A Quick Chat with Paul Luby

Since your last release, how has your music evolved both musically and as an artist? Can you share any memorable moments or achievements from your recent time in Sydney? 

Since my previous release ‘Sorry Too’, I wanted to create a fast, upbeat indie song that engages listeners. I found I did that with ‘Control Myself’. I’ve just learned when you’re writing music, you need to just enjoy what you’re doing and it’ll come together musically. I believe that I had attained more confidence through the number of gigs that I have played in Sydney. Without them, I wouldn’t have planned to record my original song and put them on Spotify so I definitely think you have to believe in yourself. 

My most memorable achievement is performing my original song at a gig in Sydney. I mainly play covers but when a person in the crowd requested my song ‘Sorry Too’ , I couldn’t believe it! It was a great opportunity to share my music with that person and those who have yet to hear it. Sydney has great opportunities so I’m trying to make the most of it. Promoting my music has been hard but, I’m slowly gaining more contacts and eventually the goal is to play my first live show with a band that can enhance the feel of my songs. 

What inspired ‘Control Myself’? Can you dive deeper into the personal experiences and    emotions that inspired the lyrics and the overall theme of the song? 

Control Myself is about relationships and the risks of them. It’s not about anyone in particular but about the concept of getting into a relationship and then it doesn’t work out. Although it isn’t about my own personal experience with relationships, I have seen many people I know including family members and friends who have gone through a lot in their life. So they inspired me to write a song about how much trust you put into someone and then in an instant , it doesn’t work out. With reference to the lyrics, ‘you took everything away from me and I’m just left with nobody else’ , I believe that this line is the most thought provoking. When I wrote these lyrics in particular, I thought of people I know who have endured hurtful times with people who can take everything from one, leaving behind a trail of wreckage in their path. Control Myself helps people relate on a personal level and to portray that they are not alone.

If your music could be the soundtrack to any film or TV series, which one would you choose and why? How do you think your sound would complement the visual storytelling? 

Personally, I believe my song would suit the TV Series ‘Love Island’ . ‘Control Myself’ would be suitable as the show centres around relationships, encapsulating the true meaning behind the song. I think it would be especially relevant in scenes where couples didn't thrive, illustrating the sense of ‘Control’ that one must have went dealing with the aftermath of a relationship. Referring to the visual storytelling, I personally think that the unique sound of ‘Control Myself’ would perfectly fit the shows criteria. The line ‘ the day you ran away from me with him and you found a new life that you dreamed to be’ can be utilised when a contestant ends a relationship with one to peruse other interests in another. Thus, aiding the visual storytelling of the show. Additionally, this show can reach major audiences of various demographics. From my own experience, I have seen songs that have featured in Love Island blow up over night, leading to instant fame and endless opportunities within the music industry. So yes, it would be a great 

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why? How do you think these conversations would influence your music or outlook on life?

I’d choose Chris Martin, Thin Lizzy and Post Malone. I’ve always looked up to these legends and I’ve felt that they have influenced the wah I write songs. I think they offer a fresh perspective on what music should look like today , so receiving advice from them would be a dream. I chose Chris Martin because I’ve grew up listening to Coldplay and I have seen how much they have evolved in todays music industry is truly amazing. The song ‘Yellow’ for me has to be a song that sticks with me because it’s uniqueness and sheer musical brilliance. I remember a quote from Chris saying ‘I just started playing random chords and humming the backing notes, which soon turned into the most prolific line in a Coldplay song “look at the stars, look how they shine for you and everything that you do , and it was all yellow”. This inspired my music writing abilities to play around on the guitar, discover new chords and see what works. With Control Myself, I stumbled on a catchy chord progression. I then began to hum the words ‘nobody else’ which rhymes with the name of the song. I began to think of more words and then the chorus of ‘Control Myself’ was written. You could say I took a leaf out of Chris Martin book that day. Thin Lizzy and Post Malone are both amazing musicians who I have took alot of inspiration from. I believe that an artist who always have somebody to look up to, and to learn their ways!

How does ‘Control Myself’ fit into your broader musical journey and discography? Does it represent a new direction for you or build on the foundations you’ve previously laid? 

Yes, I believe it represents a new exciting direction following previous foundations I have laid. For many years, I’ve never imagine what path my music would take but, now I’m finally comfortable with the music I’m releasing and I’m having fun doing so. Every artist should try better themselves at every chance they get. If that relates to improving their stage presence by performing more gigs or improving their songs as the recording sessions go on and on. Ultimately, ‘Control Myself’ is very important in my musical journey as it was one of the first songs I have ever written so it’s very close to my heart. 

When you’re not making music, what might we find your doing? Are there any hobbies or interests that you peruse outside of your musical career that help you unwind or find inspiration? 

 I like to play golf or go for swims at the beach. I find these both relaxing so I can have a clear mind going back into writing music. I think it’s essential for musicians to be able to relax. The best musical ideas come when I am not stressed or trying to force a song out. They have to have a sense of flow instead of trying to write a song with no musical inspiration. 

What can fans expect from you in the future? Are there any upcoming live shows, new releases, or projects that you’re particularly excited about? 

I’m set to release my third song called ‘I’m Scared’ in the next few weeks so I’m looking forward to sharing more of my music. I’m just enjoying releasing my own music as it’s always been a lifelong goal of mine! Another goal would be to play my own show and to have family/ friends attend. Seeing people in the crowd singing lyrics I wrote in my own bedroom would be a dream come true.