Paul's music career has a bit of a different twist than
most. Paul has taken Euope by storm while residing in Texas. The twist is, Paul was born
In Leeds, England and moved to the US with his parents in 1965. He has gone through many
phases thoughout his musical career which has lead him to his particular style today. His
influences were a mixture of the Beatles, Stones, Beach Boys, etc along with George Jones,
Don Williams, Hank Williams and contemporary artist, Dan Fogelberg. This is the makeup of
the sound that is uniquely, Paul Mateki....rock, contemporary, folk, and country rolled
into one.
Paul's brand of music hasn't been received in the
American top 40, so he took his music where people would listen and found an enormous
following in Europe. Paul stated, "I took the whole thing as an adventure. I pay my
dues, I make some fans, and I have fun doing it. I go over there and enjoy being accepted.
I released some stuff in '93 and '94 that kind of got things started. That's what got my
name known there first. Comstock Records got me an 11 gig tour and it mushroomed there.
It's the audience reaction that gets me," Paul said of his European fans. "Over
there it is different. Over there people go to a club specifically to see the artists.
They are there to watch you. And when you play, man it is great."
Paul hasn't limited himself to Europe, he plays all
over Texas, which has been "home" since 1980, and out of state when the right
occasion arises.
Paul's album, "Temperatures Rising" released
in May 1996 had been a his most popular work to date. "Quick Train" became an
instant smash hit in Holland, Scandinavia, and Belgium. He's also won countless awards as
a co-writer, vocalist and for his video of "Quick Train".
Paul's latest album, "Across The Miles" will
be released on "Diamond Blue Records" this April. "Zevenbergen" (7
Mountains Memory) has been released as a single and has already reached the #1 spot in
Holland and has been in the top 30 of European Country Charts for 17 weeks as of January,
1998.
Now for a sampling of Paul's music from the album,
"Temperatures Rising"! There will be more songs added from the new release when
it arrives, so check back again to hear more of Paul Mateki!
