Paul Josephs is not just a musician; he's a force of nature, a native New Yorker whose life pulses to the rhythm of the city he calls home. From the tender age of 16, he's been leading his own band, a journey that has taken him to the heights of the music world and around the globe.
As a guitarist, singer, emcee, and multi-instrumentalist producer, Paul's sonic palette knows diverse flavors. His latest album, "Strong World," is a testament to his boundless creativity—an analog adventure into "psychedelic blue-eyed soul that rocks,” backed by a septet and skillfully arranged horns. And let's not forget "Focused Fire," a hard-driving, soulful hip-hop odyssey under the guise of MetroSonics, soon to be re-released to the delight of fans worldwide.
Paul's musical prowess extends far beyond the studio. He's toured the world, sharing stages and studios with icons like Beyonce, The Roots, Citizen Cope, Maceo Parker, Pharoahe Monche, Jean Grae, Rodney Jones, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Arthur Blyth, Idris Muhammed, Alice Smith, Immortal Technique and others. His original compositions, a fusion of hip-hop, blues, reggae, jazz, funk, folk, and rock, defy categorization, earning him a reputation as a true innovator in the world of music.
But for Paul, it's about more than just the music—it's about connection, about finding meaning in the melodies that weave through our lives. Inspired by the mighty Hudson River, which he affectionately calls "Blue Silver," his songs are imbued with a sense of place and purpose, grounded in the natural world that surrounds him.
Whether performing with a trio, a septet, or flying solo with his guitar and piano, Paul's music transcends boundaries, touching hearts and lifting spirits wherever it's heard. And as he continues on his musical journey, he walks a trail of inspiration, reminding us all of the power of song to move, to heal, and to unite.
Paul Josephs isn't just on the road; he's on a river, flowing with purpose and passion, leaving a legacy of music and magic in his wake.
“ Soulful and smart music, bouncing along on bluesy guitar and a rock/reggae beat, Strong World would be at home in any record collection that stretches from Santana to the Clash to Arcade Fire. Paul Josephs and MetroSonics pack a small world into each tune.”
“Psychedelic blue-eyed soul that rocks.”
“If there’s one thing Paul Josephs and the Metrosonics’ Strong World isn’t, it’s your average background music self released indie album. Several tracks stand out from this fresh and contemporary—yet at the same time still beholden to classic sounds—record. From the smooth, bluesy “Mystics” to the reggae and brass laden “Heal Me,” Josephs makes his way from genre to genre establishing the eclectic nature of his writing and composition. In one of the louder and in your face songs of the record, “Upstream,” Josephs blends a groovy rock feel and guitar solo with big band horns while weaving rap vocals in and out for a unique, catchy track you’ll want to play over and over. An album easily appreciated by both casual listeners and musicians alike, Strong World demands the listener’s attention, curiosity and most of all, enjoyment.”
“Rootical Lyricism”