Lord Shiva is in the building! Paul from the band Pieces has amazing arm tattoos for all of his passions. Born and raised in Chelmsford. Now he writes and sings for his British Indian punk band Pieces. They write songs about politics, race, the state of the nation. Paul decided to become more active and pokey with his lyrics - to not ignore what’s going on. 2025 has been a vintage year for political music with Kneecap, Bob Vylan, The Mary Wallopers, Mudrat, and Hyphen. Paul’s grandparents are from Guyana, they came to Essex in the Windrush generation, his Mum was born here, met a Welshman, and had a baby (Paul!). A lesson on indentured labour on sugar plantations. Talking about British Indian punk and rebellious music, Fun-Da-Mental, Asian Dub Foundation, Voodoo Queens. Dealing with racism and wanting to fit in by hiding your roots. Sangita reveals her secret identity. Dealing with the ‘Where are you really from?’ question. The recent rise of overt racism in the UK. Music and the music scene has given Paul the courage to be himself. Getting booked for Meff Fest. The trials of being in a band when you have adult responsibilities. Performing music as therapy, blocking out all your worries. Finding time and places to rehearse. Supporting Native James and Professor Green and getting a mosh pit going - someone lost their wedding ring. The importance of playing local grass roots venues when you are big. Big up Professor Green for coming through to play Hot Box! Ticking off your musical dreams. Taking kids to live music. Paul is manifesting playing at 2000 Trees festival. Paul talks about his sobriety journey - and has been in recovery for over 9 years - big up yaself mate! It’s a cheat code for life. The links between drugs and creative productivity and inspiration, is it a myth (Nick thinks so)? How drunk is too drunk to do a gig? Playing edgy music as an older person, and putting yourself out there. Helping others to recover.

Pieces on Insta
Pieces on YouTube

Are You Creative? recorded by Adam at Lawker Media, Chelmsford, ESSEX
Edited by Nick Hearne
Artwork by Alpaca Antenna

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Thanks to NGDA for their support