Paul Sipio is not a name unfamiliar to the program of posts here on Reviewsic. From the review of his his 2008 album, Learning to Let Go, under the moniker Paul Sipio Dectet to the hand he had in Dany Wythoff’s Reviewsic reviewed 2008 release Now Departing. More recently we’ve mentioned this Philadelphian for his involvement in Dan’s summery sophomore release, aptly titled The Sunscreen EP. We know that much about him, as well as that his extensive catalog of projects and albums is a decent gage for determining his talents. But as is true behind any great producer or personality, there’s more to Paul than just those few posts on our humble blog, so we set out to find out a little more about this great up and coming musical figure.
Telegram Sam: What is your personal background in music?
Paul Sipio: Aside from some private piano instruction as a child, I’m a self-taught musician. From there, I kind of became a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type guy, playing a host of different instruments - bass, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, flute, trombone, drums, et cetera.
T.S: How did you and Dan start working together?
P.S: Dan and I met when we were very young, probably around the age of twelve. At that time, we formed a band that actually ended up sticking together for almost six years. When we both ventured off to college, I was aware that Dan had intentions to try and do some type of ‘solo’ endeavor. I offered my services as a co-writer, producer, and engineer, and based on our relationship, it was a really good fit.
T.S: Having already produced with Dan before, did you have specific plans for this new album going into it?
P.S: I knew Dan had begun writing more organic and stripped down material. He spoke of how he wanted the production to reflect that honesty, and we went for just that. The Sunscreen EP was recorded very quickly; probably in four or five sessions. It was much of a quicker process than Now, Departing, which took three months.
T.S: What most drives you as a producer?
P.S: The artist! If I see that dedication, commitment, and sincerity in their personality and work, it drives me to deliver the best representation possible of that artistry.
T.S: What are a few of the albums you’re listening to the most right now?
P.S: Miles Davis - The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions, Jethro Tull - Thick As a Brick
T.S: Best and worst moment from your music career?
P.S: Best - I’ve had the incredible opportunity of performing with a variety of artists and bands in a host of different genres, and those serve as my favorite moments.
Worst - As any band or artist knows, shows that end up with a low turnout serve as a real kill to one’s motivation and drive, but I try not to let those moments deter me.
T.S: Who are three of your favorite local bands?
P.S: Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start, It’s a King Thing, and Algernon Cadwallader.
T.S: If you were to choose three bands to share with someone who had zero musical knowledge, would you introduce them to and why?
P.S: I feel the need to answer this question in two forms: Artists/Bands and Composers:
Artists/Bands: The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Michael Jackson.
Composers: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart.
I feel that if I could ‘do it all over again’, I’d want to be exposed to the above music because of its influence and ability to reach out to millions of people, crossing boundaries and still to this today remaining to be what I consider ‘good’ music.
T.S: What can we look forward to seeing your name on in the future?
P.S: Currently, my main gig is with an up and coming Philadelphia area retro pop/soul group called Cheap Seats. We just finished working with production team Truth & Soul (credits include Adele, Amy Winehouse, Lee Fields and the Expressions) in Brooklyn and producer Jerry Duplessis (credits include The Black Eyed Peas, Wyclef Jean, and The Fugees). Aesthetically and stylistically, it’s a combination of early Motown and sunshine pop and British invasion of the mid-to-late 1960s.
