Where did you grow up? I was Born and raised in the USA, I grew up in Waco, Texas.
What inspired you to get into music? I came from a musically gifted family. Myself, along with 3 other brothers and a sister, all sang. My father played guitar, and my sister played piano. That alone was inspiration enough to give me the push I needed to stay into the realm of music.
What instruments can you play? Rhythm guitar mostly, especially when I am out and about playing somewhere. I also play keyboard, bass, drums, congos, bongos, bohdran, and any other percussion instrument one might put in front of me. And of course on occasion, should the need ever arise, the tin whistle!
What is a songwriting session like for you? I don't know that I would call it a session per se, more like a moment when time allows! I don't really write all that often, which is why I refer to it more as a moment than I would a session. I have a regular 9 to 5 job, thank God, working in a warehouse for a major HVAC distributor. For the benefit of those not familiar with the term HVAC, it's short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Due to the nature of this industry, we are considered an essential business. When not working, I am playing somewhere, mostly on Sundays. And thus, songwriting for me is more of a spontaneous type thing as opposed to just sitting down thinking, "Well, OK, today's job is write a song."
What inspires you to create? Because I lead praise and worship, most if not all of what I write, when I actually do create and write a song, comes out of something I have experienced in life. One song I wrote back in 2012 was inspired by an all weekend church sponsored event, whilst yet another song was inspired just by attending a Celtic Woman concert. Entitled "The Journey," the song was completed in roughly about an hour shortly after I arrived home from the concert.
What is your local Celtic scene like? Prior to Covid, Celtic bands were literally everywhere! In a large city where I reside, I still cannot fathom how I am ranked number one in Celtic music for my area, at least according to Reverbnation. Especially since there exist so many other well known Celtic groups out there. But because of Covid, they're not getting out much these days, which probably accounts for the ranking I currently have. Texas reportedly hosts the third largest Irish festival in the nation which draws scores of local & international Celtic artists. I've never played at this event, but I certainly won't turn it down if I'm ever offered the opportunity. It's a three day event, so for 2021, it will be interesting to see how its conducted in light of the Covid virus.
Do you collaborate with other artists? The closest I have had with collaboration was with a fellow band mate from Dallas, Texas, 2014 I think. It was an odd mix of him doing blues, and me adding some Celtic flair to this piece we worked up. He recorded his bit, and using Dropbox, I added my bit to this tune. It was horrid! I haven't collaborated with anyone since!
Before Covid19, did you perform live often? Not as much as I would have liked to. Then again, I do praise and worship music, and I play at fellowships where they either have a small praise team, or none at all, both of which are difficult to find. But I have played at Biker Bash Texas, one of the bigger, annual events in Texas for the area I reside in. A church sponsored event, this event draws in christian bands of "all" genres! I have played at this event every year since about 2013, 2014. In 2020, due to Covid, it was a simple day and a half event held at the host church. Though the attendance numbers were dreadfully low, the bands were out in full force. And ironically, my music ministry took off shortly thereafter. I now find myself being asked to play on a regular basis for three area fellowships despite Covid!!!
Tell us about your latest project. For the moment, I am working with two small church fellowships on getting schedule arrangements to provide them with praise and worship music on Sundays. If all goes well, I may find myself playing at least one Sunday a month, and at other times two Sundays in a month. I also enjoy time away when not playing because it helps me have family time, to be ministered to, catch up on much needed inspiration, and learn new songs.
What can we expect from you in the future? Well, as stated earlier, I don't write much, but I have enough for a second music CD. My first was recorded and released in November of 2012. I am hoping to return to the studio in the fall of this year to record and release new original music along with some cover tunes. Except for two of the songs, I have already recorded the backing tracks for the other songs I would like to record. Lord willing, I will be recording them at Platinum Music Studio which is owned and operated by a few fellow band mates I know. More on this and other activity that I am involved in musically, may be found on my website at www.paulterrymusic.com. I am active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well, under the name of Paul Terry music