NYC-based multi-instrumentalist, Paul Maged, is a singer-songwriter and rocker, gearing up to release his fifth full-length album, Culture War, featuring songs that gauge the heart of current affairs in our country. Paul’s music has been featured at UFC events, MTV reality shows, and he claimed a spot in a Billboard songwriting competition. Paul’s skills and aptitude know no bounds. At what couldn’t have been better timing, “Culture War” is also the first single from the album, and the song explores social themes that are relevant right now.
The music video for “Culture War” directed by MY3D, is 3D-animated, and features various trips through protests, an off-the-cuff outdoor rock show, and maybe the end of the world. All of this is told through the view of “Paul Witness News,” where the “clip humanizes the two sides of the issues currently dividing the country.” We caught up with Paul and discussed all things “Culture War,” the social aspect surrounding the writing and recording of it and its self-titled single, along with the making of its accompanying music video.
Your fifth full-length album, Culture War, is your first release since 2014, and is pretty telling since it came out on November 3, Election Day. Why did you decide to release an album now, six years later; was that intentional?
Paul Maged: Hi and thank you for the interview! There’s a little confusion on this as I’ve seen it mentioned elsewhere as well so just to clarify, Culture War is my 5th album overall and my first full length album since 2014. However, since 2014 I’ve released 3 albums (EP’s) and a handful of singles.
There was a definite purpose to releasing it on Election Day. I felt like it couldn’t be more relevant topically and made perfect sense.
You self-produced Culture War also. What was that process like for you?
Paul: Overall I really enjoy producing my own music and having that control over my vision especially this album which was ultra-personal for me. I’ve been basically co-producing all my music for the last several years but this one I felt I needed to take total control over so that my vision could be fully realized. I also had what felt like a stagnant situation going so needed to shake things up a bit. I really like producing. Engineering not so much.
“Culture War” also happens to be the title single released from the record. It’s a powerful, anthemic anecdote fit for these times. What was your thought process writing this song?
Paul: Thanks. I’ve become increasingly frustrated at the rejection of progress in our society and I feel that comes from an internal anger at one’s own self, failures, and/or limitations. I think some blindly blame others for their own failures and that manifests as anger toward others. The song Culture War is an expression of our culture and society over a long period of time. It discusses from where we’ve come (slavery, homophobia, immigration) to where we are now, and the two sides to these issues. One, on the side of progress, and the other on the side of actively, and many times violently, trying to reject that progress. It’s like a beautiful painting that took years to paint and then it’s set on fire in an instant and we have to start the painstaking process of painting from scratch again. That’s what the song is about, the cultural battle of good vs evil.
The music video for “Culture War” is just as compelling, animated and 3D, directed by MY3D. How did you get connected to MY3D, and how involved were you in the creative process for it?
Paul: I worked with MY3D on one prior video to a song called “Fight To The Death” and was blown away by what they accomplished. I love animation and really feel like you can express more through animation. I envisioned early on several storylines for this song that I could explore using animation. I thought it would be a perfect fit. I wrote the concept for it and much of what is seen in the video including the signs that are being held by the crowd, what’s printed on t-shirts and the entire apocalyptic storyline.
What are you looking forward to with the remainder of the year and into the new year?
Paul: A sense of normalcy and decency within our leadership of this country. What a concept huh? Also, an end to this pandemic so we can get back to a sense of living our lives. It’s depressing how the pandemic has affected small businesses as well as performers including actors and musicians so I’m hoping having the vaccines will help us all get back to a new normal.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and do you have a personal favorite so far?
Paul: My first ever concert, my parents took me to see Stevie Wonder for my 16th birthday in Worcester, Mass. That was a big deal because they were divorced so seeing them together was a strange trip. My favorite concerts to this day are between Pearl Jam and Billy Joel. I’ve seen both quite a few times so hard to choose just one.
What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?
Paul: Billy Joel’s Piano Man on cassette. It made me want to be a songwriter. First song I learned by ear and was able to play was “You’re My Home” from that album. I would actually play and sing it for my parents and I claimed I wrote it. That was pretty funny until I confessed I hadn’t wrote it. Then it wasn’t so funny anymore. (laughs)
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Paul: Oh wow that’s tough. Artists I’d say Billy Joel, Pearl Jam, Zep, Sam Cooke, Chris Cornell/Soundgarden and albums I’d say Superunknown (Soundgarden), Yield (Pearl Jam), Physical Graffiti (Zep), River of Dreams (Billy) and that last one’s tough, it would probably be another Pearl Jam album though. Or maybe something totally fun like the Soundtrack to Grease or Saturday Night Fever.
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Paul: Guilty music pleasure would probably be my love for the oldies like Motown. Guilty entertainment pleasure would probably be watching WWE. That’s like my comfort food, it’s only good once and a while and you’ll regret it the next day but man if it ain’t satisfying going down.
How have you been keeping yourself busy during quarantine?
Paul: Trying to get into much better shape. I’ve lost 35 pounds during the pandemic with more to go. Other than that, mostly getting Culture War, the album, ready and released. Between re-recording several songs, engineering, mastering and finishing several videos it was pretty overwhelming. And now I’m back to writing and recording some new music so the song plays on…
Connect with Paul on Instagram, and listen to or download his music on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.
