ArtistInfo

Paul Wilkes

Rock

The year 1971 has a lot to answer for when it comes to Wilson Minds. It not only spawned "Duel", the acclaimed major-screen debut from a young Steven Spielberg (which serves as a backdrop for lead track "Face It Cracks") but it also saw the release of timeless albums from the likes of Neil Young, Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan - which, years later, have provided the inspiration behind the spectacular melting-pot that is the debut "Face It Cracks" EP, released on Zed Records on 24th February 2013. Wilson Minds is every inch a real artist - a refreshing antidote to the tired old formula of TV-manufactured pop stars in it for the 'fame'. Channelling influences from maverick artists both in his music and his approach to self-promotion, the thing that hits you first is his incredible voice - robust, effortless and always engaging. And the songs? Well they have that 'classic' quality that lets you know that you have finally found something of real substance for once. He has been attracting ardent fans on his tours of the North of England throughout 2012, currently residing at Hoylake venue Coda Maine on the last Saturday of every month. He is most at home on the stage - a guitar, a mic, and a live delivery that is worth a thousand blustery press releases. And, in a flip of the usual music industry concern, someone has been able to do his live presence some justice in these recordings. Namely producer Chris Potter (The Verve, Blur, I Am Kloot). The "Face It Cracks" EP is an exciting introduction to Wilson Minds - from the atmospheric opening and driving bass of the title-track, which references the zydeco guitar of American roots, to the languid groove of "River Flowing" and the stark haunting melody and lyric of the Dylan-inspired "Before". This EP is aiming for something different, an array of dynamic styles all combined into a melting pot of light and shade. Taking influences that range from the likes of Johnny Cash to The Beastie Boys, it is evident that there is a mix and unique blend of charisma in Wilson Minds' music. With more huge songs to follow on his debut album to be released later in the year, Wilson Minds has an amazing journey ahead of him, just so long as he can stay in front of that Peterbilt 281 Tanker Truck. Wilson Minds is an alias for Paul Wilkes.

Genres

• Rock
• Folk
• World

Plays With