On his new album, Modern Hearts, McDonald said, “I went to Nashville and started over. The last three years I wrote songs and found my own voice with this record, without a band. It took me longer than previous records, since I was scared of doing it all alone, but I think I got it exactly how I wanted it to sound, so I am really proud of it.”
He listed “Always On My Mind” (not to be confused with the Willie Nelson classic) as his personal favorite song on the album.
On June 5, McDonald will be performing in New York City at Rockwood Music Hall. “I have never played Rockwood before, so I am really excited,” he admitted. “I am doing the show solo and acoustic this time around. I didn’t bring the band or anything. It is for Communion Presents.”
A few years prior, McDonald played at The Paramount in Huntington, where he opened for the pop group Hanson. “That was a great venue. It is such a cool room. That was a great tour with Hanson, especially those guys are awesome,” he said.
Digital transformation of music business
On the impact of technology on the music business, McDonald said, “It’s a different game than it used to be. Everybody has a shot. There is a ton of content out there. With social media and access to fans, which has been different in the past, it can help or it can hurt. It all depends on how you use it.”
McDonald revealed that he might put his song “Sing Out” (from his former band Grand Magnolias) back in his original set.
Modern Hearts, produced by Jordan Lehning, is available on iTunes.
To learn more about singer-songwriter Paul McDonald, check out his official website and follow him on Twitter.
