Paul Manousos’ solo debut For Better or Worse introduces audiences
to a passionate, charismatic singer/songwriter whose talents are no secret
to savvy music lovers worldwide. Though now exclusively a solo performer,
Paul previously fronted Bay Area, California quartet POWER13. The band’s
second and final critically acclaimed album Soon, was awarded three stars
by the All Music Guide for its “skillful blending of soulful rock with
rhythm & blues” and Paul’s “passionate vocals.”
Paul also contributed vocals and keyboards to alternative pop band Field
Trip’s career-defining Slash Records release Headgear.
The twelve tracks on the new album were produced by Steve Fisk (Nirvana,
Soundgarden), who also produced Power 13’s Soon, and mastered by Greg
Calbi (John Lennon, Bob Dylan). The songs range from radio-friendly conscious
pop and fist-in-the-air anthems to heart-rending ballads—all documenting
the joy, the doubt, the hurt and the hope that comes with taking the risk
to live a life. The tracks on For Better or Worse address universal themes
including friendships, both selfish and embracing, lovers lost and found,
the betrayed and the betrayers, fighters and quitters. The questions and
answers lead to an album which isn’t full of sadness but one full of
hope.
Manousos’ music defies simple categorization. Stylistically equal parts
heartfelt singer/songwriter, snarling rock ‘n roller and intimate balladeer
he coaxes the familiar to new levels resulting in potent, accessible music
that is undeniably fresh and widely appealing.
Paul has toured throughout the United States and Europe. Memorable performances
include: serenading Andrew Loog Oldham and Lou Adler at the Roosevelt
Hotel in Hollywood, sharing a bill with John Doe and Calexico at the Howlin'
Wolf in New Orleans, performing encore after sweaty encore at an impromptu
command performance in Ansbach, Germany and singing his heart out until
4AM in Amsterdam for an enraptured crowd chanting: “Elvis, Elvis!”
Paul’s reputation as a songwriter to watch is growing steadily.
His song "It's Gonna Be Alright" took a first place prize in
the West Coast Songwriter’s Association (WCSA) International Songwriting
Contest while “Blind” and “The Last Time” placed in
the Billboard Songwriting Contest. Paul is also a two-time winner of the
WCSA Best Song and Best Performance awards.
Paul’s plans for 2006 include introducing audiences to the forthcoming
CD and he will start touring the U.S. once more in early 2006.
Buy Paul
CDs
