I recently realized that many of you here on SoundCloud may not be aware I have music posted elsewhere. This is the first track off my all-original EP, MILES FURTHER, released in July 2013. You can listen to the rest of the EP, and buy and download if you like it, on my BandCamp linked below! After the general $4 (a bargain!) you're free to pay what you like :) I hope you guys like this as much as my covers! xo

http://paolabennet.bandcamp.com/album/miles-further


It’s like coming off a cold, hard winter 
Stepping out to feel the air 
I expected a wasteland 
But you were standing there 

Somehow you pulled me under so fast 
I can barely breathe 
But it’s quiet under the water 
And I know you’re coming for me 

So would you tell me was mine 
Just another heart you stole? 
Or will you hold me 
Your heart so warm, and my hands so cold 

I’m falling, but I’ve got no fear 
You can try calling my name 
But I might not hear 
I’ve got stardust in my ears 

I’m only a step away 
From giving myself up 
You walked so suddenly into my life 
Now you’re all I think of 
Somehow you’ve got your hooks 
Into me so deep, I can’t let go 
Those eyes of yours so inviting, 
But I’m still scared you’d say no 

So would you tell me was mine 
Just another heart you stole? 
Because it grows warmer 
As the days grow bright and cold 

(chorus) 

You don’t know how hard I’m wishing 
And I don’t know why I am missing you 
So much when I’ve known you 
All of the past few days 

(chorus) 

So would you tell me 
Was mine just another heart?

Just Another Heart

One of those covers recorded at 1am when rain is falling, the city is humming, and minor chords echo between your ribs. Rough and simple, but I honestly really like how this came out vocally, it’s different for me. I hope you enjoy too.

Bang Bang (Cover)

Teamed up with my dear friend Joe to do a lil holiday ditty for you guys, albeit with a few more comfortable twists! Pull on a big sweater, brew up a hot beverage,  curl up under a blanket, and then listen - with headphones, of course. xo 

(vocals - Joe/Paola, guitar - Joe)

Joe's music: http://soundcloud.com/joedeauna

Baby It's Cold Outside ft. Jude Torres (Cover)

Well it’s December, it’s not even cold
I wake in a sweat, just counting on when I go home
And I bought a candle, it smells like the pines
But aside from the stands in the city,
There’s none here for miles

My god, it’s been the longest year
Just trying not to disappear
And I don’t know how, but I’m hoping
Christmas will work it out

Nostalgia’s my weakness, my easiest sell
But that movie we watch all season, it just hasn’t held up
I’m sentimental and resentful
Wish I’d just suck it up and turn cynical
But I keep the string lights on and a lookout for miracles

My god, it’s been the longest year
Just trying not to disappear
And I don’t know how, but I’m hoping
Christmas will work it out

And sat at the table, laid pretty,
It feels somehow wrong to complain
So I smile and drink my glass empty
I don’t want to have to explain
I just don’t want to have to explain

My god, it’s been the longest year
Sometimes I wish I wasn’t here
And I don’t know how, but I’m hoping
I'm hoping

My god, it’s been the longest year
Just trying not to disappear
And I don’t know how, but I’m hoping
Christmas will work it out
Christmas will work it out
Christmas will work it out


credits

Paola Bennet: vocals, acoustic guitar
Adam Tilzer: bass, synths
Ward Williams: cello

written & composed by Paola Bennet produced & recorded by Adam Tilzer mastered by Oscar Zambrano, Zampol Productions

Christmas Will Work It Out

Download

LYRICS: 

I’m listening to that song you sent me
But it’s the wrong season for it
Now I choke on every word
Did you plan how this one hurts 

In my chest’s a cemetery
Wearing black since February 
When I read your message on the train
“Never saw you quite that way,” oh

Don’t you think I knew already?

Now I don’t love summer like I did
And I can’t blame you for knowing nothing
But how can I swallow this
With you stuck, with you stuck
With you stuck between my ribs 

I was breathing til I saw her
Something in me cracked like pottery 
To know you never thought of me
When I was losing sleep 

I watch you from across my glass
Recognize the way she laughs
The way I did when we first met
There was no ghost between us yet, oh

God, I hope she knows what’s coming

Now I don’t love summer like I did
And I can’t blame you for knowing nothing
But how can I swallow this
With you stuck, with you stuck
With you stuck between my ribs 

Fingertips tracing 
You know the way in
But everything changes 
Everything changes
Fingertips tracing 
You know the way in
But everything, everything changes 

