F E AT U R E
Performer - Paul found fame
with hit band Maximo Park.
out into a solo career in 2010, launching at Uncle Albert’s pub
on Albert Road, Middlesbrough. His venues of choice can be
intimate, to say the least.
“I once played to a handful of people in the back of a veggie
restaurant - the Waiting Room in Eaglescliffe. It was fun. People
understand my accent, understand me. I like to chat between
songs, give my opinions on life and have a laugh.”
On September 7, Paul plays a one-off gig with a backing band
at Middlesbrough Town Hall, duetting with musicians such as
Kathryn Williams.
“The Town Hall really is the jewel in Middlesbrough’s crown,
what a great building!” he smiles.
“I played there with a string quartet to celebrate its 130th
anniversary and when I was doing my research I was amazed
to learn that people such as Ella Fitzgerald had performed
there. Just look at that for heritage! The legends come to
Middlesbrough - let’s get them back! It’s a great impetus for new
things.”
So how does Paul think that the region has changed over
the years? “I think on a political level the North-East is
marginalised. Even the planned high-speed rail scheme stops at
York, so where does that leave us?
“Yes, we need more investment. But look, people want to
work and they want to do well. A friend of mine who is head of
a college on Teesside said it’s all about changing the mindset of
people and telling them you can do this!
“It’s the key to stopping the creative drain from our area.
We’ve got to make sure our youth don’t look for creative jobs in
London or Manchester.
“There will be stumbling blocks, but they have to be
ambitious and not put up self-imposed barriers. I suppose you
can look at our band as an example of what can be achieved.”
We second that, Paul!
Quick-fire questions
If a visitor had only one day on Teesside,
where would you recommend they visit?
“I love the industrial side of Middlesbrough - I
think there’s a strange beauty to it. The other
day I walked from South Bank to Redcar so
I see the good as well as acknowledge the
not-so-good. Our industrial heritage is part of
who we are and even the ugly, industrial side
is weirdly futuristic - it inspired Ridley Scott - so
I’d say drive and take in all this and then finish
up at mima.”
What makes you laugh?
“My daughter.”
What scares you?
“My daughter!”
Who is your favourite Teesside personality?
“When I was a lad I lived for Boro and was
a huge Bernie Slaven fan. I saw him as an
outlandish, adopted Teessider. So it would be
him or Colin Cooper, who is also a fan of the
band. I was lucky enough to get to know Colin.
He puts a lot back into the area, and did so
much for children with the Finlay Cooper Fund,
which was named after his son who sadly
passed away.”
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