Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Yu.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Paul. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a musician of twenty-one years, trained in guitar, with a foundation in rock, blues, and jazz. I was trained with a combination of private lessons, summer school focused in music (University of New Hampshire), and doing high school jazz band. Since 2005, I’ve professionally played in original rock trios and cover bands with varying success. More recently, however, I’ve preferred to serve as either a hired-live guitarist or session guitarist while producing original music that is less guitar oriented. For example, I’m currently exploring synthesizers. I’m trying to surround myself with musical peers whom have more knowledge in that type of music production. This isn’t to say that I don’t use the guitar as my main instrument, but rather, I use it less as the “driver” of the music (such as in rock music), and more as the “songwriting foundation” or “tool” for a more diverse musical soundscape.
I think I was born to play an instrument of some sort. Guitar seemed to be the most convenient, since I grew up in an apartment for a good chunk of my childhood. In all honesty, drums was something I really wanted to get into, but logistics were a problem.
To be able to wake up every morning and know that I was “born to play music” is interesting, and maybe ironic (to me at least), because I can go through some pretty existential moments. Knowing my “calling” in life inherently seems at odds with questioning the meaning behind existence. But I’m also a believer in thinking “dialectically” or in other words, that contradictions can lead to new ideas. “Philosophy” really drives a lot of my musical ideas.
Overall, I think what drives my art is a proportional combination of practicing instrumental basics (as simple as guitar rudiment excises), being open to a variety of genres, and trying to push music writing/recording/production forward a little more while retaining some songwriting qualities of older musical styles.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My struggles, which I don’t think are unique to me, weren’t as much music related as it was personal related. Hard/weird/tough family dynamics due to a tough divorce between my parents, as well as chronic illness (I have crohn’s disease). Fortunately, I’ve always had a good work ethic and intense focus. This allowed me to play guitar as a temporary escape from the difficult parts of my life. Don’t get me wrong, I feel fortunate to be where I am, and I believe someone always has it tougher. But as a general feeling, I do think the road blocks in my life helped drive my music in a weird way.
In fact, I think having a “fight” response to stressors can be a good thing, despite what a lot of others might say. I try to channel that through music. It’s a way of sublimation.
Please tell us about Paul E. Yu (guitarist/producer).
I have many years of formal guitar training and “real life” experience. My wheel house is in writing and performance (including the studio), but I’m also available to teach, especially guitar theory and rudiments. What sets me apart is that I’m open to many different genres of music, not just guitar oriented styles – so while I’m available for rock, I can also accompany to say pop, electronic, soul, hip-hop, singer/songwriter, etc. I’m also available for hired-live work (I have tour experience).
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Perhaps I would have tried to develop a “branding” sense earlier on. I don’t really have regrets, and I’m by no means old (I’m 31), but if it was at all even possible to go back in time, I would have tried to gain a “business sense” earlier in my career. Not all musicians make good business people/marketers for themselves, and that’s something I’m trying to work on more and more these days.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.paulyumusic.com
- Email: admin@paulyumusic.com
- Instagram: @paulyu_music
Image Credit:
Personal photo credit: Mike Morrissey
Photo with me playing Orange Les Paul in front of Vox amp: Kestner Photography
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