Paul Maged describes himself as having a “rock band mentality inside a singer-songwriter”. ‘Culture War’, his fifth full length album, certainly goes a long way to confirm this, as the NYC via Boston multi-instrumentalist has the energy of a room full of rock musicians while the sharp focus that comes of someone with a social conscience, and who is calling the shots.
His activist heart is combined with hooks worthy of any chart-topping track, and his songs carry with them more than a hint of Pearl Jam, Green Day, and The Killers.
‘Culture War’ follows on from his 2014 release, ‘Diamonds & Demons’, and although it’s been 6 years between, he manages to hit the spot with its release on Election Day, November 3. The lead single and title track is an anthem and a half, fighting the good fight in a battle with just about every societal ill you can think of. Musically, he pulls riffs straight out of Iron Maiden, while his lyrics and vocals evoke Chris Cornell and Linkin Park. Speaking of ‘Culture War’, Maged says, “I had a lot to get out on this record. It was a two-year therapy session.” It’s raw, it’s uneasy, it’s emotional, but it’s got to be said.
The 3D animated video, directed by MY3D, takes a trip through protests, an impromptu outdoor rock concert, and, just maybe, the end of the world. It applies a human mask to the two sides of all the issues dividing the US, via the lens of the “Paul Witness News”. There’s a tongue-in-cheek humour, which even manages to make the apocalyptic ending less confronting. One thing’s for certain: if there’s going to be a “Culture War”, there’s at least one voice of reason out there, and they’re cranked all the way up to 11.
You can find out more about Paul Maged and his music online on his official website. Watch the video for ‘Culture War’ below.