Now I don’t love summer like I did
And I can’t blame you for knowing sh*t
But how can I swallow this
With you stuck, with you stuck 
With you stuck between my ribs 
With you stuck, with you stuck
With you stuck under my skin
With you stuck, with you stuck
With you stuck between my ribs

CREDITS
Paola Bennet: lyrics, composition, vocals, electric guitar, aux synths
Adam Tilzer: production, recording, electric guitar, bass guitar
Jake Farber: synths
Daniel Bradley: drums
mastered by Oscar Zambrano at Zampol Productions

Stuck

LYRICS:

Sun high, dead July
Sleep with open windows
Your scent still on my skin 
It hasn’t been so long 
But I'm learning all your angles
Play them over like a good song

Got it bad, cinematic banter, heavy breathing
Say you’re happy here
Think I believe it 
But I’m careful when we’re kissing
Still waiting for permission 

Your hands drip gold
Over me until I glow
You grin, I fold
But I’m getting tired of laying low
Each time you call home
Tell me, does your mama know? 

Neon, turn you on
Leaving after midnight
My birthday in your phone
I know your friends by name
So it isn’t far to wonder
Do you talk about me the same?

Your hands drip gold
Over me until I glow
You grin, I fold
But I’m getting tired of laying low
Each time you call home
Tell me, does your mama know?

Tell me, does your mama
Tell me, does your mama 

No pressure 
Slow and measured 
I know what I said but listen
Close for comfort 
Who will run first 
I am done for 
I am done for 

I am done for
I am done for
I am done for
I am done for
I am done for
I am done for
I...

Your hands drip gold
Tell me, does your mama know? 
Each time you call home
Tell me, does your mama...

Call Home

This sweet soulful ditty’s been requested by a couple of people & it’s good and stuck in my head, so here we are. Had some fun with the vocal style. Wear ear/headphones & enjoy. xo

Stay With Me (Cover)

If freedom had a face, it’d have your eyes 
The color of open sky 
You’re window cranks and four-wheel drive 
But I kiss my fingers at a yellow stoplight  

I know you don’t want to stay here 
Feeling tethered
Too much heavy weather
I want to be sun, for you I’m trying 
But I do the dishes with sore fingers
I can’t leave them overnight 

I want to be wild for you 
Sink my teeth in, howl my love
I wasn’t made
For running, baby 
But I wish I was

You gave me so much room
But it turns out 
Something about me was suffocating you 
The worst is that 
There’s no one here to blame 
We’re just not the same 
But could you learn 
To love a tame thing?

I want to be wild for you 
Sink my teeth in, howl my love
I wasn’t made
For running, baby 
But I wish I was

Is this the best we can do
No room for compromise
If I don’t set the alarm
Will you just stay the night
Won’t fight the ocean 
But I’ll wait for the change in tides

I want to be wild for you
I want to be wild
I want to be wild for you
Sink my teeth in, howl my love
I wasn't made 
For running, baby
But I wish I was
I wish I was
I wish I was
I wish I was

Wasn't Made For Running

This song to me is incredibly intimate, vulnerable, & a little timid. So, that’s how I approached it musically. It’s exactly how I’d make my New Year’s move. Listen, share, enjoy. xo

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? (Live Acoustic Cover)

After having my musical abilities leveled for a month and a half by a particularly persistent illness, I've been reminded of just how precious my voice and music is to me. So I thought, for my first piece since recovering, I should go back to basics. Hozier's music is raw and intense, and felt perfect to let myself go a little bit.

Hope you enjoy. It's good to be back. xo

Work Song (Cover)

Stone Song

Landmines

A stripped version of one of my favorite little love tunes. Listen, share, enjoy!

xo Paola

Can't Help Falling In Love With You (Cover)

My beloved Hadestown, Anais Mitchell's gorgeous dark retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice, began previews at NYTW today. I'm seeing it in a few weeks but I couldn't stand to wait that long so here's something I might take down in the morning. xx

If It's True (Anais Mitchell Cover)

Paola Bennet: vocals, acoustic guitar
Chris Garriga: drums
John Koozin: bass
Adam Tilzer: electric guitar

Produced/Mixed/Engineered by Adam Tilzer
Engineered by Arjun Agerwala & Will Jiminez at Fantastic Studio
Mastered by Oscar Zambrano
Special thanks to Serge Espitia at Tiny Thunder Audio
Cover: photo by Adam Tilzer, design by Rose Gallogly


DESERT SKY

Summer rising
From the pavement black
The small of my back

“It’s been a while”
Don’t make it my fault 
That you haven’t called

I say I’ve been 
Thinking about driving
Out to California  
Finding room to breathe
You’re doubtful
Hard line of your mouth, oh
You don’t think I 
Have the nerve to leave 

