Paul Roland

Paul Roland, born in 1959, is an English artist recognized for his work as a singer-songwriter and author. His musical output, spanning genres like gothic rock, psychedelic pop, and folk, is characterized by storytelling, often drawing inspiration from historical figures, literary characters, and the supernatural. While maintaining an underground career, Roland has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, particularly in mainland Europe.

Beyond his music, Roland has established himself as a prolific author and music journalist. His literary works delve into diverse subjects, including popular music, crime, World War II, and the occult. His early influences include writers like H. P. Lovecraft and H. G. Wells, and classic horror films, which have demonstrably shaped the thematic content of both his music and his books.

Roland's music is primarily rooted in psychedelic pop and gothic rock, incorporating elements of folk, jazz, and baroque. His songs are typically narrative-driven, functioning as stories that explore historical figures, literary and cinematic characters, and his own imaginative creations. Recurring themes include the supernatural, pirates, and historical periods like the Victorian and Edwardian eras. He is noted for his idiosyncratic style and has been credited with spearheading the steampunk music genre with songs like "The Great Edwardian Air Raid".

As an author and music journalist, Roland has contributed to various publications such as Sounds, Kerrang!, and Hi-Fi News & Record Review. His extensive writing career includes authoring numerous books on a wide array of subjects. He has written extensively about musician Marc Bolan, contributing to a BBC documentary. His non-fiction works also cover areas such as crime, World War II, and the supernatural, reflecting his long-standing interest in these topics, influenced by early literary encounters with authors like H. P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe.

Roland has maintained an underground career, earning recognition as a 'psychedelic cult celebrity' with a stronger following in Europe than in the UK. His career has seen periods of hiatus due to record label instability, during which he focused on writing. Despite these challenges, his discography is extensive and has been reissued and re-evaluated in the 21st century. Critics have praised his narrative skills, atmospheric compositions, and unique artistic vision, with albums like 'Danse Macabre' receiving particular acclaim. He has been compared to other British musical eccentrics and noted for his distinctive personality.

“psychedelic cult celebrity”

“pretty much fixated”

“authentic”

“real”

“blueprint”