You'd have to ask my parents about that since they named me.

I play live piano/vocal shows occasionally, mostly in Orange County, California. Check my main web site for the latest schedule. Singing and playing for a live audience is one of my favorite activities, though I don't do it nearly enough.

It gives unknown artists and songwriters a chance to expose themselves to a much wider audience. I've had my songs recorded by singers all over the USA, as well as in Norway and Mongolia. In fact, the song that was released in Mongolia went top five for both radio play and music video. Had it not been for the Internet, I would have never even heard of the artist, nor would she have heard of me.

I think the bigger question is whether a major label would sign a record contract with me, seeing I'm pretty much unknown and over 40. Let's put it this way, though: If I were offered a major label record deal that made sense for both the label and me, I'd give it some serious thought since my ultimate goal is to get my music out there as far and wide as I can. At the moment, I suspect that goal is more likely to be accomplished through other, more video-friendly artists' recording my songs.

See www.RickPaul.info for my bio and discography.

I've got too many influences to name, but a starter list might include Elton John, Billy Joel, early Bee Gees, Gordon Lightfoot, David Gates and Bread, Elvis Presley, the Eagles, Jim Croce, and Bruce Springsteen.

For pure natural beauty and relaxation, the north shore of Kuaui, near Princeville, is nice. Nashville is great for its creative environment for songwriters. I'm a little partial to Southern California for its great weather year 'round, though.

Cakewalk SONAR Producer running on Windows XP. Software instruments including, NI KOMPLETE 4 (including Akoustic Piano, B4, Elektrik Piano, Absynth 4, FM8, Pro53, Massive, and more), Best Service Galaxy Steinway 5.1, ToonTrack EZ Drummer, Spectrasonics Trilogy and Stylus RMX, Steinberg Virtual Guitarist (and VG-EE), Chris Hein Guitars, various Garritan instruments (Steinway Basic, Personal Orchestra, Jazz & Big Band, Stradivari, Gofriller Cello), EastWest Quantum Leap RA, Arturia V Collection, and CamelAudio Cameleon 5000. Audio plug-ins come from vendors such as PSP AudioWare, Antares, Waves, and iZotope. My MIDI controllers are a Roland Rhodes MK-80 and an Alesis QuadraSynth Plus Piano. Mic is a CAD Equitek E-200.

You can now purchase digital downloads of my recordings, CDs-on-demand, downloadable music lead sheets, and more. Please see my web store for the latest list of products and stores.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll enjoy my music.