So I’ll head for the desert sky
Leave all the people, the neon lights
Running to something new
This city looks too much like you

Drunk and tired
I find every excuse
for this feeling, except you

Same old dance
Repeat and reminisce
on when we made sense
I say, 

“I shouldn’t
wait for something good to
come around, I’ve got to seek it out”
You say, “Do you know
what it is you want though?”
and I think I do, and it’s not you

So I’ll head for the desert sky
Leave all the people, the neon lights
Running to something new
This city looks too much like you

So I’ll head for the desert sky
Follow the moon and the car taillights
Nothing to lose, to prove
This city looks too much like you

LYRICS © Paola Bennet 2018

Desert Sky

writted & composed: Paola Bennet
vocals & electric guitar: Paola Bennet
synthesizers: Justin Oppus
recording, mix & mastering: Justin Oppus

Lydia's Boy - Single

Lydia's Boy

HONEYCHILD. A trio of songs made famous by the Ink Spots, remade by me. Something soft and sweet and uncomplicated in these mad times. These songs aren't mine, but they are me—the secret romantic, the tender yearning wallflower, the sweet honeychild.

main vocals, guitar: Paola Bennet
background vocals: Giselle Bellas, Ann Marie Nacchio, Adam Tilzer
trumpet: Jesse Blum
recorded by Adam Tilzer
mastered by Zampol Productions

It's A Sin To Tell A Lie

I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire

If I Didn't Care

LYRICS:

Lightning meeting bone
Sensations unknown
Fighting a ghost, something in me
Looking to start a mutiny
I’m scared to be alone

I don’t know how to be in this body 
This house that’s falling apart as I’m watching 
I don’t want to let it cave
I just want another way
I don’t know how to be home, home, home
In this body

String of waiting rooms
Endless déjà vu
White on the walls
Am I awake
Tell me exactly which pill to take
How to heal a chameleon wound

I don’t feel like myself
I know pain: clean, contained
This is something else 

I don’t know how to be in this body 
This house that’s falling apart as I’m watching 
I don’t want to let it cave
I just want another way
I don’t know how to be home, home, home
In this body

I can’t bear all this waiting
Don’t know what’s real, hazy instincts
Say I’m fine, I feel crazy
Don’t call me crazy

____________________________________________________

Written and composed by Paola Bennet
Produced by Adam Tilzer
Mastered by Serge Espitia at Tiny Thunder Audio
Vocals, electric guitar, and synths: Paola Bennet
Additional electric guitar and synths: Adam Tilzer
Drums: Brian Delancey

In This Body

UNRELEASED. Release date: April 9, 2021.

LYRICS:
Tuesday 2pm 
and I haven’t left my bed 
Something holds me quick 
Molasses stuck between my ribs
Ain’t that witty? Easy to follow?
Make it pretty and easy to swallow
Pretend as if I can stand this place
When I can barely stand up some days 

I want to hit the walls until they break
Someone to say to me I’m no mistake
I want an inch of kindness 
But I know that if I want to find it
I’ll have to bare my throat
But how can I, how can I 

And my mother says “being sad sometimes is alright 
At your age, God knows, so was I” 
How do I tell her it’s a constant haze, it’s always 
It’s the sky falling, breaking over me all the time 
Breaking me all the time

I want to hit the walls until they break
Someone to say to me I’m no mistake
I want an inch of kindness 
But I don’t know
am I being spineless
If I bare my throat
Oh how can I, how can I 

I want to stop pulling my hair out
The noise between my temples to settle down
I want an inch of kindness 
But I know that if I want to find it
If I want to find it

Written and composed by Paola Bennet
Produced by Adam Tilzer
Mastered by Serge Espitia at Tiny Thunder Audio
Vocals, electric guitar, and synths: Paola Bennet
Additional electric guitar and synths: Adam Tilzer
Bass: Ben Wright
Drums: Brian Delancey

My Mother Says

Tuesday 2pm
And I haven’t left my bed
Something holds me quick, molasses stuck between my ribs
Ain’t that witty? Easy to follow?
Make it pretty, and easy to swallow
Pretend as if I can stand this place
When I can barely stand up some days

I want to hit the walls until they break
Someone to say to me I’m no mistake
I want an inch of kindness
But I know that if I want to find it
I’ll have to bare my throat
And how can I, how can I

And my mother says, “Being sad sometimes is alright
At your age, God knows, so was I”
How do I tell her it’s a constant haze, it’s always
It’s the sky falling, breaking over me all the time
Breaking me all the time

