Many artists struggle to establish their musical identity, laboriously trying on different musical styles like a piece of clothing, looking to find what fits. But there are others that emerge fully formed, in full command of their craft, their identity and their music. Paulo Dos Santos fits firmly in the latter category. His new EP, We R Plastic Music, is a captivating and moving debut that heralds the arrival of a gifted and significant new talent, one whose music feels familiar in the best possible way, while striking out on its own territory.
A Gauteng boy who grew up in the Mckenzie park, near Benoni town, Paulo Dos Santos loved music as a child, but didn’t take music seriously until he was in his early 20’s. He explains, “I started writing songs in my head, and it took my interest in music to another level. I had to use free music software’s so I could cut music to the ideas I heard in my head. Then I started playing piano and guitar to broaden my horizons even more.” Almost immediately, he fall in love with being a disk jockey and began playing local parties and bars, going through what he calls, “the typical post-high school lifestyle.” “I wasn’t interested in anything I was doing other than music, and I loved the wide-openness of my life.”
Recording on his Desktop and playing the songs he was writing for his friends, Paulo saw their genuinely excited reaction. “Two friends heard the songs, and even though we were all broke, they approached me and we pooled our money to buy a microphone and a recording console.” Now recording in earnest, Paulo was gathering skill as a music producer, taking his influences, like Tiesto, Sade, DJ Fresh, Jimpster and Dannis Farrer, and using them to shape his own style. “I grew up with a lot of Trance and deep house,” Paulo explains, “I use to listen to a lot of vinyl Dj mixes on radio and online. I naturally gravitate to that kind of sound; there’s a warmth and timelessness to it that I’ve always loved.”
As his name grew in and around the Benoni area, the pieces began to fall into place for Paulo. Entering a citywide battle of the DJ in the East Rand, which earned him some much more respect from his peers and the notoriety to begin playing bigger shows for an ever-increasing local audience? Recording continuously, Paulo hooked up with local producer Kopano Ramashala, Gee Deep, Ruffa L (infinity boys).He came together with Kopano Ramashala and the two recorded an EP at Down Town studio in Johannesburg. The songs are sparked major interest on iTunes and Amazon.  
Paulo is currently Promoting his EP, honing his live show playing House music for his fans. “It’s gaining momentum,” Paulo says. Being on the road all the time is something I’ve always wanted.” He is soon to drop the next project; he would like to collaborate with more South African and west African artist for a different and authentic sound.
“Love is the electricity, which brightens the world, powered by music”
-Paulo Dos Santos


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