Paul Sanchez

A cool cat, Paul Sanchez is pure breed N'Awlins, decked out in a Fedora style Stetson and voodoo beads slung low, his rootsy originals preach fun-loving good times.

With a thirty year musical career, Paul, alias "Sanchmo", shares heartfelt advice on life's ups and downs in his myspace blogs signing off with "red beans and ricely yours". his rich songwriting and equally poignant personal stories are like diving into a steamy plate of beignets.

At the age of 14, guitar in hand, Paul took lessons from his older brother Andrew, "racing past the chords straight to the song".

Dan, his sister's husband, taught him rock n' roll with the Elvis moan and the Buddy Holly hiccup.

Paul began his musical career in New Orleans with The Backbeats, followed by a move under the guiding powers of Michelle Shocked, refining his "ant-folk" artistry. In 1990, Paul helped form a new band called Cowboy Mouth, a rocking ride that lasted sixteen years. He was on tour with them when Katrina hit and delivered a new set of priorities.

Now with his solo career, he empties his soul working with musicians who share the same pain and love affair for a city that refuses to die. Paul's style sometimes edges close to the crooning Harry Connick Jr., holding his own with heavy hitters like Shamarr Allen, Ivan Neville, Susan Cowsill and John Boutte'. In the song "Home" everyone on stage has lost something and pour their hearts into the communal energy that only New Orleans can bring.

Paul has paid his dues, riding the waves of success and standing in the shadow of others. Today his sizzling new album Exit To Mystery Street spotlights Paul's creative energy, 30 years in the making. A mentor for both young and old, Paul shares some personal insight.

"I lost my home, my possessions, community and ,eventually, my job after the flood. I was changed, am changed as a person and it couldn't help but change my music", confesses Paul, who like many struggle to find a new identity.

"The most obvious way was as I searched for a sense of belonging to the city, I connected with the music I'd grown up with, the music of New Orleans and that has been apparent to most folks who listen to Exit To Mystery Street". But New Orleans can be a difficult place in building a name and loyal following.

"It's hard in every city as most songwriters struggle for an audience and a chance to have their songs heard. It's tough in New Orleans because traditionally people go out to drink, dance and cut loose when they go out to hear music in this town, it's what people expect of New Orleans. Unfortunately for songwriters, it is not the best listening environment", says Paul, adding some keen advice. " My advice to young songwriters is to play as often as you can and don't let your songs be too precious to you. Write with others, it's a great way to learn your own strengths and weaknesses."

This year the Tennessee Williams Festival in New Orleans recognized songwriters and Paul participated in a songwriting panel introducing his music. But how can songwriters gain more coverage? "Young writers need patience. They want to be heard and right now, they want good reviews every time, they want a following instantly," said Paul. "Not every gig is great, not every crowd is full, not every review is glowing. You do the work, play the shows you book, collect the money and try to keep working. Your songs will get better, more people will hear you and even if the reviews don't glow there is an old show business adage that says, any press is good press and if they spelled your name right you did good."

With no band or agent and losing all his master tapes of his first six solo albums, he and his wife Shelly counted their blessings and made a fresh start. He made a plea to fans to send copies of his early work so he could dub the tracks producing a recent release Washed Away. Previous to the storm, Paul began a project that allowed him to write songs for his favorite singers - Susan Cowsill, Darius Rucker, Mark Mullins, Theresa Anderson and John Boutte'. Those recordings (saved on a friend's hard drive0 produced another post-K release, Between Friends. Paul now tours the country promoting Exit To mystery Street, along with stops in Canada and British Columbia with John Boutte'. So pour yourself a big ol' glass of tea or a giant size cup of Community Coffee and turn it up loud. Paul "Poppy" Sanchez will do the rest.