Published: August 27, 2009 11:41 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight August/September 2009 Edition
Paul Coady
Paul Coady
Singer/Songwriter Paul Coady is a masterful storyteller. He tells his story through his amazing music with enriching lyrics and soulful vocals. Paul also mixes Americana and Rock into his music that fit perfectly together. If you are a fan of music with meaning and purpose, then Paul Coady will surely delight. Check out more about this talented artist in this recent spotlight.
Isaac: What was the best part of 2009 so far for you musically?
Paul: Performing at a Chicago block party on the 4th of July. It was pouring rain and the attendees began to think it was a washout. There was no real protection from the rain for the band or the equipment, so it was a potentially dangerous situation. We decided to go on anyway (probably not the wisest choice) and we were drenched by the end of the first song. We played for just under an hour in the driving rain and folks came out from under cover and danced in the street.
Isaac: Awesome!
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Paul: Bringing in some new and old pals to play on the CD Quarter Mile. Along with Joe Klapka on Drums and Rob Fore on Bass I was pleased to have Steve Grzenia (Prairie Town, Go Time!) come in a drum on a tune and Dave Stepanich and neighbor Jerry Santos play some guitar on the CD. It was a very fun; relaxed musical environment.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in your area.
Paul: Chicago has a very diverse music scene, but sometimes it seems to get fragmented. I tend to see mainly the Garage Rock and Power Pop scenes, which are vibrant. It is nice to have some experiences outside of your own little segment of the scene. Just the other day, I ran into hardcore rapper Cysion on the street we talked about what each of us were doing and exchanged CDs. While I am not a huge rap fan, it was good to see how guys in other segments of the Chicago music scene are doing what they do.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Paul: A lot of my favorite venues are now gone, but the one I have had the most fun at is still around: Gallery Cabaret. Not only did I meet my wife there, but I have played numerous shows there with Prairie Town, my own band, my wife's band and even in a dress as the bass player with the girl group The Meringues. The owner, Kenny, allows acts that he trusts to book nights at his club and pretty much explore anything they want to do.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Paul: My musical influences seem to be guys with a guitar and a story to tell. Buddy Holly for his tales of youthful innocence, John Fogerty of CCR with his anger and passion and Bruce Springsteen for his early big scale, romantic songwriting about hopes and dreams in urban America.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Paul: First and foremost, I am a storyteller. I feel that is what sets me apart in today's music industry. My stuff is not the glossiest of pop, but I am going to tell what I feel and create characters in my songs that people can identify with.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Paul: Bruce Springsteen. When I was a teenager, he opened my eyes to what songwriting can do. And while writing important, content driven songs, you can still rock.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Paul: Midwest, rock-n-roll storytelling. A honest look at real people set to loud guitars.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Paul: The feedback has been very positive and I love the fact that the feedback I have received has been detailed, showing that the folks are listening intently and thinking about the stories and characters. I have had guys come up to me in bars and quote lyrics back to me and talk about how that relates to a situation they are in.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Paul: I am going to continue to write and record and I will keep on playing. I am going to make a more concerted effort to get my songs into the hands of other performers and to seek placements in films and television programs.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
My biggest supporters are my wife, Kathy Greenholdt, who will have a new CD coming out soon and all the pals I play music and sports with.
Isaac: Final words…
Paul: Thank you, Isaac, for the opportunity you are providing me and other artists. I'd just like to encourage those folks reading this, wherever they may be, to take a chance and go see a local performer you know nothing about. You might be pleasantly surprised.
