Interviews: Paul Archer

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Rock artist Paul Archer from Northern Ireland (UK). Check out the interview and follow this artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE and his WEBSITE.

1. When did you decide to have your own name for the project?

Early in 2024, at my debut visual art exhibition (Castle Espie Gallery, NI), I reconnected with another of my old friends from the mid-90s Belfast scene, Colin Harper – a Q/Mojo/Irish Times writer then, subsequently author of acclaimed books on Bert Jansch, John McLaughlin and others. Colin realised that the brief but deeply soulful, purely solo guitar/vocal performance by Paul at the exhibition opening was the acorn from which a whole new phase of Paul’s music-making could grow.

With Colin’s advice, National Lottery funding was secured towards the goal of a new album with new directions – an unexpected blessing in hard times for music creators – and Side A of the album (bar the addition of the 2017 single ‘Belfast’) was recorded swiftly in late 2024 at Nave Studios, Leeds with producer/multi-instrumentalist Andy Hawkins, Mark Ringer (guitar) and Gary Must (drums). At this point, US label Think Like A Key came on board. TLAK MD Roger Houdaille was bowled over when Colin played him, in passing (while liaising on other projects), one of my new recordings. The planned vinyl-only project now had an opportunity to be CD/DL as well (with two fabulous bonus tracks from the sessions).

I approached Art with two sides of vinyl in mind, an opportunity for two sides of Paul Archer – declaration and reflection, morning and evening, alt rock and cosmic soul. Side A is a continuation of the euphoric rock that folks will know me for from my time in Burning Codes; Side B, recorded with producer/multi-instrumentalist Rick Bleakley in Belfast, brings a wider sound palette and a contemplative spirit to the fore. ‘Detector’ features Duke Special on piano and a string player, Darragh Morgan and David McCann. Two songs feature soulful Americana artist Janet Henry on backing vocals. Elsewhere, Celtic-Rock legend Jim Lockhart (ex-Horslips) guests on flute, and Jonny Quinn (ex-Snow Patrol, but also ex-Disreali Gears back in the day) rattles percussion. It’s a collaboration of old and new friends – and a new beginning in Paul Archer’s cosmic soul odyssey.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I would describe my music as “Cosmic Soul” blending influences like The Velvet Underground, Gospel, 60’s Soul, Indian Classical music, alternative, krautrock, and indie music. These influences are resonant for me, and my approach to writing is feeling-led and music second.

3. Who is your favourite band?

My favourite bands include The Velvet Underground, The Smiths & NEU!

4. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

My life journey, my spiritual journey, family, friends, mental health, compassion, empathy, The Beatitudes, light, hope, meaning, purpose, resilience, the inner and outer dialogue…

5. Where was your last gig?

My last gig was at The American Bar in Belfast, which is a wonderful venue and is directly underneath the room, which was once a studio, where I had recorded my first ever album many years ago!

6. Where would you like to perform?

I’d love to play in New York and Nashville and do some dates in art galleries, hopefully around the world! This new solo album features both my new songs and my visual art (abstract expressionist painted works).

7. Whom would you like to perform with?

I’d love to perform with John Cale of The Velvet Underground and Michael Rother of NEU!.

8. Whom not?

Those who would not want to perform with me.

9. Have you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I think that for me, after 12 albums, my main concern is the lyrics however, I feel at home on the stage, and from my advice, I’d encourage everyone to really “be” in the moment and in the meaning and intent. Embrace the fear!

10. What bands have inspired you the most?

The Velvet Underground, James Brown, Pixies, The Smiths, Sonic Youth, NEU!, Ravi Shankar, My Bloody Valentine.

11. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

The weirdest thing a fan has asked me for - to play at a boating lake - and I did!

12. What do you think of your fans?

I am ever grateful for the wonderful, amazing, and inspiring people who come to the shows and encourage, engage, and support the project.

13. What do you think of our site?

I really dig the emotive nature of the site and the breadth of the countries and the works and artists you guys cover.

14. Something to add?

Empathy and compassion are powerful engines.