Work To Do

New York - Addis - London: The Story of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975

Yèkèrmo Sèw

Cymande

One More

!Paul (pronounced ipaul) Unveils ‘Unfold’: A Masterpiece of Musical Evolution and Profound Introspection.

Prepare for an unparalleled sonic journey as !Paul, the exceptionally talented producer and composer presents his highly anticipated second album: Unfold. Following the success of his acclaimed debut album "Home," which captivated critics and listeners alike with its delicate balance between dance and classical genres, !Paul now shatters boundaries and reveals a sound that is both innovative and deeply personal.

"Home" was an intimate, piano-centric album that gently guided you to a place of comfort. "Unfold," however, is a bold step forward, an album that invites the listener on a journey of inner discovery and boundless experimentation. This album is a testament to !Paul's fearlessness in evolving, venturing into uncharted musical territories, and expanding his already rich palette of modern classical, new age, neo-classical, lo-fi, and dream pop.

With nine compelling singles as a prelude, !Paul has already offered the world a taste of the depth and breadth of "Unfold." From the daring, oriental sounds of 'Personal Thoughts,' where acoustic guitar takes the lead instead of his signature piano, to the cinematic, dreamy piano melodies of 'Excited' and 'The Search,' which transport you to a world of beauty and freedom.

But "Unfold" is more than just a collection of beautiful melodies; it is an album that speaks to the soul, where !Paul effortlessly connects music and title. Such as in 'New Day,' where downtempo, chillout, and indie dance influences herald a fresh start, or in 'She Whispers,' where an enchanting piano and a gentle voice guide you through life's chaos.

The album delves deeper into the human experience with introspective pieces like 'As It Is,' capturing a moment of focused serenity, and 'Self-reflection,' a pure example of musical art that transforms depth, silence, and thoughtfulness into sound. And then there's 'Nowhere Fast,' a track that invites you to wander, daydream, and find peace in the 'in-between.' Even the ode to friendship, 'Friends 4 Life,' is infused with !Paul's characteristic dreamy piano lines.

The musical journey culminates in the previously unreleased 'Echoes.' This closing track opens with the typical !Paul piano sound, underpinned by a deeper synth layer that keeps you engaged without drowning out his exquisite piano playing. Is it his own echo he hears, are they the footsteps of his own past resonating? It's an open ending that simultaneously offers peace, a perfect representation of the momentum in !Paul's existence.

"Unfold" is not just an album; it is an invitation to grow, reflect, and embrace. It is the sound of an artist fully at home in his craft, a gift that Toan Madritsch, the creative force behind !Paul, shares with unprecedented grace and profound depth. Allow yourself to be carried away by the layering, the emotion, and the unparalleled musicality of !Paul’s 'Unfold'.

!Paul - New Day

Blood, Booze and Brawls.
The Third Lofi Album.
That's it. That's the post.
By ChillPandaBeats. 🐼

Stolen Calm

Nautilus

Make the Road By Walking

The Traitor

Triangle

Permutation

Bridge

The Olympians

Sirens of Jupiter

The Budos Band

T.I.B.W.F.

Flight of The Ancients

Kilimanjaro

Special Night

Work To Do (Instrumental)

Return To The 37th Chamber

Shadow Boxing

Snakes

Hard Steppin'

No Answer

When Leon Michels name first appeared on a record, he was 16. That release was Thunder Chicken, and the group was his high school band, The Mighty Imperials. The record was essentially an homage to The Meters, at the time it was near pitch-perfect for the budding retro-soul scene. While that release was an early step for Michels, aspects of it have almost become trademarks of his work: a unique raw-yet-disciplined approach to his sound and songwriting, and a soulful genuineness that has a sense of humor one minute and a sense of solace the next.

Right from the jump his hustling work ethic was evident, always involved in a lot at once. While finishing Thunder Chicken, Michels began touring and recording with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings—which he did for the next 7 years. During that time he was also recording songs in a makeshift home studio and preparing for what would be his first full-length record, Sounding Out The City, and the first release under the name El Michels Affair. In 2004, when Sounding Out The City was recorded, Michels’ obsession with Euro Library, American soul, and early rocksteady crept its way into the songwriting and recording aesthetic, the outcome was something Michels appropriately dubbed “Cinematic Soul.” The album was to be the first release on Truth & Soul Records, a new label Michels co founded.

The lo-fi warm recording aesthetic and bottom heavy production alongside the immediate success of EMA’s debut release lead to playing a show with Raekwon of Wu-Tang fame. That show went over so well it lead to a tour with El Michels backing multiple members of the Wu-Tang Clan. It was these shows that ended up laying the groundwork for the release of El Michels Affair’s second full-length, Enter the 37th Chamber, which eventually introduced them to a worldwide audience. While the band’s fanbase went through the roof, the industry also quickly recognized that EMA was a force to be reckoned with. Almost in a domino effect, a huge range of hip-hop artists sampled Michels’ songs, from Ghostface Killah, Just Blaze, and Jay-Z to J Dilla, J.Cole, and Travis Scott.

While simultaneously running a label, playing / touring, and co-producing other artist’s music Michels helped found The Menahan Street Band, co-produced Aloe Blacc’s sophomore smash LP, Good Things, and received a writer credit on Adele’s Grammy-nominated album, 19. Shortly there after Michels found himself on tour with The Black Keys after being cold-called by Auerbach and asked to join them on the road. It turned out that Auerbach was a big fan of the sound and approach of the Lee Fields record “My World”, which Michels produced. When Auerbach was tapped to make Dr. John’s critically acclaimed album , “Locked Down” and Lana Del Rey’s LP, “Ultraviolence”, Michels was brought along to play and add his signature sound. That led to being included in and touring for Auerbach’s psych-rock project, The Arcs, which features Michels as a musician and co-producer. 

in 2016, Michels co-founded Big Crown Records with Danny Akalapse, the second record label Michels has helped build from the ground. Since then, he has produced a majority of the albums from the labels roster including Lee Fields, Lady Wray, Brainstory, Paul & The Tall Trees, Liam Bailey, and Thee Lakesiders.  Michels has also produced records for Beyonce & Jay-Z’s side project, The Carters, Hanni El Khatib, Chicano Batman, Marco Benevento, and Don Toliver.

In 2020, Michels will release the second album of original material under the El Michels Affair moniker.  The Album, entitled Adult Themes, which Michels calls “the soundtrack to an imaginary movie,” creates a lush, evocative, complex and eclectic collection of tunes that will keep your ears on edge as you nod your head.

Shadow Boxing

El Michels Affair

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