Introduction to Austin Paul

Photography by Chelsea Olson ; PHOTOS: Ryan Troy on April 25th, 2013 in Musicians

Austin Paul

Miami Beach, FL – April 18, 2013 – The next young musician about to explode on the scene is Austin Paul. The Miami singer/songwriter/producer releases his debut EP Velvet today, and filmed a promo video at The Gale South Beach‘s swanky lounge The Regent Cocktail Club just last week. Fellow local musician Brendan O’Hara set the tone for the night before Paul got on the piano, giving everyone a sample of what’s to come from this hot young talent. Even N.E.R.D. member Shay Haley was there to check him out.

Austin Paul grew up in a strictly Christian household here in Miami, which he just moved out of 15 months ago. It was this time on his out on his own, at the ripe age of 20 years old, that helped give him the experience and perspective needed for Velvet. Always having a knack for the keyboard, Paul started playing piano at the age of ten as a self-taught learner. Velvet is the first of a trilogy of EPs set to be released this summer. On the five-track EP, he touches on his religious upbringing and the realities after moving out. His sound has been likened to a neo-R&B style with what feels like some James Blake, Clams Casino, and John Legend thrown into the mix. He’s already attracting the attention of the music industry with co-signs from Pharell, N.E.R.D., and Kastle. He’s already slated to play at Bardot on May 2, and a House Session at Soho Beach House on May 23. In the mean time, you can stream Velvet here and watch the video for “Hallelujah” at the bottom. We caught up with Paul on this exciting day to hear him weigh in on a few things.

Austin Paul

World Red Eye: How does it feel to have your first EP released today?

Austin Paul: It’s a nice feeling to finally release this project and to see how everyone is perceiving it.

WRE: What’s your favorite music venue in Miami to attend or perform at?

AP: Hands down Bardot. They create such an intimate yet energetic environment, and they showcase the best local music.

WRE: When do you turn 21? Where do you plan to celebrate the milestone birthday?

AP: I turn 21 on August 11, and I’ll definitely be having a few drinks at Bardot on that night.

WRE: Who’s your favorite local musician of the moment?

AP: I would have to say Poshtronaught and Nuri. They are a couple of producers deeply involved with Metro Zu.

WRE: What was the first song you ever learned to play?

AP: Some gospel tune I’m sure.

WRE: When can we expect the other two EPs in the trilogy to be released?

AP: Soon.

WRE: You’ve got a very cool style- where’s your favorite place to shop in Miami?

AP: APT 606 and Del Toro, but it comes down to what’s comfortable, aesthetically attractive to me, and whatever I can wear that really gives people more of an understanding of who I am.