"no plan of attack for this emotion..."
Big sweeping production, raw immediacy and surprising shapes are always captivating when it comes to the art of music. These are things that inspire and send electrical charges to your synapses but maybe one of the best things that will draw you in magically, is a sense of intimacy, that connection with a stranger's heart even psyche. That is the case, the feeling when I listen to "Wildwood" by Paul Marotto, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist currently based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and besides that deep sense of intimacy, you get the 'raw' sweeping production and surprises as well. From the onset, I am attracted to the melodic intentions here brought on by Paul's vocal aesthetic that is easy, almost conversational and while purposeful has a meandering quality as if he is recalling deep feelings. Stylistically, his melodic style and acoustic progression that dance together had me thinking of Pavement, of Stephen Malkmus. The touchstone for his words and deep well of thoughts and emotions are Wildwood itself, the street that is.
Paul offers context:
"This song is about a place that is very special to me and one that I have many wonderful memories of. For me this place was my grandparents shore house in Wildwood New Jersey. My family and I used to spend summers there with them when I was very young and up into my teenage years. They sold the house when I was 18 and at that point I didn’t realize how special the memories we made there were. As I got older my life increasingly became more difficult and chaotic. I often still find myself wondering where things went wrong and what I could have changed. But no matter how crazy things get there is one thing I am sure of…… that I was lucky enough in my life to experience true happiness at that shore house. So many laughs and smiles…. Not worrying about anything…All the fun we had….All these wonderful feelings and memories…. They all happened at one place…121 East leaming Ave. Wildwood New Jersey 08260."
Paul touches all aspects of "Wildwood", playing all the instruments. Swelling sounds rush in like dense memories but I like how those sounds exit too when things need to get spartan. The shifting beats swap to the emotional narrative, as does the heavy bass lines and what sounds like big lead guitar sustains. At a certain point I feel some big chamber pop affections, a bit of Brian Wilson with out the orchestra.
Paul touches all aspects of "Wildwood", playing all the instruments. Swelling sounds rush in like dense memories but I like how those sounds exit too when things need to get spartan. The shifting beats swap to the emotional narrative, as does the heavy bass lines and what sounds like big lead guitar sustains. At a certain point I feel some big chamber pop affections, a bit of Brian Wilson with out the orchestra.
I wonder if Paul visits this place even though their is no longer a familial connection. That might be rather weird for the current occupants. I do know that I will visit, the song that is, often.
-Robb Donker Curtius
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THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:
https://paulmarotto.bandzoogle.com/
https://www.instagram.com/paul.marotto/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTxQ-zLotVJHdBZruILqnQ
Paul plays all the instruments and sings all the vocals heard in his music. His songs sound best when listened to with a pair of good headphones. Paul and his brother recently built a computer specifically designed for recording music. His brother named it "Orange Crush". You'll understand why if you check it out on Bio page of his site. Paul uses a program called "Cubase" to record, mix, and master his songs in his studio. Most of his music includes Vocals, guitar, drums, piano, and various types of sounds created with synthesizers. Paul also plays classical piano which has influenced the creation of many of his songs. Growing up, Paul had a wide range of musical influences in his life. From an early age, Paul listened to his Dad and sisters play music on an old piano that his dad had found on the street and brought into house where he grew up. His Dad also played a folk string guitar which he eventually gave to Paul. Paul lives just outside Philadelphia Pennsylvania and loves listening to everything from Led Zeppelin to classical composers such as Rachmaninoff. If you would like to hear some of the music he likes, checkout Paul's Spotify Artist page and listen to his playlist called "Orange". If you like his songs be sure to follow him.
* * *
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:
https://paulmarotto.bandzoogle.com/
https://www.instagram.com/paul.marotto/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTxQ-zLotVJHdBZruILqnQ
Paul plays all the instruments and sings all the vocals heard in his music. His songs sound best when listened to with a pair of good headphones. Paul and his brother recently built a computer specifically designed for recording music. His brother named it "Orange Crush". You'll understand why if you check it out on Bio page of his site. Paul uses a program called "Cubase" to record, mix, and master his songs in his studio. Most of his music includes Vocals, guitar, drums, piano, and various types of sounds created with synthesizers. Paul also plays classical piano which has influenced the creation of many of his songs. Growing up, Paul had a wide range of musical influences in his life. From an early age, Paul listened to his Dad and sisters play music on an old piano that his dad had found on the street and brought into house where he grew up. His Dad also played a folk string guitar which he eventually gave to Paul. Paul lives just outside Philadelphia Pennsylvania and loves listening to everything from Led Zeppelin to classical composers such as Rachmaninoff. If you would like to hear some of the music he likes, checkout Paul's Spotify Artist page and listen to his playlist called "Orange". If you like his songs be sure to follow him.
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