Paul Greene

Paul Greene

Over the past few years Paul Greene has been given the thumbs up by John Butler, The Waifs and Ani DiFranco, hi-jacked by Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst and served as the inspiration behind Ben Harper’s ‘Diamonds On The Inside’. He has sold nearly 30,000 albums locally; however, you won’t see his name on any charts, as Greene has taken a staunchly independent path which has led him on an journey through countless festivals, bar rooms and concert halls across Australia.

Greene’s forthcoming release ‘Distance Over Time’ is poised to introduce his undeniable talents to the mainstream. From the radio friendly ‘Pretty Girls’ through to the timeless balladry of ‘Shine Like Gold’ there’s something on offer for both new and long-time fans. Throughout the album’s 18 tracks Greene morphs into the tongue in cheek pop poser (‘Let it Flow’ and Singalong’), the introspective tunesmith (‘Picture’, ‘Something to Talk About’); the devoted husband and lover (‘Whatever Happens’, ‘Shine Like Gold’) and the homesick troubadour (‘Jervis Bay’); then switches to the folk-hop groove of ‘Get Over It’ (which will be accompanied by anew video/surf clip), and the sublime pop of ‘This Way’. There are also studio recordings of the oft requested ‘Work Love Dance Trust’, ‘Some Simplicity’ and ‘Jervis Bay’ from his popular live album ‘Happy Here with You’. Never hesitant to put his own spin on classic songs, Greene’s also included stunning interpretations of ‘The Waterboys, ‘The Whole of The Moon’, (which was given the seal of approval by its composer, The Waterboys main man Mike Scott, who proclaimed it to be a ‘great version’ before praising Greene for his amazing vocals) and Jeff Buckley’s ‘The Last Goodbye’ – a JJJ favourite lifted from the Buckley tribute album ‘Stars In Their Belly’.

‘Distance Over Time’ is a phenomenal showcase for Paul Greene’s songwriting skills, justifying the many critics who regard him as one of Australian music’s best-kept secrets. Sydney Morning Herald’s Bernard Zuel remarked how he moves effortlessly “from rustic folk-pop to unreconstructed rocker; from herbal roots ex-surfer type to intense singer-songwriter”.

Greene has been performing with various bands live since the age of 12, and has been a full time musician since completing high school. He had a three-year scholarship at the University of Southern California where he studied recording arts and began showcasing his songwriting at such venues as the Whisky Au Go Go and The Roxy on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. As a hobby, Greene completed in track and field where he represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and was twice a Commonwealth Games finalist- leading somewhat of a double life- but supporting himself through music the whole time. He spent 2005 working with Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst in the due Hirst & Greene releasing the album ‘In the Stealth of Summer’ and the DVD ‘Hirst & Greene- Live at the Basement.’

Paul recently completed a tour as the national support for much loved, Grammy winning U.S singer/songwriter Patty Griffin and will join platinum selling country rocker Adam Brand whose recent work has seen him cross over into the pop charts on a number of dates before commencing his own tour.

“Do you have a place when you need to get away?” Paul Greene’s music is one for any time of the day; leaving you feeling relaxed no matter what has been standing in the way. He will leave you charmed by concentrating “on you for a while”.