02.04.10. (rewind) tokyo tour 2009 – last day

02.04.10. (rewind) tokyo tour 2009 – last day

I’ve been meaning to post this video for a while, but never got the chance to do so until now. Our 5-week tour in Tokyo was an awesome success, and we look forward to being back in Japan later this year!
Special thanks to http://sakura-house.com for their awesome hospitality. Osewa ni narimashita!

01.25.10. without you here – live

01.25.10. without you here – live

in memory of jessie mendoza & jacob santiago
january 29th, 2006.
find out the full story behind this song at http://pauldateh.com/2008/04/12/41208-we-all-belong/
without you here
written by paul dateh
performed by paul dateh & ken belcher
[verse 1]
I wish that I could
Go back to the time
That I saw you last
Before all this came to pass
I should have stayed a little longer
To talk [...]

01.19.10. hope that you – the good life

01.19.10. hope that you – the good life

hope that you (from “the good life” album)
written & performed by
paul dateh & ken belcher
“the good life” is now available for purchase worldwide!
physical cd: CD Baby
download: iTunes or Amazon MP3 Store
http://pauldateh.com – violin. vocals. writing.
http://kenbelcher.com – guitar. writing.

01.12.10. felicia fleck (live) – the good life

01.12.10. felicia fleck (live) – the good life

felicia fleck (from “the good life” album)
written & performed by
paul dateh & ken belcher
“the good life” is now available for purchase worldwide!
physical cd: CD Baby
download: iTunes or Amazon MP3 Store
http://pauldateh.com – violin. vocals. writing.
http://kenbelcher.com – guitar. writing.

01.03.09. paul dateh – memory bank 2009

01.03.09. paul dateh – memory bank 2009

here’s a look back over 2009 through random video that i’ve recorded over the year.
music: meridian
by: paul dateh & ken belcher
album: the good life
available now on itunes or amazon mp3 store!

12.31.09. clarity – john mayer (cover)

12.31.09. clarity – john mayer (cover)

thanks for all your awesome support throughout 2009! wishing the very best to you and yours in 2010!
vocal/violin: paul dateh
guitar/percussion: ken belcher
bass: tim archer

12.14.09. the christmas song (cover)

12.14.09. the christmas song (cover)

happy holidays from tokyo! we’ll be back in the states soon.
best wishes to you and yours,
paul
the christmas song
by mel torme and bob wells
as performed by paul dateh & ken belcher
remaining tokyo tour dates:
monday, december 14th, 2009
wasted time – shibuya, tokyo
http://wastedtime.jp/schedule.html
thursday, december 17th, 2009
l@n akasaka – akasaka, tokyo
open – 16:30
start – 17:00
Tel: 03-3568-6818
http://lanakasaka.syncl.jp/

11.26.09. tokyo tour day 14: turkey day in tokyo

11.26.09. tokyo tour day 14: turkey day in tokyo

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Paul Dateh & Ken Belcher
Tokyo Tour 2009 Upcoming Performances:
11.27.09 – 18:00/19:00/20:00
Hukle Berry café @MIZUE EDOGAWA-KU
3-24-5 minashinozakicho, Edogawa-ku,Tokyo
http://www.gourmet-marktwain.com/
(Sorry that I haven’t yet had a chance to post our full schedule. As soon as I get a break, I’ll make sure to do so!)

11.23.09. paul’s bad/regular fortune

11.23.09. paul’s bad/regular fortune

Paul Dateh & Ken Belcher
Tokyo Tour 2009 Upcoming Performances (full schedule coming soon):
11.23.09 (22:20 – 22:50) wasted time – cover 3,000 yen – dai 3tanaka bildg B1F, 31-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo – http://wastedtime.jp/map.html
11.25.09 (13:00/14:00/15:00/19:00/20:00/21:00) caffe di mare – 3-108-3 ishikawacho, chuol-ku, yokohama – http://hotpepper.jp/strJ000745533

11.18.09. tokyo tour day 5: stan says we ate what?!

11.18.09. tokyo tour day 5: stan says we ate what?!

I never go karaoke-ing back home in LA, but I figured if I was ever to go, I should at least give it a try in Tokyo. Fun times.
Here’s the info for our next gig (I’ll make sure to post our full schedule very soon!):
Live & Free space Cafe @ Shimokitazawa YURAx
http://www.burari-shimokitazawa.com/shopDetail.html?shop.id=151
東京都世田谷区北沢2-14-8 春日ビル2F
090-9735-7592 (Mr. [...]

