BY EMILY HARRIS
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAIX
Richie Arthur, better known as PAIX, is a twenty-three-year-old musician reigning from New Jersey. His debut single, “Evil”, gained acclaim from its rock vocals and pop sound. Open to experimenting with new styles, PAIX looks forward to dropping a two-track EP soon. Unclear Magazine was able to interview him about how he’s staying creative during quarantine and what we can expect from him next.
Tell us about yourself. How did growing up in New Jersey influence your music taste?
PAIX: “Hi! My name is Richie, I’m 23 and I’m an artist called ‘PAIX’. Growing up in Jersey is a monster reason why I got into music. The atmosphere at the time was very local music driven and was always around me and always popping up everywhere I went. It was very 80s cover band driven, there was always one’s playing at restaurants and street fairs, that really got me started in that world (and also my parents being heavily into that era of music). As I got older and started to play more shows with peers, it was very pop-punk/pop-rock driven and I think that’s really when I discovered my own era of music and really found a lane I enjoyed and wanted to dive into as an artist.”
Explain your sound to someone who’s never heard you?
P: “This is a hard question. The initial universal response is modern pop/rock. But I think as the world starts to slowly hear more stuff from PAIX, they’ll see it has somewhat of its own lane, honestly multiple lanes. I like to experiment with all types of styles that I’ve grown up with, to what I’ve fallen in love with along the way and throw something totally wacky and my own on top of it all. Each tune has its own universe that somehow ties in with all the rest, if that makes sense [laughs].”
Congratulations on your new single, “Evil.” What was the release process like?
P: “Thank you! It felt very free and exciting, yet filled with lots of anxiety and nervousness all at once. It’s the very first peek at PAIX and me as an artist today, so it was one huge emotional rollercoaster. With that being said, it was really captivating watching the whole thing pan out and seeing it all come together so naturally. The recording, the artwork, the music video, the alternate versions... it was all done before the release, and I think having it all ready to go while being able to lay low with it for months as they individually released really helped all the emotions roll into positives as I saw the reactions slowly develop.”
What was it like producing “Evil” alongside Jon Lundin, known for his work on the recent Andy Black and State Champs albums?
P: “It was a great experience. I feel like both of us really understood where we wanted to go with the track within the first few minutes of meeting. It was a pleasure watching him work and having the chance to pick his brain throughout the process, such a pleasure to work with.”
Where did the inspiration for the “Evil” music video come from? How long did it take to shoot?
P: “It really came directly from the story told within the lyrics. It gives you more of an in-depth look at what the story is actually saying and the emotions are physically played out within each lyric. Working with Colton and the guys at Three Strikes was absolutely incredible. They really knew how to identify each detail and help guide me through the acting process which is something I was practically new too. But the chemistry and work ethic was so on point, I think that we had the room booked for 10 hours and we were out of there within six. It was a super productive day.”
How does it feel to be included in Spotify produced playlists, like Pop Rock and Undiscovered Pop?
P: “It’s unreal. It’s absolutely incredible to be a part of these playlists alongside these other insanely talented musicians. To have people out there that hear my tune and think about it enough or like it enough to showcase it is mind-blowing to me. I’m truly grateful when somebody takes the time to even click play, let alone add it to their playlist. It’s really cool.”
What is one thing you hope someone gets out of your music?
P: “I always hope that it’s a sense of escape for however long someone is listening or watching a show or anything to do with my content. I just want the ability to take someone out of whatever craziness they’re going through and give them a couple minutes of relief from the world. That’s all I can ever hope to do for people, and some of my artists have always provided that to me, so it's cool to pay it forward.”
How have you been staying creative during quarantine? What are some new songs you’ve been vibing to?
P: “It’s honestly been pretty hard to stay inspired with everything going on in the world. I’ve been in somewhat of a writer's block. Thankfully, we have a folder full of tunes and demos ready to go for the first wave of PAIX while we get through some of this madness. Instead, we have been making weekly covers or additional content on Thursdays for people to jam to while we’re all looking for entertainment or some sort of escape throughout this incredibly dull time. I’ve also been all in on getting the live show ready so when this is all over, I can present something I’m genuinely proud of night after night. I’ve been jamming to a lot of oldies throughout this time though. Lots of 70s, 60s playlists have been on shuffle. Some new music has dropped that I’m in love with like All Time Low’s new record, the new 5SOS record is a SMASH, the new 1975 tunes are bangers as usual.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAIX
What can we expect from you next?
P: “As for what to expect from me next, I’m really excited to start dropping new tunes throughout the year. I got a two-track EP that’ll be dropping sometime very soon that I’m really pumped about, and hopefully I can get out on the road as soon as there’s no safety hazard. It’s a nail biter not knowing when that will be, but there’s obviously much bigger things going on and I know that it’ll be worth the wait. I’m excited to celebrate our world and humanity together when the time comes, it’s been amazing watching us all come together and do what’s right for the sake of individuals.
Thanks for having me, it’s been a pleasure! Stay safe.”