Paul Lewis

The power of Paul Lewis' song-writing and performance, whether as front man for Mid-Atlantic legends Y-NOT?! or as a solo artist, always shines through. Paul has performed thousands of shows and the experience has served him well. His live performance has all the ingredients of a true rock show; volume, passion, sex, drama, and charisma. A creative and captivating performer that pulls the audience in and doesn't let go.
Paul Lewis enjoyed the kind of musical start most artists would have sold their souls for. In the 90's, the Eastern Shore of Maryland saw the beginnings of the artist about to fuse with the proverbial lightning strike. With fellow classmates and the timing of alternative music's peak on mainstream radio, Paul and the band Y-NOT?! hit the beach and started a five-year reign in the Mid-Atlantic clubs. They transposed themselves into one of the regions most acclaimed acts. Fans frantically battled for dance space in venues from Manhattan to the Carolinas. Y-NOT?! was among an endangered breed of musicians, consistently luring fans to come hear original music. "It's a fantastic feeling to show up in a city where you don't live and watch the audience grooving and singing along to your music."
In the summer of 1992, the band released the album "A Thrilled Voice" on Marquis Records with distribution through Sony/Relativity. The album sold thousands of copies in record stores and at shows. They played the biggest festivals around including the HFStival and shared the stage with acts like 311, Dave Matthews Band and The Fix. Even with a charting album, Billboard recognition, regional acclaim, and financial comforts, the band dismantled and Paul moved to Los Angeles where he began a solo career. When Lewis re-emerged from the Los Angeles underground in 2001 with his solo debut CD no one, including Paul knew where it would take him. After receiving critical acclaim and playing shows at venues like Genghis Cohen and The Roxy, Lewis ultimately decided to return to his roots on the East Coast to record a new CD. "I love Los Angeles but for the next project I wanted to be back East to record. Sometimes it's hard to be introspective when it's 75 degrees and sunny everyday." Lewis explains. In an irony as big as the distance between LA and Philadelphia, the same chemistry from the 90's was just around the corner.
However, the next few years were challenging for the songwriter, who struggled through a series of personal crises, including the tragic loss of an ex-band mate, another close friend to cancer and a car accident that left Paul in the hospital, unable to perform for the first time in his life. After a few desperate months, he found himself clawing his way back out again, into the studio and reconnected with his Y-NOT band mates. The result is a collection of 13 songs that experiments with jazz, blues and Latin rhythms while preserving his rock–n-roll edge and pop sensibility.
Now in 2011, Paul and Y-NOT have rebooted with a rejuvenated sound and attitude. The early response has been reminiscent of a familiar time in the 90's. Lewis looks at life…then questions, embraces and screams back at it with a rich vocal that has evolved with new found levels of soul and strength. Creating music that leaves listeners feeling they just tasted a bit of the past and future of post modern music.