WE SUPPORT SASKATCHEWAN’S ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC SCENE

Whether it’s reaching out to a newly released project, musician or creating a spotlight for local talent to be heard on any of our stages, as well as opportunities to be heard opening for larger acts on a full-venue stage. We look forward to assist and launch newest concepts that strongly support the local music in this province. The local music scene is super important to us – we are a small province, but we have big dreams. Let’s grow and support each other – putting Saskatchewan on the map for premium music and entertainment experience.

BEING PAUL KUZBIK, WITH HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE

Paul Kuzbik is a singer and songwriter that has been calling SK home, while carving his name into the Saskatchewan Music history books. Paul has been a household name in this scene for well over a decade. Constantly evolving while continually creating genuine and original sound. Paul Kuzbik’s music journey has led him to focusing on his solo career, while keeping his collaboration efforts close and learning from his peers (Check out: The Nightjays on their latest Vator Sessions feature). Paul Kuzbik sat down on the edge of his bed with his guitar and wrote music with no outside influence. The consistency of this genuine routine led to writing and eventually recording new music with themes of love, loss, heartbreak and triumph. On March 12th 2021, the single “Diamonds” was released worldwide. As we gear up for the release of the visual offering of “Diamonds” – we can’t help but wonder where Paul Kuzbik will take us next. All we know is – if it’s from Paul Kuzbik then it will be high quality and from the heart.

Paul Kuzbik catches up with us to talk about the evolution of his sound, his relationship with his craft, where he was at in his personal life while writing the album ‘Still Love’ and the upcoming album ‘The Miracle of Being’. We learn about the simple moments shared during 2020, his relationship with his family, and his new routine (which includes CFCR). We chat the emotion behind the new single “Diamonds”, the story behind the song, and what the song means to him.

The music video for “Diamonds” releases on Friday March 19th 2021. We chat about working with Prehistoric Productions, where the video was filmed, and a special appearance by a special person. Paul Kuzbik shares a scope into the future releases, what he expects for the future of live music, and so much more.

YOU HAVE A LEGACY OF PROPELLING THE SASKATCHEWAN MUSIC SCENE.

YOUR MUSIC HISTORY WITH GROUPS, SOLO PROJECTS, WORK WITH COMMUNITY RADIO; HAS HAD A LASTING INFLUENCE AND IMPACT ON OUR LOCAL MUSIC SCENE. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE YOUR NAME NEXT TO THE GREATS OF SASKATCHEWAN MUSIC? WHERE DO YOU GET THE ENERGY TO CONTINUALLY EVOLVE AND INSPIRE? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CRAFT.

PAUL KUZBIK: First off, thanks for saying that. I really appreciate the chance to be speaking about my music with Pulse, and have been loving the work you folks are doing! It’s an honour to have my name mentioned in that regard, especially when you consider the company I’ve been lucky enough to keep as an artist in this province for over a decade. 

For me music is an expression and a way of life above all else. Music is a celebration, and it’s the soundtrack to the best moments of our lives. Music heals and unites us, and says things that words alone can not. I view music as a HUGE gift and it is something I find joy in constantly. Also working with talented people is ever inspiring and makes me want to bring my best to the party.

In terms of evolving, I just can’t help it. I go through phases.  At the heart of what I do though, are songs. That’s how it all starts, usually with an acoustic guitar.  I can’t get into a vocal booth or on stage if I don’t believe what I’m saying and singing. It’s gotta come from the heart.  When the pandemic hit last year and I had to kind of reassemble my life, I found the classic singer/songwriter stuff was really there for me when I needed to be wrapped up.  

I was listening to Nashville Skyline by Bob Dylan and lots of Neil Young and Bob Seger.  That timeless heart-on-sleeve folk rock I grew up on.  It really kind of brought me back to square one. I wrote all the songs for the new record on the foot of my bed, and they all exist on an acoustic guitar first.

“I WROTE ALL THE SONGS FOR THE NEW RECORD ON THE FOOT OF MY BED”

– PAUL KUZBIK

Click image to listen to ‘Still Love’  – Released on April 3rd 2020

AFTER A BIT OF A BREAK OF RELEASING MUSIC

YOU DEBUTED AS A SOLO ACT WITH THE FULL-LENGTH ALBUM ‘STILL LOVE’ IN 2020. ‘STILL LOVE’ ACTED AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO PUT ALL OF YOUR MUSICAL ABILITIES ON A PODIUM AND REALLY SHOW WHAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF. SHARE THE COMPARISON FROM CREATING ‘STILL LOVE’ TO ‘THE MIRACLE OF BEING’.

PAUL KUZBIK: With ‘Still Love’, I was honestly a bit lost at the time. I had left my previous band, The Pistolwhips, was a new Dad, and wasn’t really sure where to pick up. I actually made about 3 records during the ‘Still Love’ period, an acoustic album, a rock album, and then ‘Still Love’. The thing I am the most proud of though, is that I didn’t stop. I went to work every day and established a great team who I can now make records with easily and efficiently here in Saskatoon. 

At the time of releasing “Pray For Me”, the first single from ‘Still Love’, my wife Lisa and I went through a really hard spell personally. Lisa lost her father Jim to Parkinson’s, and soon after, we had a still birth when we were expecting our second child.

