Paddy Wells, a harmonica player from the north of England, talks about his journey with the instrument, his experience as a freelance music journalist, and his collaborations with various musicians. He discusses his early fascination with the harmonica, his current band This Radio, his practice routine, and the importance of recording oneself while playing. He also shares his preferences for harmonicas and microphones, and mentions his future plans of recording a new album.
Finding your own unique voice in playing the harmonica is crucial for personal style and expression.
Balancing traditional blues elements with personal and modern touches is essential in the songwriting process.
Deep dives
Paddy Wells' journey in music and harmonica playing
Paddy Wells shares his musical journey, from starting off as a singer to discovering the harmonica and becoming a freelance music journalist. He discusses his experiences playing in various bands and the formation of his current band, Dust Radio. Paddy emphasizes the importance of finding your own unique voice in playing the harmonica and the influence of various musicians on his style. He also touches on the challenges of promoting oneself in the changing music press landscape. Paddy's main focus now is his band Dust Radio, having recently released an album and planning future projects.
Paddy's musical influences and playing style
Paddy Wells shares his love for blues music and how it has influenced his playing style. He discusses his preference for playing in the whole position and his love for using octaves and octave splits in his playing. Paddy also mentions his experience with overblows and the use of chromatic harmonicas in certain songs. He highlights the importance of tone and finding your own sound as a harmonicist. Paddy also talks about his use of effects pedals, including a slap-back delay and an EP booster.
Paddy's recording and songwriting process
Paddy Wells discusses his approach to recording and the songwriting process. He explains that most of his material is original compositions, with a few covers sprinkled in. Paddy shares how he develops song ideas and lyrics, often building off pre-existing phrases or ideas he has jotted down. He also mentions his use of audio notes to capture new licks and ideas for future songs. Paddy emphasizes the importance of melody and grooves in his songwriting process and the need to balance traditional blues elements with personal and modern touches.
Paddy's thoughts on gear and performance
Paddy Wells talks about his gear preferences, including his love for playing harmonicas from Hohner, particularly the Marine Band Deluxe and the Crossover models. He also mentions his use of custom combs, remixing and re-gapping harmonicas for optimal performance. Paddy discusses his preference for amplifiers, mentioning his Fender Bassman as his go-to. He also touches on the use of effects pedals, particularly a slap-back delay and an EP booster. Paddy shares his appreciation for chromatic harmonicas and how he utilizes them in certain songs. He concludes by expressing his excitement for future projects and the importance of creativity and momentum in his music career.
Paddy is based in the north of England, where he started out as a singer playing a little harp before hearing amplified harmonica, which really turned him on to the instrument.
Paddy is also a freelance music journalist, having written regular articles for several music magazines in the UK, including Blues in Britain. He also wrote an article, Blowin’ Off The Dust, for the SPAH magazine.
Paddy has also spent some time travelling the US, including sitting in with Jason Ricci, and writing two magazine articles on him.
Paddy has played in various bands in the north of England, appearing at festivals and supporting some notable names. His current band is called Dust Radio.
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