Wigan musician begins to share his stockpile of songs

However, these are just the tip of the iceberg as he has penned a huge collection of songs over the years but not released them.

Now, though, he plans to allow people to hear what he has written and is considering putting out a couple of new tracks each month.

Paul has recorded more than a dozen songs, working with Gareth Nuttall at The Lounge Recording Studio in Wigan and Martin Holcroft at Up Holland Recording Studios.

His first dual release pairs a faster song with a slower one, with It’s Alright being influenced by his son.

Paul, 42, said: “I’ve always been writing music but kept it as a secret for years.

“I would keep singing these songs I had written to myself and I thought that if I was enjoying them myself I should really record them.

“I’ve now got to mid-life and have thought I might as well let people hear them.

“It’s quite tough to say what my songs are like. I just write whatever I’m feeling and thinking or whatever’s going on. Music is like a therapy for me.

“It’s about getting something out, celebrating something, whatever’s happening in my life.”

It’s Alright is a largely acoustic track with string parts on it while the more upbeat Ragin’ Mama takes its cues from American alternative rock acts such as The Strokes and Kings of Leon.

Paul says The Beatles and more recent North West acts such as Oasis and The Verve are among his most important influences.

He also spoke of his enthusiasm for a wide range of groups and styles, including ‘50s rock’n’ roll singer Dion, prog rockers Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Ocean Colour Scene and grunge act Nirvana.

Paul plays guitar and sings as well as adding string lines on the keyboard, while hisproducers have helped him out with drums and electric guitar parts.

He admits that getting the song to its final form can be quite a slow process for him.

He said: “I don’t have a band, I’m on my own, so recording can be laborious.

“I’m having to play lots of different tracks independently, adding one layer at a time.

“You think you’ve finished but then listen to it and decide to make lots of changes. In a band you can just thrash this stuff out, but on your own it’s sometimes hard work.”

Having begun releasing his songs Paul can also consider the question of playing the songs live for music fans.

He said: “I wouldn’t be averse to it.

“I could do the acoustic ones easily but for the more rock stuff I would need a backing band.

“It’s not so easy to do gigs when you’ve got a full-time job and kids.”

For more information about Paul’s music visit www.facebook.com/PaulApp78/