I want to hit the walls until they break
Someone to say to me I’m no mistake
I want an inch of kindness
I don’t know
Am I being spineless
If I bare my throat
Oh how can I, how can I

I want to stop pulling my hair out
The noise between my temples to settle down
I want an inch of kindness
But I know that if I want to find it
Ooh, I want an inch of kindness
But I know that if I want to find it

Anthea, I’m on the train to see you
And at each stop, the doors flash yellow twice
Might not make it just in time to greet you 
But it’s been so long, you’d only roll your eyes
You wouldn’t mind

Find that bar we liked, and nothing’s missin’
And if it weren’t for birthdays and your bangs
I’d swear for a second, nothing’s different
But you laugh, call me nostalgic, and I am

For coffee on Charles Street
Songs in the dark
And that time I held you while you cried to sleep

You want more to settle for than settling down

Anthea, I hear it when you call me
Your faith, it shakes, it rattles on the phone
You tell me all about the cherry blossoms, not your doubts
But your stubborn pride’s a side I’ve always known 

You swear you won’t become your father,
But his love is steady just like yours
Don’t be ashamed

You want more to settle for than settling down
You want more

Seven thousand miles you put behind you 
And I have borne this town for seven years
Anthea, I know you’re tired of running
To things that, once you get them, disappear
But I’m still here 

You want more to settle for than settling down
You want more to settle for than settling down
(string interlude)
You want more

Anthea, I'm on the train to see you

Anthea

Lightning meeting bone
Sensations unknown
Fighting a ghost, something in me
Looking to start a mutiny
I’m scared to be alone

I don’t know how to be in this body
This house that’s falling apart as I’m watching
I don’t want to let it cave
I just want another way
I don’t know how to be home, home, home
In this body

String of waiting rooms
Endless deja vu
White on the walls
Am I awake
Tell me exactly which pill to take
How to heal a chameleon wound

I don’t feel like myself
I know pain, clean, contained
This is something else

I don’t know how to be in this body
This house that’s falling apart as I’m watching
I don’t want to let it cave
I just want another way
I don’t know how to be home, home, home
In this body

I can’t bear all this waiting
Don’t know what’s real, hazy instincts
Say I’m fine, I feel crazy
Don’t call me crazy

Do you miss it down here?
I'd guess no, when the stars are so bright 
And so clear where you are
In the blue
So deep that it's black
So much vaster than you 

How long has it been 
Since you thought about anything 
200 miles below 
Where you float
With the moon making faces so close to your own 
Don't you know you're free?

And when I can see 
The points of Cassiopeia 
I curse the skies, where I can't be 

Do you miss this old town?
Do you know that it's June? 
There are blooms on the ground
Come the nights, there's a breeze
I pretend it's some kind of sign that you're sending me 

Up there, you're skipping seasons 
But me, I try just breathing
While you're trying not to 
There's so little to spare when it comes to air
Don't you know I need you?

And when I can see 
The points of Cassiopeia 
I curse the skies, where I can't be 

I may never go any further 
Than crossing an ocean
No skies cracking open
I'd rather get my heart broken
Or see the moon shining on the opposite wall 
Or jump from a cliff into water 
For the thrill of the fall
For me, that's enough to be
Always, continually 
Falling in, falling in, falling in love 

Do you miss it down here?
I hope so
Stars can't love you like I do, my dear

Astronaut

Come near 
Morning’s not reached this bed
Stay here 
I’ll keep my fingers laced at the back of your neck
We don’t have to know what this is yet

Eyes open, you drink me up
Shy, there’s something I would never accuse you of
We don’t have to put a name to it
If we’re quiet, maybe the light
Will stay like this 

‘Cause I can hear the noise out there
Dark and humming
Seems there’s always some kind of storm coming 
But there’s shelter to find 
In your skin on mine

I know
This has to change sometime 
Fragile 
Like the skin underneath your eyes 
I trace the circles 

We don’t have to put a name to it
We don’t have to run before we step
But ain’t it something 
How close we fit?

7:23am

Born in Boston and based in New York, Paola Bennet is a singer-songwriter balancing at the intersection of rock, pop, and folk. Her work hinges on gut-punch lyricism, with subjects ranging from chronic pain to long-distance friendships and queer desire. Her releases include two original EPs, Maybe The Light (2021) and The Shoebox EP (2016). She has been highlighted by music tastemakers including Obscure Sound, Glasse Factory, Wolf in a Suit, and ParaPOP.

http://paolabennet.com

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