Paul Masvidal is in Nottingham and plays Billy Bootleggers this evening (Thursday 6th June)
'🔮3-Starseed pins have been stashed away in secret, hidden in cryptic locations across downtown Nottingham. Find one and bring it to the door for a special treat—free entry or a Mythical Human Vessel t-shirt from our merch stand. The quest is on! 🌟'
Check our social stories on Insta, TikTok and Facebook for clues….
Richard Grindon aka Grits interviewed him ahead of his gig!
Personal Journey*
. Paul, your musical career has spanned over three decades. How do you feel your personal journey has evolved since you first started playing guitar?
My musical journey has evolved in ways I could never have imagined. The path has been like a jigsaw puzzle, with missing pieces emerging from the least expected places. One thing I’ve learned over the years is to surrender to outcomes and simply trust in the purity of the process without any specific goal in mind. The root of what drives the work is what keeps it buoyant and ever-evolving for me.
. Early Influences
. Can you share some of the key influences that shaped your early musical style and how they continue to impact your music today?
My root inspirations were quite eclectic and not related to genre persay. From singer-songwriters, folk, and soft rock like Neil Young and Bread, to classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, to metal and punk bands like Metallica, Slayer, DRI, and Agnostic Front, as well as world music and fusion artists like Ravi Shankar and John McLaughlin. I also draw inspiration from vintage trip hop like Portishead, electronic artists like Nine Inch Nails, guitarists like Pat Metheny and Allan Holdsworth, classical composers like Bach and Debussy, and a wide range of modern pop, rock, and indie artists.
. Shaping the Genre
. *Many consider Cynic's debut album 'Focus' a groundbreaking record in the genre. What do you think it is about that album that resonated so deeply with fans and critics, and how are you incorporating some of these songs into your solo set?
I don't know what caused it to catch on after a decade, other than the word spreading via the internet and through our peers in fellow bands who started reaching larger audiences and citing Cynic as an influence in the press. In the solo show, I'm incorporating material from the Re-Traced renditions of Traced in Air songs, which sound more chill, electronic, and atmospheric.
Musical Innovation
. Your music often blends elements from various genres and incorporates progressive and experimental aspects. How do you approach integrating these diverse influences into a cohesive sound?
I trust my ears and my gut. I don’t think in terms of styles or reference points when writing music. The whole process is led by intuition, so it’s more about creating space within myself for the ideas to emerge, if that makes sense.
. Lyrical Themes
. Your lyrics often explore deep philosophical and existential themes. What inspires the lyrical content of your songs, and how do you see your role as a lyricist?
Inspired by the natural world, the cosmos, sacred geometry, and the unknown spaces within and without. I connect with truth and transparency and more of an observers perspective in terms of meeting life with genuine curiosity and wonder. The lyrics are often written in a coded visual or poetic language so the interpretation is often left to the listener. I’m inspired by the naked raw truth of being alive and also the journey inward and how that mirrors the cosmos, otherworldly landscapes and how it all relates to a spiritual life.
. Upcoming UK Tour
. What can fans expect from your upcoming UK tour? This tour has a mixture of material from an array of your solo projects such as 'Mythical human vessel' and Aeon spoke. Are there any special surprises or new material you’re particularly excited to share?
The show is theatrical, immersive, intimate, and dynamic, with ambient soundscapes cradling the acoustic guitar and vocals. Every element—from the songs to the lighting to the use of a mask and overall tone—contributes to creating a unique experience. The songs themselves are rooted in raw, intimate, and heartfelt places, establishing a deliberate contrast within the performance.
Future Projects
*Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations your solo projects and interactions with other artists? Are there any new directions or collaborations on the horizon that you’re excited about?
*
At the moment, there are dirge-like, amorphous alien lullabies floating around in my head, but I'm not sure how they will emerge!
See Paul play Billy Bootleggers tonight at 8.30 pm. £10 on the door!
'🔮3-Starseed pins have been stashed away in secret, hidden in cryptic locations across downtown Nottingham. Find one and bring it to the door for a special treat—free entry or a Mythical Human Vessel t-shirt from our merch stand. The quest is on! 🌟'
Check our social stories on Insta, TikTok and Facebook for clues….
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