If you put Kate Bush, Madonna and David Bowie into a blender you’d get Paul Diello! Graham Robson caught up with the multi-talented Brighton-based musician to talk new music, tracks to cheer us up and post-lockdown plans.
Hey Paul, tell us a bit about yourself and your music?
I’m a Brighton-based Queer singer-songwriter. I’ve been making music and putting out records as a solo artist for over 10 years and I’m currently putting the finishing touches on my new LP, which shall be ready for release very soon.
What have you been up to while in lockdown?
I’ve been using the time at home to get creative, I’ve spent lots of time at the piano, writing new bits and pieces and also writing concepts and ideas for the music videos to accompany the songs on my new album. I have done an online performance which was so much fun, I was actually more nervous for that than I have been for regular gigs in a long time! I’m doing a live stream on Friday, April 24 from my Facebook page (Paul Diello Music) where I’ll be performing all the songs from my debut album which was originally released in 2009.
Any tips to keep our readers busy?
It’s a good time to catch up with old friends or people you’ve been meaning to meet up with and not had the chance to, video chats are a god send at the moment! Friends of mine who are working from home and have kids with them tell me that writing out a daily plan really helps keep some structure to the day too.
Plans for the future?
To release the album and make a music video for all nine of the tracks. I’m also in the process of making an album with my acoustic duo side project, Under the Ivy, which I’ll be continuing with once I can return to the studio. I’ll also be taking my show Epicene, a gender blending celebration of iconic women in music, back out on the road once we can go out again.
What do you miss the most?
Seeing my friends and family in the flesh and gigging in front of a live audience. Also walking outside feeling complete freedom.
Top 5 tracks to cheer us up…
Cut My Roots – Rachael Dadd
1234 – Feist
The Barrell – Aldous Harding
The First Cut – Eurythmics
Spotlight – Madonna
Any words of wisdom to get us through?
Whilst it’s great to use this time to get creative or work on a hobby or be productive, it’s also completely fine to just chill out and take it all in and not put any pressure on yourself. It’s bonkers out there at the moment so it’s really important to look after yourself and your mental health and if you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
More info:
www.pauldiello.com
Facebook.com/pauldiellomusic
YouTube.com/pdiello
Instagram – @pauldiello
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