Paul Bartolome “Reflections” Tell All Interview
United Kingdom-based singer/songwriter Paul Bartolome has just released his second debut album “Reflections: Deluxe”.
I gave it a listen from front to back. Completely unbiased opinion- what an incredible piece of art as a music listener and fan. I wasn’t sure at first what to expect. The cover artwork has its own look of broken glass that could tend to give off almost a heavy-metal feel. The album, however, is everything BUT just a heavy-metal album.
It’s an anthemic, meaningful, and action-packed listen from song one through the last. Featuring an insane amount of special guests including Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria, Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens to name a few!
Speaking with Paul Bartolome, he was willing to open up about his latest effort “Reflections”
What were a few things that inspired some of your songwriting processes during the “Reflections” campaign?
I wanted to dive into the more emotional, raw, and honest side of this one. As I’d never really done it, definitely not as honest as this one is! So everyday life, a lot of personal struggles, and things that happened at the time personally.. so when I say We put everything into this album I really mean everything!
Who did you work with in the process of writing, recording, mixing, and mastering?
Writing, recording, and producing were all just us on this one! Went to Matt good and Taylor Larson on “Screaming through the radio” which was amazing but this record I wanted to do it different. We went away to the middle of nowhere rented a big house and set up 2 studios ourselves and just got writing and recording! Then sent it off to Ernie Slenkovich to mix and master! Couldn’t be happier with the result and it makes it feel like US!
If a new listener were to read this- how would you describe the album?
An emotional journey with big riffs, huge drums, cool bass lines, and catchy vocals and some hard hitting parts that make you want to get in the pit!
What was it like working alongside some of your musical inspirations or heroes on making songs?
It was super fun, everyone killed there part and was a pleasure to work with and it took the songs to the next level!
What was the biggest challenge you feel personally, that you faced in the making of this effort?
I think just being honest lyrically.. at the start was quite hard to open up and be so honest but once we did it flowed! And also stop writing! Kept writing an writing we have a Whole other album of songs that didn’t make it! So stopping the writing process was a challenge! Haha
How did the Double EP leading into the Album come about? That’s quite unique and interesting.
Many discussions with my manager and team on how to do the album as I was about to have a baby so we still wanted to stay active as we wouldn’t be able to hit the road so it seemed like a good idea to split it into throughout the year then end the year with a bang with full length!
What is coming up next for Paul Bartolome?
Lots… Tours, Even more music.., acoustic versions?… and some other stuff we can’t say yet that’s happening that is HUGE!
