What I’ve Been Listening To: Paulina

Australian artist Paulina’s is an uplifting track that showcases her flawless voice, breathy and delicate tone that beautifully complements the acoustic opening, drawing you into the song’s enchanting world.

Paulina’s angelic voice effortlessly glides over the expansive orchestral landscape arrangement, with its lush instrumentation and reverb-washed layers, creating a euphoric – yet melancholic – atmosphere that perfectly captures the emotional depth of the lyrics, as the melody floats underneath, Paulina’s vocals soar, displaying both vulnerability and strength.

The inspiration behind “Maybe We’re Running” stems from the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States, a significant blow to women’s rights. Paulina’s heartfelt response to this injustice is powerful, and she uses her music as a platform to amplify women’s voices. Her call to sing loudly about these issues resonates deeply, inviting listeners to join her in raising their voices and fostering change.

With its impeccable vocals, captivating production, and thought-provoking lyrics, Paulina’s “Maybe We’re Running” is an anthem that showcases undeniable talent and ability to infuse emotion into her music. To celebrate the release of the single, Paula took part in the latest series of “What I’ve Been Listening To” on Eat This Music.

Who is Paulina and how did the namesake come about?

Paulina is just my first name. I never really thought of using a different name or having an artist persona, because my music and my artistry is simply a part of who I am.

What artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?

RAYE

She’s an absolute powerhouse of a woman and artist. She sheds light on real pressing topics and is extremely vulnerable in her lyricism, touching on her past experiences with sexual assault, substance abuse, and her ex-record label that controlled her and hid her true self and music from us all. I have so much respect for artists like her who are brave and strong enough to release such moving music and play it live at shows with such passion and class.

Joesef

He’s been in my playlists here and there over the years but his debut album that dropped in January has been on absolute repeat and made me fall in love with his music. He’s got so much soul that you just wouldn’t expect from him at first glance. Such a beautifully unique sound.

Olivia Dean

If you know me well, you know I’m obsessed with this woman. She just radiates such warmth through her music and my favourite thing to do on Sunday night is sit on my couch, put on one of her live sets on YouTube and have a cup of tea. Every week I just fall more in love with her music and energy. If there’s one artist I’m dying to be friends with, it’s Olivia Dean.

Lindsey Lomis

She’s got a crazyyyy voice and a seemingly even crazier work ethic. Constantly blessing our ears with new music, she’s one to watch.

When you go into the recording studio to work on new material, what are your must-haves?

A fresh chocolate croissant for sure, many cups of tea and time set aside to go out to get ramen. I’m a big foodie and making music will never take that away from me.

Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?

My latest single ‘Maybe We’re Running’ because it’s one of the most meaningful songs I feel I’ve written so far and is very close to my heart. Also ‘Shed A Tear’ because that one’s just a real vibe to listen to and was so much fun to write.

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1306182838

Which song of someone’s else’s (artist or band) would you have liked to feature on and why?

Only A Lifetime by Finneas

It’s such a precious song about life. Everything about it encapsulates how I feel about life. It’s all about perspective. We all put so much focus and pressure on certain goals and milestones we want to accomplish, and tend to forget to pause, look around, and find joy in the present moment and love for the people in it. This song reminds you of that.

Like Finneas says: “Don’t waste the time you have waiting for time to pass. It’s only a lifetime, that’s not long enough.
You’re not gonna like it without any love, so don’t waste it”

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1138109755

What led you into becoming a musician(s) and why do you keep making music?

Back when I first started taking music seriously, I was working in this cafe, and it was so quiet one morning that my boss let me play my guitar and jam out for a bit. I remember I was testing out this new song I had written and whilst I was singing it, one of our regulars sat across from me and started tearing up. Afterwards she said she was really touched by my voice and specifically that song, and that just filled my heart with joy. This special connection you form with someone through music is so precious, and I don’t ever want to let that go. So, I keep making music everyday in the hopes that I can keep having those beautiful moments with people.