Soul Pop from Paulo and the Problems

Paulo Ward has always been something of a backstage alchemist, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, DJ and audio engineer whose behind-the-scenes influence has long shaped other artists’ sounds. But with Paulo and the Problems, the Raleigh-based artist has stepped out as an act in his own right, arriving from the studio shadows to deliver a sound that breaks out of genre boxes.

Raised in New Jersey in a home where music was more of a rarity than a given, Paulo’s journey into sound started with second-hand vinyl with the music of The Beatles, Beach Boys and Motown providing the early spark. By ten, he was drumming in punk bands and in high school, he was swapping lunch trades to afford battered instruments and records from local pawnshops; every moment of it now echoes through the soul of Paulo and the Problems.

His technical skill eventually led him to a position at Fogwood Records in 2020, where he wore just about every musical hat possible from session musician, producer and engineer to talent manager. But as he built other people’s careers, Paulo created a bank of his own demos and was only a matter of time before he made the jump from sonic architect to solo artist. That moment came with his debut single “Vegas” in 2021, a confident opening move that’s since been followed by a flow of EPs, an album and collaborations with artists like Saynave, neKa, Mekfly and Emanuel Brown.

Now, following “First of the Month,” featuring Saynave, Paulo and the Problems shares his latest release with the new single titled “Summer Rain,” the second track leading to new album called Stupid Sexy Paulo, set to drop next month. The track features fellow Fogwood Records artist Mekfly and leans into a shimmering, retro-tinged sound that cuts moody R&B vibes and hip hop grooves with a brush of indie rock all wrapped up in a soul pop texture.

Flowing with the mellow taps of percussion and slick vocal sweeps, the intricate flourish of dancing lead guitar licks and pulsing bass groove crafts an immersive jam that shines with infectious writing and laid back rhythmic energy. Pattering percussion propels the track while expressive vocal performance and alluring backing layers cast a misty soundscape of pop-focused soul music to deliver a spectacular display of Paulo’s stunning songwriting, brought to life by the sensational performance panache of the two artists.

Full of sepia-toned instrumental textures and an ever-present shuffling groove, “Summer Rain” offers an instantly memorable outing that’s at once timeless and forward-thinking. With his Stupid Sexy Paulo record arriving soon, 2025 is shaping up to be another thrilling year for Paulo and the Problems and we can’t wait to see what he’s got in store next.

Listen to Summer Rain below

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