11.17.09. tokyo day 4: ken belcher says the darndest things

11.17.09. tokyo day 4: ken belcher says the darndest things

Paul Dateh & Ken Belcher
performing at
Location: RAMLA in Iida-bashi (Iida is 2 i’s and not Lida)
Date: 11.17.09
Time: 17:30 & 19:00
Landing Page: http://www.ramla.gr.jp/
Access Map: http://www.ramla.gr.jp/access.html
Schedule: http://www.ramla.gr.jp/MUSIC/suke_11.pdf
More shows to come. We’ll post our full Tokyo performance schedule asap!

11.14.09 first day in tokyo: we need towels

11.14.09 first day in tokyo: we need towels

we are in japan! i’ll make sure to post our full performance schedule asap. hope you’re all having a great day! -pd

11.01.09. join us for the good life!

11.01.09. join us for the good life!

Hey everyone!
“The Good Life” – the new record by Paul Dateh & Ken Belcher – is now available worldwide! Check out iTunes or Amazon MP3 store for digital copies and cdbaby.com for physical copies.
To celebrate the record’s release, the awesome people at EPIC FU will be hosting a special online-only release party. Please join us [...]

10.07.09. overkill (cover)

10.07.09. overkill (cover)

overkill
by colin hay
as performed by paul dateh & ken belcher
paul dateh & ken belcher’s original record – “The Good Life” – will be released on 11.03.09. stay tuned!

10.06.09 control (acoustic version)

10.06.09 control (acoustic version)

paul dateh & ken belcher’s new original record – “The Good Life” – will be available on 11.03.09. stay tuned!

09.19.09. blackbird (cover)

09.19.09. blackbird (cover)

get the mp3 of our cover of blackbird for free at http://pauldateh.com/music.
ken belcher are finishing up our first collaborative acoustic record this week. stay tuned for its official release in november!
also, feel free say hello to ken belcher on his website at http://kenbelcher.com!

09.14.09. be in our music video!

09.14.09. be in our music video!

Okay, here’s a quick rundown on how you can be involved:
Option 1. Create an artistic interpretation of what “love” means to you and mail it over to us.  Your piece must meet a minimum size of a standard 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper, although you’re more than welcome to go larger if you like.
Send [...]

09.09.09. paul’s songwriting process

09.09.09. paul’s songwriting process

here’s a quick look behind-the-scenes of my songwriting process.

09.01.09. i don’t want to live on the moon

09.01.09. i don’t want to live on the moon

I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon
written by Jeff Moss
as performed by Paul Dateh & Ken Belcher
Shouts out to the awesome people at PBS! :)

08.22.09. blame drew’s cancer

08.22.09. blame drew’s cancer

please help my friend @drew beat the crap out of cancer. use tag #BlameDrewsCancer on twitter and join the fight. get all the details at http://blamedrewscancer.com.
if you’d like to download this song for free, you can find it at http://pauldateh.bandcamp.com.
also, if you live in the LA area, please come see my live show this wednesday, [...]

Paul Dateh & Ken Belcher
performing live at Dakota Lounge
Wednesday, August 26th @ 8:30pm
1026 Wilshire Blvd. – Santa Monica, CA
21+ only
Hey everyone,
As you may already know, Ken Belcher and I are finishing up work on our upcoming acoustic EP. To celebrate, we’re having a show to give you a preview of the record. We will also [...]

07.28.09. album backstory: without you here

07.28.09. album backstory: without you here

download “without you here” for free at http://pauldateh.bandcamp.com.
full album is available digitally via iTunes or Amazon MP3 store. physical copies can be purchased through CDbaby.com.
thank you for supporting independent music.

07.20.09. album backstory: who knew

07.20.09. album backstory: who knew

download “who knew” for free at http://pauldateh.bandcamp.com!
full album is available digitally via iTunes or Amazon MP3 store. physical copies can be purchased through CDbaby.com.
thank you for supporting independent music!
more free music coming next week. stay tuned. :)

07.14.09. album backstory: untitled #1

07.14.09. album backstory: untitled #1

download “untitled #1″ for free at http://pauldateh.bandcamp.com!
full album is available digitally via iTunes or Amazon MP3 store. physical copies can be purchased through CDbaby.com.
thank you for supporting independent music!
more free music coming next week. stay tuned. :)

07.08.09. album backstory: strong

07.08.09. album backstory: strong

download “strong” for free at http://pauldateh.bandcamp.com!
full album is available digitally via iTunes or Amazon MP3 store. physical copies can be purchased through CDbaby.com.
thank you for supporting independent music!
more free music coming next week. stay tuned. :)

