Some music artists are capable of proving their music proficiency even from their debut projects and Paul Askew is one of the top of them. Paul has recently dropped an album named ‘The Book of Paul: King Paul Version’, which is creating a major buzz in the music industry. This musical project offers a total of 20 tracks. With this moment to shine, Paul shared his thoughts with us and we are thankful. Let’s take a better look at what he had to say.
DMR: Congratulations! How are you feeling about the latest album release?
Paul Askew: I’m nervous, excited, over joyed and sad at the same time. I feel all of these different emotions because I worked hard to give a peace of my soul and life to the world to remember me by. This was therapy and a way to release the past and celebrate the journey. Only sad part is my mom and dad are not here to see I became everything they taught me to be.
DMR: What was the idea behind this musical project?
Paul Askew: I wanted to give the world me. I sing every genre of music. I wanted to show the world that you can integrate all of them in one album without it being inappropriate and it can be respectful to everyone. I decided to do that with telling my life story, starting when I lost my father and the weight of the world being placed on my shoulders to take care of everyone. My family always called me a King but I literally became King 07/24/2005. I have tried to commit suicide, got hooked on drugs and alcohol . I fought with mental illness and couldn’t walk for two years. I wanted to tell the story how I came out of it. So I started from how it all begin and the journey to where I am now. I did it through music. I narrated the album and told the story through song as well.
DMR: Is there any of your personal favorite tracks from the latest collection of 20 songs?
Paul Askew: Sheesh. I’m torn between Save Me because it’s the first time I exposed what I was going through. Because of you because it’s what I’m feeling about God and everyone who have embarrassed and supported me. Lastly Getting over you. When I recorded this song I was trying to get out of a relationship and when I wrote and song this song in the studio it freed me. It was pure emotions and almost a one take.
DMR: You collaborated with many other artists for this project. How was the experience?
Paul Askew: I collaborated with my musical family. Both my artist iHayes and DeGunn. They are my little brothers. We are with each other or on the phone everyday. iHayes also pulled a lot out of me vocally. He challenged me to be greater. DeGunn is the life of all of us. He is always hype and pushing us. Then my best friend and Manager Intelligent Diva. We are attached to the hip. She knows everything about me. She finishes my sentences. MGeezy is my day one he produced the album too. He is big brother and the one who started my musical journey finding the King Paul sound. It’s been 25 years we have been doing this. Nona Brown who produced on the album and has become my industry mentor and a mother. She keeps everyone on their toes. Lastly I have my big brother and one of my best friend Aaron Bing who is a world renowned saxophonist he makes sure we have the best studio to do everything we need. Century studios is the most immaculate studio in Jacksonville Florida. He makes sure that our family has the best castle for this royal family.
DMR: Do you find any major obstacles in the modern music industry?
Paul Askew: I was signed to a label in 2006 and the control they had on my life I wanted to never do music again. That’s why I created my label PPMG and my management company PaulPaul Music Management because I wanted to create a place where an artist had control of their creativity.
DMR: How did your knack for music develop? Do you vocally train?
Paul Askew: I was first trained to sing by my mom who was a singer and performer. Then I started training in school and church choirs. I was accepted to Juilliard School of Music in 1998.
DMR: 2021 was your time for a revival. Would you like to share how you empowered yourself?
Paul Askew: God spared my life and bought me out of darkness. So I’m 2021 I asked God what do you want me to do for you. I know you have a purpose for me. After that prayer literally my nephew called and said uncle I have someone I want you to work with are you still doing music. So I said God I know you are not playing lol I’ll do music again but you have to show me what to do. I don’t know anyone else in music and I don’t know what to sing about I know you want me to do gospel but I really don’t know how to minister. So I started writing and went I got the studio full of rappers smoking and drinking and I started recording Save me. I was nervous because of my message but when I came outside the booth they were crying saying that’s their story too and they couldn’t wait until it drop. That’s when I revelation what God wanted me to do.
DMR: Is music your full-time profession? Are there any other ventures you would like to talk about?
Paul Askew: My music is full time. I quit my job last year to put my all into my brand. I asked God to protect me if this is what he wants me to do. He has been doing that. I now have a clothing line called King Paul Collection Hair care line and a podcast called unfiltered with King Paul. I manage artist and produce now as well. God has been so good. I even driver Uber and Lyft to promote my brand and play my music to my passengers. I have changed so many lives doing this and sharing my life experiences.
DMR: Can you please shed some light on your upcoming projects this year?
Paul Askew: Well I’m working on a tour with my family. It’s going to be Ana amazing experience. It will be a show you will never forget. We are working on making The Book of Paul King Paul Version a short film to be able to inspire others coming out of darkness.
DMR: Whose name comes to your mind when you hear ‘dream collaboration’?
Paul Askew: I love so many artist but if I had to choose one it would be Beyonce. Not to be cliche but it’s because of the stories she tell through music performance and visuals. She does not put herself in a box.
DMR: Is there anything you would like to share with the fans?
Paul Askew: When listening to this album start from the beginning and take the journey with me. I want you to see how good God is and to feel inspired to keep pushing and never give up. I love y’all.
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