Soul Rock from Paulo and the Problems

Rising from behind the mixing boards and into the limelight, Paulo and the Problems is the artistic banner of Raleigh-based artist Paulo Ward, a name that’s been shaping soundscapes for years. As a producer, multi-instrumentalist, DJ and audio engineer, Paulo has long been a backstage talent and sonic creative who’s usually found guiding others toward their best musical selves. But with this project, he finally takes control, offering a sound that breaks free of style boxes and instead leans into mood, texture and a genreless confidence.

Raised in New Jersey in a household where music was more of a luxury than a given, Paulo’s journey began with scratched-up second-hand vinyl. The Beatles, the Beach Boys and the soul-infused strains of Motown gave him an early inspiration that was soon reinforced by the energy of punk drumming and a relentless hunger to create. By high school, he was bartering lunches for battered gear, shaping his skills one pawn shop record at a time.

In 2020, his technical talents landed him at Fogwood Records, where he became an all-round studio fixture from session musician and engineer to producer and talent manager. Yet even while helping others find their sound, Paulo was quietly stockpiling his own demos, preparing for the inevitable moment when his creative voice would demand to be heard. That moment arrived in 2021 with his debut single “Vegas,” a track that marked the beginning of a steady run of EPs, a full-length album and collaborations with Saynave, neKa, Mekfly and Emanuel Brown.

Now, with his sophomore album Stupid Sexy Paulo just around the corner, Paulo drops the final pre-release single “Lotus Blanc” and it’s arguably his most engaging cut yet. A collaboration with label mate Dude Low, the track drifts between jazz, R&B and downtempo, all held together by a surreal and poetic soul rock framework. Subtle, slow-burning and soaked in atmosphere, it’s a smokey groover that takes you on a transportive voyage of smokey instrumental textures, mellow groove and memorable melodic writing.

Kicked off with the plucks of guitar notes, the misty shimmer of airy chords and warm bass lines are underpinned by the patter of Latin-esque percussion as the track takes flight with luscious vocals that channel an engrossing Tame Impala style aesthetic. Progressing with the bouncy of punchy rhythms in the chorus, popping bass guitar lines and catchy vocal hooks combine to craft an immersive listening experience that’s timeless, original and thoroughly enjoyable all at once.

“Lotus Blanc” also arrives with the visual flourish of an animated video featuring Nico, the floppy-eared, unlikely star of the Stupid Sexy Paulo universe. The VHS-cartoon aesthetic continues the visual world that’s accompanied this album rollout, adding an extra layer of charisma and playfulness to Paulo’s growing mythology. With the imminent release of the Stupid Sexy Paulo record on the horizon, the stage is finally his and Paulo’s making every moment count.

Listen to Lotus Blanc below

More from Music

---

Editor Picks

---