06.29.09. album backstory: play that song

06.29.09. album backstory: play that song

download “play that song” for free at http://pauldateh.bandcamp.com!
full album is available digitally via iTunes or Amazon MP3 store. physical copies can be purchased through CDbaby.com.
thank you for supporting independent music!
more free music coming next week. stay tuned. :)

6.22.09. album backstory: goes around

6.22.09. album backstory: goes around

download “goes around” for free at http://pauldateh.bandcamp.com!
full album is available digitally via iTunes or Amazon MP3 store. physical copies can be purchased through CDbaby.com.
thank you for supporting independent music!
more free music coming next week. stay tuned. :)

6.15.09. album backstory: celtic blues

6.15.09. album backstory: celtic blues

download “celtic blues” for free athttp://pauldateh.bandcamp.com
full album is available digitally via iTunes or Amazon MP3 store. physical copies can be purchased through CDbaby.com.
thank you for supporting independent music!
more free music coming next week. stay tuned. :)

06.09.09. album backstory: control

06.09.09. album backstory: control

download “control” for free at http://pauldateh.bandcamp.com
full album is available digitally via iTunes or Amazon MP3 store. physical copies can be purchased through CDbaby.com.
thank you for supporting independent music!

06.01.09. album backstory: whatever i choose

06.01.09. album backstory: whatever i choose

hello, everyone!
welcome to the 2nd installment of my 10-week album giveaway. if you don’t know what i’m talking about, just watch last week’s video and you’ll be caught up to speed. i hope you enjoyed the first track – “be more” – last week, which now brings us to the number two track on the [...]

5.24.09. giving away the album, one song at a time

5.24.09. giving away the album, one song at a time

Hey everyone,
My debut album is now available for purchase! You can get physical copies at CD Baby, and digital copies at iTunes, Amazon MP3, and all other digital retailers.
However, you may remember a while back when I said that if you really want to get the album, but just don’t have enough cash, I [...]

4.17.09. hope that you (say you want me too)

4.17.09. hope that you (say you want me too)

My good friend and guitarist Ken Belcher and I have been working on several projects together in the past couple of weeks. While we were working the other day, we thought it would be fun to take a quick break to write a “happy” song. “Hope That You” is our end result. I hope you [...]

4.2.09. questions, answers, & chords

4.2.09. questions, answers, & chords

In this week’s video, I finally get a chance to answer some of the emails I’ve received over the past few months. Also, my good friend and guitarist Ken Belcher gives us the chord breakdowns of some of our most popular arrangements.
If you have a question you’d like to ask for me to answer in [...]

3.11.09 rehearsing with ken & inka

3.11.09 rehearsing with ken & inka

Inka, Ken, and I are currently working on a new project together, which we will share with you all very soon. In the meantime, here’s a quick video of our first rehearsal.
P.S. I know it’s been a while since I’ve last posted, but don’t worry. There’s plenty of new video to come! I also have [...]

01.10.09 january news update

01.10.09 january news update

The album release date is almost here! Tuesday, January 27th, is the day, and I hope that you enjoy it.
Please join us on Saturday, January 31st, to celebrate the release of the album. If you live in Los Angeles, we’ll be having a live show at Dakota Lounge in Santa Monica. If you live outside [...]

12.22.08 tour rewind: bend show recap

12.22.08 tour rewind: bend show recap

Upon checking over my site this weekend, I realized that I never uploaded the video from the first show of the tour. So, I’m posting it now.
The tour started in the beautiful city of Bend, Oregon. Bend was great: nice people, great food, awesome scenery. The cold was something I was a little unprepared for, [...]

12.14.08 eugene to eureka

12.14.08 eugene to eureka

Here are some random moments from our time in Eugene, Oregon, and Eureka, California. During the ride in between the two cities, I talked up Twitter with Grouch and Eligh. You can now find them at http://twitter.com/therealgrouch and http://twitter.com/therealeligh. :)
We are currently in Petaluma, California, for show number seven of our tour of the west [...]

12.10.08 tour day 4: exploring seattle

12.10.08 tour day 4: exploring seattle

Today is tour day number four, and we’ve just arrived in Portland, Oregon, for our show at Berbati’s Pan. Earlier this morning, however, I was able to get a couple hours to explore downtown Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Belcher, the awesome mother of my guitarist and good friend Ken Belcher, was kind enough to take some [...]

12.09.08. seattle show recap

12.09.08. seattle show recap

Today marks day 4 of my tour of the west coast with Grouch and Eligh of The Living Legends. I’ve been doing my best to update Flickr and Twitter so far on this tour, but I’ve really been itching to post an entry here. So here’s a recap of last night’s show at Neumos in [...]

