Paulo and the Problems drops new album

Stepping out from behind the mixing desk and into his own musical world, Paulo and the Problems is the shape-shifting moniker of Raleigh-based producer, engineer and all-round sonic architect Paulo Ward. A seasoned figure in the background of countless sessions, Paulo was originally raised in New Jersey where his early connection with music came not from luxury but from hunger. Second-hand records, scratched vinyl and pawn shop gear were his gateway into a world that would eventually become his life’s work.

From absorbing the lush harmonies of The Beach Boys and the infectious hooks of Motown, to pounding out rhythms inspired by punk, his diverse musical taste would go on to inform a career defined by curiosity and experimentation. His technical talents eventually led him to Fogwood Records, where he became the studio’s Swiss army knife; producer, engineer, musician and manager. Even while shepherding others through their creative journeys, Paulo was quietly developing his own sound, hoarding demos and sketching sonic ideas until the moment was right.

In 2021, he made his move with his debut single “Vegas” and since then, he’s built a growing discography full of colour, range and heart. With several releases across EPs and his debut album called Recapture the Magic, he now brings us Stupid Sexy Paulo, a new record that gleefully ignores the rules altogether. It’s a colourful, collaborative project that captures both the freedom of creative self-expression and the spirit of the Fogwood Records collective he calls home.

Stupid Sexy Paulo feels like a natural next chapter wrapped in a collaborative patchwork of indie rock, jazz, R&B and hip hop, all anchored by Paulo’s careful production and a laid-back confidence that lets each contributor shine. While thoroughly his own record, Stupid Sexy Paulo is also a celebration of the Fogwood family, with contributions from Saynave, Mekfly, Dude Low, Elise Chantelle and Allie Crisp. With its cartoon-infused rollout led by Paulo’s lovable dog mascot Nico, the album arrives with playful ease.

Kicked off with the breezy guitar tones of opening track “Cruise Control” featuring Mekfly, the soft rhythm of shaker and mellow vocals enter above the laid back groove to cast an alluring jam that blends elements of pop and R&B. Lead single “First of the Month” offers a sun-drenched outing with Saynave that captures Paulo’s knack for balancing lyrical wit with engaging rhythmic bounce. Built on slick basslines and slick drum snaps, it’s an ode to new beginnings that’s both catchy and subtly profound.

“Lotus Blanc” sees Paulo linking up with Dude Low to craft a smoky slow-burner, part jazz ballad, part soul dreamscape. Subtle Latin percussion and ethereal vocal layers lift it into something transportive and timeless, offering a shimmering sound that’s truly impossible not to love. Other highlights on the album include songs like “Sucker” with Allie Crisp which sees the pair lay down a sultry groove full of pattering drums, the pop of grooving bass lines and stunning vocal performance.

“Summer Rain,” once again featuring Mekfly, leans into a retro-flavoured R&B pocket, with stunning guitar licks and smooth vocal interplay painting a cinematic atmosphere. Album closer “Rest Your Mind” sees Paulo work with Saynave for a superb track that brings together soulful hip hop aesthetic with playful jazz-inflected instrumentation, offering a stellar finale to the sensational second album from Paulo and the Problems.

Listen to Stupid Sexy Paulo below