Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Swope.
Paul, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a singer songwriter from Nebraska and I’m known for have an eclectic range of genres in my catalog. I meld together a fusion of comedy, folk, bossanova, funk, bluegrass, soul, and punk. My live performances are always met with a lot of crowd participation and dancing and laughing. I moved to Austin in January 2025 from Lincoln, Nebraska to shake things up, and see what happens. Music is and has always been my first language. Songwriting for me is a sacred practice that transcends time and space and informs understanding between life forms. To make music is to build bridges of consciousness.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a wild windy rollercoaster road traversing through heaven and hell all while the tank is on E. But somehow I’m still here and my music is progressing. I’ve hitch hiked to tour, slept in my car more nights than I can count, lived in mansions, shooks hands with some of the greatest artists of our time, taken unheard of risks which result in wild stories of triumph, heartbreak, loss, connection, magic, perspective, and massive paradigm shifts. I’ve turned down money while being completely broke, gotten paid handsomely for my failures, made nothing from my greatest artistic successes, and learned that at the end of the day, friendship is basically all that matters.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I write genre defying music. I’m a trailblazer, vagabond, hippy, Kerouac, nomad, unassuming river rat, but I came from Midwest surburbia, but also the Platte River and the Rocky Mountains and I am significantly influenced by the Hawaiian islands. I built my own banjo out of a floor Tom with hand tools and fire. I sing about more than love, but what drives it, and I have my finger on the pulse of the absurd and the novel and the heartfelt. I embody the energy of David Byrne, Bowie, Shaky Graves, Randy Newman and maybe even a little bit of Bob Dylan.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The greatest mentors are the people who challenge the status quo and inspire others to do the same. Often, the best mentors don’t mean to be mentors. I personally enjoy connecting with folks through shared values of embracing and acknowledging absurdity and creating community. I think there’s something to be learned from every being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wilderpierce.com/swaul-pope-epk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaulpope?igsh=MXFyZW95ZDRubXBtMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Keren Carlson
