PAOLA JEAN
It was at the tender age of 11 years of age, that in Bern, Switzerland, Paola Kraehenbuehl sings in her school choir and discovered she had a strong desire for the stage. More choir sessions, and more practice then led to more stage performances, and eventually, competition and experiencing the thrill of victory. Vocally trained at the Swiss Jazz School, her confidence grew and this led to her venturing out to record her first demo (“You Gotta Know What You Want”) with producer Ben Thaler, a combination that would prove to be lethal. Picking up momentum in Europe, she became noticed by such artists like R&B singer Emel, and rapper Kamel of the French hip-hop group, Alliance Ethnic, with whom she co-wrote several songs with. Then came her first recorded single, “Strong,” a song she performed on the Session All-Stars Compilation, released on Universal Records. Life unravels opportunity when its least expected, and it was while working as a registered nurse she saw opportunity come knocking – winning a spot on Pop Stars in 2002 (Switzerland’s equivalent to American Idol), which she choose to leave on her own velition. It actually became the main catalyst for commanding and sharing the stage with 10-piece bands, orchestras and even hip-hop ensemble, The Roots Rhazel (2006 she even got an opportunity to record a song together with Black Thought). From concerts in Russia, Germany, to the renowned ‘Montreux Jazz Festival’ right there in her homeland, Paola knew this wasn’t a time to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Paola set her eyes on relocating (physically but not fully mentally) to the United States. It was first to New York City, then to Los Angeles - where she now mostly resides. Like many Europeans, Paola speaks many different languages – 5 to be exact – German, French, English, Spanish and (Haitian) Creole. And although Paola may be a born-Swiss, the high-stepping ‘fashionista’ is right at home in her two adopted and yet very contrasting cities, NYC and LA. She’s got the self-determination with a bit of swagger, and the get-up-and-go hustle pulse of a New Yorker, yet the conscious heart and calm outlook on the world, like a true Californian. Unafraid to take risks, this singer/song-writer’s brief period since moving to NYC from Switzerland has seen her working alongside producer Selan Lerner (Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Masters At Work, DJ Spinna), and hitting the stages at the world famous SOBs, Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar, Chetty Red, Village Underground and The Eden Bar. Whilst moving across to the left coast, in Los Angeles she had a close-to-sold out show at Temple Bar, and other performances at Knitting Factory, Conga Room and The Derby. As Paola gears up for her first official entry into the musical landscape with Right On Time, her debut masterpiece recorded in both NYC , LA and BERN (CH) , her funk shimmies up against soul and R&B, and it’s somewhere out of this world!
“Being of a Swiss father, and a Haitian mother, growing up in Switzerland I was influenced by a lot of sound,” Paola comments about her musical background . “I think that the diversity in my roots, as well as my surrounding circle of truly international friends from all over the world, in Switzerland, and me enhancing this similar lifestyle in New York and Los Angeles, has very subtlety affected my choices in my soulful musical direction – but it’s not done in a sort of gimmicky ‘oh I’m international’ way. That’s already me, so there’s no extra effort in selling that side of me.”
.” Paola Jean crafts authentic music. With each song on Right On Time, the multi-national songstress weaves a compelling full-length album textured with haunting organic and electric instrumentation, soul-stirring guitar melodies and riveting funk, which to the virgin listener, sounds influenced by the likes of Jill Scott, India.Aire, Alicia Keys and Adriana Evans.
“I live to feel, breathe and be music,” Paola says about making her album over the course of 2 years (6 years in concept). “Music touches without judging and changes people in the best way. I write songs about life, society, nature and everything that surrounds you and me. I try to keep my mind open and be inspired, and in return inspire my audience with my music, straight from an honest soul.”
With Right On Time, Paola reveals a deeper, more vulnerable part of her spirit – it’s from this insight the listener feels connected, not just to the music, but to her. It’s all here on Right On Time, whether it’s the feel-good, positive and uplifting yet reflective title track, or the empowering, driven tracks like “What’s Going On” which add irrefutable funk whereas the mesmerizing “Six Thousand Miles” is a journey, which she describes as a thanks to life.
Speaking with subtle conviction, she says “The overall message of this record is for people to first obviously enjoy, but to learn about responsibility on all fronts, especially when it comes to the future – not just for our future – but what we’re leaving for our children.”
Paola is the ultimate singer, who lets that message, emotion and honesty come most loudly through her music. Right On Time is an original mix of soulful material and sounds bringing this message through her funk. It’s where Switzerland meets New York and Los Angeles, an experience in soul you’re yet to experience. It’s CLASS, it’s STYLE, it’s PAOLA JEAN.
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