Introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you create?

I’m an Indie Artist based in NYC, originally from Boston, MA. I’m a singer-songwriter. My music is Alternative/Modern Rock with elements of Pop, Grunge, Punk and Folk sprinkled in.

What was the last song you listened to?

I am simultaneously listening to 2 songs at this very moment, one in each ear. “Starlight” by Muse and “E-Bow the Letter” by R.E.M.

How do your experiences in acting and comedy influence your songwriting and music creation?

They don’t really influence my music. I would say though in my later years of doing comedy, I would discuss topical and relevant issues going on in our world, politics and society. In that respect, that’s a similarity to some themes on my album Diamonds & Demons.

What inspires or motivates you to tackle the deeper issues you dissect and explore in your songs?

I guess anger, anger at stupidity, like those who deny climate change is real, especially those that deny it due to religious and/or political “beliefs”. I question things like everyone does. I was simply looking at the world and our society and was bothered by much of what I saw, like a whole lot of other people are. Needless wars, needless shootings, innocent people dying, religious zealots, political dysfunction. It’s not hard to get worked up over these things and on this album it’s just what came out of me. I didn’t set out to write about these issues but it came out naturally so I went with it.

What made the production and creation of “Diamonds & Demons” different from your previous projects?

The recording process was much smoother on this record than on my first album. There was a lot more cohesion within the project and it was a positive recording experience made possible by my producer Sean Gill. My first record was recorded with a psychopath, to put it mildly.

What’s your favorite song off the new album? Why?

It’s hard for me to pick a favorite. They’re all like my children and some behave better than others. I guess I’d start off with the title track, “Diamonds & Demons”. There’s a lot going on in that song lyrically and musically. It’s a very intricate and cool rock tune. I also like “64th & 1st” which is a two minute simple piano ballad that ends the album. I’d say those two.

What’s been key in getting your music licensed to film and tv? Any tips for the rest of us songwriters out here?

Well I’m struggling just like you all. I’ve had a couple tunes licensed here and there but what I’ve really found is that you have to be ready to put in the time. It’s a ridiculous amount of work to submit your music for licensing and it can be overwhelming at times. The good news is there are a lot of places that license music. So my tip would be to get ready to work your ass off and keep following up. Keep a spreadsheet of all the places you’ve submitted to, dates submitted, follow up dates, responses, method of contacting them, their contact info, etc as it’s easy to lose track of everything.

What’s in store for Paul Maged in 2015? Are you satisfied with 2014?

I’m never satisfied. I’m always trying to write my masterpiece and I haven’t done it yet and that’s cool because it’s something to strive toward. But I am very proud of D&D and the positive response it has received online has been so gratifying. I set out to make a real kick ass rock record and I feel that I succeeded. As for 2015 I’m currently writing and recording new music that will make up my 3rd album and I’m very excited to be back in the creating process. It’s the part of it all that I live for.

Where can we connect with you online? Hear your music?

The new album can be sampled and purchased on iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, Spotify and all those sites. For my own sites here they are:

• www.paulmaged.com
• www.facebook.com/paulmagedmusic
• www.youtube.com/paulmagedmusic
• www.soundcloud.com/paulmaged
• www.twitter.com/themagedman

Any last thoughts? Shout outs?

Songwriting is like cracking a higher code. Until you do its agony, once you crack it, it’s ecstasy. Keep on striving to crack that code. Rock on.