bill bodkin continues the M.A.D. Wednesday series with acoustic rocker Van Paulson …
My Band Consists Of (When I Perform Live): Right now, it consists of a three-piece with Jeff Pilgrim on lead guitar, Mike Gambino on drums, and myself on acoustic guitar.
I’ve Been Playing (Professionally) Since: Ive been performing as an artist for about four years now.
My Music Can Be Found Online At: www.purevolume.com/vanpaulson
My New Record Is Coming Out: Sometime next year.
My Sound Has Been Compared To: Many acoustic artists.
Famous/Awesome Bands I’ve Performed With: Local bands such as Kings Highway and Weathered Sol.
Pop-Break: How did you get involved with M.A.D Wednesday?
Van Paulson: After attending M.A.D. Wednesday many times to see the bands named above (Kings Highway and Weathered Sol), I wanted to play ever since then. I was just recently offered this gig by friend and musical mentor Jeff Pilgrim.
PB: What’s your opinion of the original music scene of the Jersey Shore?
VP: The original music on the Jersey Shore is where its at. There are many local original bands here at the Jersey Shore pumping out great music, you just gotta look for it.
PB: Who are your musical inspirations?
VP: Dave Matthews Band, Phish, The Grateful Dead, Dire Straits, etc.
PB: Talk about your record/EP View From The Front Porch. What was your lyrical inspiration for the songs on the record?
VP: The demo was recorded in Hoboken, N.J., with myself and Jeff Pilgrim in his apartment. Many of the lyrics come from life experiences that I have gone through and continue to go through today. It’s what keeps me writing. The lyrics my own point of view can easily be perceived by listeners as deep and meaningful for anyone who wishes to take a listen.
PB: If there was one song off the View From The Front Porch that you think defines your sound, what would it be?
VP: “Shopping Cart Dream” defines my sound best. While acoustic, it leaves a great rhythm for the band and really comes alive when played at shows. I hope to re-record that track with the full band very soon.
PB: What are your plans for the rest of 2011? Where can we see you playing around the area?
VP: For the rest of 2011 I will be writing, and hope to get into the studio to record a new album. I’m always opening for Kings Highway wherever they play, mostly at the Sugar Shack in Highlands, N.J. Other than that, I take just about any gig presented to me because I love playing in front of people and getting the music out there.
