Photo: Debbie Ellis
OSM: Hi, where is Paul Hand from and what instruments do you play?
Hey, I'm from Manchester in England, rich in musical legacy. I'm mainly a guitar player but can play basic piano, drums and bass. I love producing music and experimenting with instruments in the computer software.
OSM: Your new single, 'Recovery’, is out now. What was the songwriting process for the track?
Yes, the idea came from just me and an acoustic guitar sat outside in my back garden. I like to play with ideas first and try and let a melody lead me and then I remember quickly getting the song down in Pro Tools or at least a basic scratch track to act as a guide to then help me build on the structure, add instruments and then build production around it.. That's the fun part.
OSM: As the writer, what is the song about, what is the song’s message?
Sitting in my garden during the first lockdown due to the pandemic. The atmosphere felt totally different.. my senses were different. I could no longer hear the traffic of the cars or the airplane passing and there was a stillness, the air felt cleaner. It felt like someone had pressed a big old stop button on the world. I felt as if the world was sending us all a message to get our act together. So the song is about reflection, seeing what really matters in life if we just took a moment to stop and make a change together.
OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching your career?
I've found it difficult to really get the confidence to push my work and music out there. It's been a really personal journey to have faith in what I'm saying in my songs and that hopefully they can connect.
OSM: What are the plans for the year ahead for yourself?
This single is the first from a 5 track EP coming out very soon in the fall.. I can't wait to share these songs and move forward writing the next batch. It's just great fun. I hope to put on a show soon to showcase the songs. But will anyone want to come?
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
I'm not sure, its tough at my level to break through. I'm just chuffed that artists have the platforms available to get your music out there now. It's never been better.
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
If only Elvis was still alive hey?
OSM: Who are some of the main influences of your music?
As a Mancunian growing up then Oasis & guitar Britpop were my biggest influences. My first ever guitar chord book was a Buddy Holly book and I loved that. Just fab songs.
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
I'm really listening to a lot of Paul McCartney after his epic Glastonbury set. Amazing Legend and the Beatles and Wings. Also a Dutch band I think called Son Mieux, lovely pop songs with ace messages.
'Recovery' by Paul Hand is out now. You can listen to the track below.
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