Vienna-based trio Paul de Leon is a band of quiet outliers. Although they grew up in the city, their musical influences come from far beyond its Imperial palaces and famous museums. Their unique brand of indie-pop is infused with shades of everything from The 1975 to John Mayer, Sakanaction to Smashing Pumpkins.
Led by frontman Paul de Leon, the band started as a duo with Paul and his childhood friend, self-made producer and drummer Josh. Later, Gabe Isaac of Shulamyth joined as the second guitarist, a fellow alumnus from Paul’s former school. Today, the three musicians not only form a band but also live together in a shared apartment.
Their fan-favorite song, “Criminals,” has over 700,000 streams on Spotify. It was released in 2018, and the band didn’t release another single until this year’s fall, when they released “casually.” The new track has been produced by the renowned duo Klangkarussell, who have taken the three artists under their wings and released their music under their label Bias Beach Records.
“Casually” features influences from the British band The 1975 and animates listeners with good vibes. In the four-minute track, listeners can easily get lost, thanks to the repeating guitar riff and the warmth of the vocals. The song takes its listeners on a short trip, where they can forget everything around them for a few minutes. A quick excursion in the middle of the song leads to an internal slow-motion, where listeners can feel their heartbeat. It’s recommended to listen to the track as a morning boost to start the day on a high note.
In a recent interview, Paul discussed the band’s journey, his musical influences, and the success of “Criminals.” He revealed that his father is a pastor of a church in Vienna where various cultures come together, including Filipino, African, American, and Austrian, with their own unique music tastes. He often sang in the church, and a Romanian member of the community heard him and invited him to his home studio. That’s where Paul’s love for music and songwriting began.
Paul also shared how “Criminals” was a turning point in his career as he wrote the song himself, played it for Josh, and together they developed it further. He invested time and money in promoting the song on Spotify, which has taught him the importance of marketing and the role of money in it. When asked about his thoughts on Spotify, Paul said that it’s a game, just like Facebook or Instagram. Being on the platform is crucial to gaining more followers and expanding the band’s reach.
“Casually” is a reflection of Paul’s experiences in a platonic relationship where both parties realize they want more. He confesses his feelings in the song, where he believes that everyone always wants more than they’re willing to admit. The band is planning to release a lyric video for the track on October 27th, and Paul is scheduled to play a solo gig with only his guitar at The Church International Pub on November 6th.
In conclusion, Paul de Leon is a band with a unique sound and an authentic story. Their music is a blend of different cultures and influences, which makes it accessible and relatable to a diverse audience. Their journey shows that hard work and dedication can lead to success, but it also teaches the importance of marketing and investment in the music industry. With their latest release, “casually,” Paul de Leon is set to continue on their path of musical exploration and creative expression.
