whole process. I love playing, I am not always in love with the travel and spending time away from my kids, but once I’m there I really enjoy playing in front of an audience.
PIV: Do your kids share the same passion for music so far?
EP: I think the do because it is a central part of their life. They seem to be really into it. I don’t wish upon them a life as a folk musician though.
PIV: I spoke with Vance Gilbert this past summer and he had some kind words to say about you, how can you describe that friendship?
EP: Vance has been a touchstone of my life, not only as a friend, but we have had some epic moments together. He has attended and sang at both of my weddings. And on September 11th, I ended up talking and walking with he and his girlfriend and talking about what had happened. It was one of those moments that extends beyond our musical friendship.
But we also have this great partnership where we can bounce songs and albums off each other. He is just someone that can always be a barometer for where I am at.
PIV: If you weren’t a musician what would you be doing?
EP: I wouldn’t mind being a writer or a painter. I think it would still be something in a creative field.
PIV: If you could work with another artist, who would it be?
EP: I would love to work with Neil Young some time. I think he would definitely be my first choice as a songwriter.
PIV: What’s one thing that would surprise your fans to know about Ellis Paul?
EP: I’m a big AC/DC. I was a fan when I a kid and they put out this great new album and I’ve been listening to it a lot.
EP: I wouldn’t mind being a writer or a painter. I think it would still be something in a creative field.
PIV: If you could work with another artist, who would it be?
EP: I would love to work with Neil Young some time. I think he would definitely be my first choice as a songwriter.
PIV: What’s one thing that would surprise your fans to know about Ellis Paul?
EP: I’m a big AC/DC. I was a fan when I a kid and they put out this great new album and I’ve been listening to it a lot.
So there it is. Thank you to Ellis Paul for taking his time out to keep us up to date. Ellis will be stopping by the Iron Horse on Jan. 30th for an intimate show. We will be there, so should you!
Also, check below to hear some of Ellis' UNRELEASED MATERIAL!!! That's right, he is allowing you, the Pioneer in the Valley reader, to have a sneak peek into the next album. Let us know what you think, and tune in for more about Ellis after the show.
Ellis Paul - "Hurricane Angel"
Ellis Paul - "Waking Up To You"
Ellis Paul - "Once Upon A Summertime"
0 comments:
Post a Comment