Introducing…. Paul Archer
Paul Archer is an Irish singer, songwriter, and abstract expressionist artist whose career spans psychedelic rock, indie, gospel, and cosmic soul. With decades of experience across multiple bands and solo projects, he combines musical experimentation with deeply personal and collaborative artistry. His latest album, Art, showcases a blend of alt rock and contemplative soundscapes, merging old and new collaborators in a vibrant, reflective journey.
Click Roll Boom: Tell me about how you got started – PA
Paul Archer: I am an Irish, Belfast-born singer, songwriter, and abstract expressionist artist. My music journey began in Belfast in the mid-90s with Disreali Gears, a soulful psych-rock band. Out of that, The Ghears emerged (1998–2003), relocating to England and developing a sound mixing Krautrock influences with indie rock. Burning Codes followed (2008–2018), spanning choral, gospel, indie, and alternative rock. After returning to Bangor in 2018, I created a series of digital singles, leading to my current solo collaborative album Art, which reunites old friends and introduces new directions.
CRB: How would you describe your sound, and how has it evolved since you first started?
Paul Archer: Colin Harper aptly described my current writing as “Cosmic Soul.” I began with alternative and psychedelic rock in Disreali Gears, then moved to intense, harder-edged indie rock with The Ghears and Burning Codes. My current solo collaborative project blends alt rock and cosmic soul, expanding my palette while staying rooted in emotive storytelling.
CRB: Who or what have been some of your biggest influences, musically and beyond?
Paul Archer: Gospel, 60s soul, rock, rockabilly, Indian classical music, The Velvet Underground, Pixies, The Beatitudes, compassion, empathy, hope, the personal recovery movement, family, my partner Elaine, The Smiths, James Brown, and Motown.
CRB: What does your songwriting process typically look like – is it a more individual or collaborative effort?
PA: I write melodies and lyrics myself as a solo singer-songwriter, then collaborate with talented musicians for performance and sonic development. I write instinctively from feeling, experimenting freely, and focus on musicality over formal structures.
CRB: How do you approach experimenting with new sounds or ideas when creating music?
PA: I often birth melodies from dissonant experiments using electric guitar and distortion. I invent tunings and treat music like my abstract artworks, pulling sounds apart and letting them blister, shaping songs organically, such as Sticks & Stones on the CD version of Art.
CRB: What’s been one of the most memorable moments in your journey so far?
PA: Having Four Minute Mile featured in a CBS Studios TV movie (Aquaman: Mercy Reef) in 2007, which became the most downloaded TV movie that week, unaware of its inclusion until 2011. Also, playing three gigs with The Ghears in Chamonix, French Alps — incredible memories.
Click Roll Boom: How do you prepare for live shows, and what do you aim to bring to your performances?
PA: I enjoy planning setlists and taking personal contemplation time before performing. I focus on serving each song, fully immersing myself in the performance, and being highly animated on stage.
CRB: How do you balance creative expression with staying connected to your audience?
PA: I embrace discussion-based gigs, combining my visual and musical art. I tap into each song’s nature, conveying it physically and emotionally. For example, in a Ghears song about industry resilience, I performed a martial arts-informed breakfall on stage to embody the struggle and recovery.
CRB: What do you hope listeners take away from your work?
PA: I hope my work connects with listeners, helps them feel less alone, and encourages empathy, light, and hope.
CRB: What can you tell us about your latest single ‘Heavy Soul’?
PA: Heavy Soul explores humanity’s struggle to recognize the preciousness of our planet and the impact of self-love on our ability to love others and care for our environment. It’s a reflective, emotionally grounded song with universal resonance.
CRB: What does the future hold for you – any plans or goals you’re excited about?
PA: I look forward to performing at The Sanctuary Theatre in Belfast on November 1st for the No Hype Just Good Local Music podcast. I’m collaborating on a new website, planning further art and music performances, and preparing a new single early next year, along with additional songs and abstract expressionist works.