A week after I released ‘Still Love’ I ended up having a massive panic attack due to all of this, and was hospitalized. This was during full on lockdown, so no one could visit me, and I thought it was a heart attack.  Not knowing if there will be a tomorrow was a big wake up call for me.  When I look back on it, that’s when ‘The Miracle of Being’, the new album, was born.  I decided to take responsibility for my mental health, started putting in the work, and processing the grief. In doing so, I became tighter with my family than I ever could have imagined and started writing these new folk tunes that were the soundtrack to me coming back online with life and getting happy again.

I was reminded to be true to myself, celebrate the joy in life and take happiness as it comes. Keep it real & authentic and listen to my heart. I’m actually in the process of doing an all acoustic version of ‘Still Love’, which will be released later this year too.

2020 THREW A LOT OF CURVE BALLS

KEEPING UNCERTAINTY AS A MAIN THOUGHT IN MANY PEOPLE’S FOCUS. YOU ARE A LOVING FAMILY MAN, AND FOREVER-EVOLVING MUSICIAN. HOW DID YOU TREAT THESE SIMPLE MOMENTS DURING THE SLOW DAYS? WHAT DID YOU EXPERIENCE AS SILVER LIVINGS OUR “NEW NORMAL”?

PAUL KUZBIK: The silver lining for me was getting to spend every day with my son Nico and reconnecting with my partner Lisa.  Slowing down the pace a bit and really tending to other parts of my life that may have been overlooked before everything stopped.  Taking a pause to contemplate where I’ve been and where I would like to go. Another nice thing that’s happened is I’ve begun hosting radio at CFCR. I do a show every Thursday at noon called “Hot Buttered Soul”. I’ve wanted to forever but always kept a pretty hectic schedule. The weekly dig for new music is a highlight of my new routine.

Introducing the Newest Hard Seltzer Vizzy – Another Hard Seltzer? Yeah, but we’ve got superfruit acerola cherry. Vizzy provides a healthier alternative to traditional Hard Seltzers. Superfruit Acerola Cherry is an antioxidant and typically contains the highest amount of vitamin C compared to other fruits. Making Vizzy not only taste amazing, but you feel great consuming the refreshing beverage. Vizzy is new to Saskatoon and is exclusively available at local pubs and bars. Support your local restaurant before Vizzy is available at retail stores. Follow MolsonCoors306 to find out where you can find the new addition to their lineup!

Sparkling Hard Seltzer with Acerola Cherry – 5% alcohol, 100 calories, 0 grams of sugar

Click image to listen to “Diamonds” – Released on March 12th 2021 (Artwork by @emilyonly.designco)

“DIAMONDS RELEASED ON FRIDAY MARCH 12TH 2021

IN THE FIRST 15 SECONDS OF THE SONG, BEFORE YOU LET OUT YOUR FIRST BREATH OF WORDS, YOU CAN TELL THIS SONG IS PERSONAL AND FULL OF GENUINE EMOTION. WHAT DOES THIS SONG MEAN TO YOU? AND WHAT WAS THE PROCESS OF WRITING “DIAMONDS”? 

PAUL KUZBIK: I think of “Diamonds” as a message in a bottle to my son Nico. Something for him to rediscover in the future.  A gentle reminder to see the diamonds within ourselves and choose love over a life of material wealth.  It was the last song I wrote for the new album, and I knew it was special right away and had to be on the record. The new album has a very classic singer/songwriter vibe, warm and nostalgic, and is kind of a love letter to Saskatchewan, the memories I have here and the life this place has given me. I thought “Diamonds” was a beautiful way to set the tone for this new era of my music.

“IT’S SIMPLE, POETIC, AND FEATURES MY SON NICO ON THE DRUMS!”

– PAUL KUZBIK

THE “DIAMONDS” MUSIC VIDEO RELEASES THIS FRIDAY MARCH 19TH 2021.

 WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MUSIC VIDEO? AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO STAGGER THE RELEASE DATES OF THE SINGLE AND THE MUSIC VIDEO?

PAUL KUZBIK: We shot the video recently at Glass & Lumber in Riversdale. It was shot by Prehistoric Productions, who I’ve worked with lots in the past.  It’s simple, poetic, and features my son Nico on drums!! I can’t wait for people to see it.  

I decided to stagger the releases just to give people a chance to hear the track first, welcome it into their lives, and then maybe revisit it and perhaps see it in a new light when the video is out. I always read the book before I see the movie, so maybe that has something to do with it! Hahaha.

NOW “DIAMONDS” IS OUT.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR THE FUTURE? ANY UPCOMING RELEASES?

PAUL KUZBIK: “Diamonds” is the first single from my upcoming record ‘The Miracle of Being’. There will likely be a few more singles this spring & summer, leading to the album release later this year.  When it is safe to do so I’ll begin working with a band to bring these tunes to life and as soon as live music comes back we’ll be going on tour for a LONG time.

Something that always amazes me is our need for human connection, and music’s ability to bring people together from all walks of life.  I know a lot of friends and colleagues are saying the same thing, but when this is over and we can all get back in a room together and watch or play a show, I won’t miss a moment of it.  I think we’re probably heading into the golden age of live shows after this pandemic, and I for one, couldn’t be more excited.

Thanks for the chance to chat, and thanks to anyone who’s listening to “Diamonds”. 

All photos inside article supplied by artist.

*hover over photo for issued credit.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT’S TO COME…