Homegrown Programme 53

Special Studio Guest Paul Murpy

This weeks podcast is given over entirely to my special guest Paul Murphy, a singer and songwriter who has been writing and performing over the past four decades. He was born in Belfast and came to England in 1966 as a 16 year-old-with just a guitar and a handful of songs.

From the beginning he was determined to write songs that had integrity and drew on real experience. During those formative early years on the road he hung out with the likes of Lemmy from Motorhead and Van Morrison.

Paul has called Birmingham home for over 30 years and has been a vocal supporter of songwriting and live music in his adopted city. In 1996 he established SongwritersCafe, which for several years provided a valuable showcase for up and coming artists as well as featuring turns from more established acts such as Ocean Colour Scene who invited Paul to support them on an Irish tour.

Until recently Paul has focused almost exclusively on live, intimate performances that allow for his huge capacity for spontaneity. 'On the spot' songs have long been a hallmark of his gigs. So also is spoken word, poetry or talking blues. He says: "The thing with live performance is that like theatre it's in the moment, unique, unchangeable and for a procrastinator like me that is huge liberation."

In this interview Paul talks about his full and varied career in music, from his beginnings in Ireland, coming to England in 66, performing at the Marquee Club, developing his songwriting / poetry skills, setting up the now famous Songwriters Cafe in Birmingham to his present live work, including raucous guest slots with gypsy and klezmer influenced 14 piece band The Destroyers. Paul has recently been working on recording four decades worth of original songs. Here he performs new songs College Square & Hometown, as well as spoken pieces Shoplifters Talking Blues & Dark Road.

You can find more information about Paul at http://www.myspace.com/paulmurphysings & at C21Vox
You can also view a video of Paul performing with the Destroyers on Halloween at Google Video