12.6.08. december news update

12.6.08. december news update

Hey everybody,
I know it’s been a while since my last post, but it’s not because of a lack of news! :) Let me quickly update you on the latest:
1. tour
I will be touring the U.S. west coast with The Grouch & Eligh of the Living Legends starting Monday, December 8th, 2008. Check the full tour [...]

11.2.08. Live Q&A #1 – new date!

11.2.08. Live Q&A #1 – new date!

*Please note new date!*
For a while now, I’ve been inviting you to email me any questions and feedback to contact[at]pauldateh[dot]com. However, it came to my attention barely earlier this week that I never received any of your email messages due to a server/forwarding error.
I feel terrible about leaving you hanging and for leaving your messages [...]

10.12.08. the prank.

10.12.08. the prank.

Last week, The Bui Brothers and I had a photo shoot for my album cover.
At the time this video was shot, we had already been driving around downtown Los Angeles for several hours. It was fairly late at night by this point, and we had been previously joking the whole time about getting caught for [...]

9.25.08. Be More – album preview

9.25.08. Be More – album preview

Hey everyone,
So here’s the big announcement: I am finally able to post details about the release of my album! The exact date will be solidified very soon, but I will say that you’ll be able to get the full album in January of 2009.
To give you a taste of what you’ll hear on the album, [...]

9.22.08. new site + big announcement soon

9.22.08. new site + big announcement soon

Hello, and welcome to my newly-designed site!
This new site might appear very similar to the old one before it, but we’ve actually made a lot of changes to improve site performance as well as make everything look a lot cleaner. Special thanks go out to Lan Bui of The Bui Brothers for helping me make [...]

9.10.08. eight days in berlin

9.10.08. eight days in berlin

Recently, I went on my first international tour, and I was able to spend eight days in the city of Berlin, Germany. This is my musical and visual recap of my time there.
Berlin is an amazing city for the creatively-inclined – there’s art EVERYWHERE. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Every street is an [...]

9.2.08. quick update

9.2.08. quick update

Upcoming Paul Dateh Shows:
9.4.08. Hotel Cafe
9.6.08. Knitting Factory Hollywood
9.7.08. ISA Showcase
http://myspace. com/pauldateh for more info and directions
[bg music: 93 'til infinity, souls of mischief]

8.3.08. spontaneous livestream moment

8.3.08. spontaneous livestream moment

Okay, it’s not the update I pledged to post earlier, but it’s an update nonetheless! Due to my recording and performance schedule, I still haven’t had the proper time to edit the footage from my European tour. However, I am definitely going to make a proper entry that recaps my time on the road – [...]

7.24.08 quick update

7.24.08 quick update

Hey everyone,
I just got back from being on tour with Louis Logic, Blueprint, and DJ Illegal. The tour was awesome. I’m going through all of my video footage now, so check back for a full tour recap soon.
In the meantime, you can check out all the photos I took while on the road on my [...]

7.07.08. EU Tour 2008 – london, uk

7.07.08. EU Tour 2008 – london, uk

I didn’t think I would have enough time to post a real entry from the road, but here I am!
Here’s a quick video that documents my day on London.
Next stop: Bonn, Germany for the Rheinkultur Music Festival.
P.S. Thanks for Naf, Jimmy, and Zeni for driving all the way from Bradford! And special thanks to Brian [...]

7.1.08. first international tour.

7.1.08. first international tour.

I’m going on my very first international tour. Actually, it’s my first tour… ever!
I’ll be on the road with Louis Logic and Blueprint for a two-week run throughout the UK and Europe. You can see the full tour schedule on my website at http://pauldateh.com/tour.
Check out the amazing artists I have the honor of sharing the [...]

6.19.08. album update: rehearsals

6.19.08. album update: rehearsals

We’ve been hanging out together online for quite a while now, I have to say that I’m really enjoying getting to know you! Your comments, video responses, and emails frikkin’ rock. Thanks for sending them, and keep sending more!
When I open my email inbox, however, there’s one question that I see over and over again: [...]

6.10.08. waiting for love – live

6.10.08. waiting for love – live

My good friend Ken Belcher and I recently had our very first livestream show right here at live.pauldateh.com. Here’s one of the songs we performed: Waiting for Love. It’s an old song that I wrote way back when I was 18, and I’m really embarrassed to sing it now. But, Ken insisted that we play [...]

6.2.08. violin vs. viola: the basics

6.2.08. violin vs. viola: the basics

My good friend Alex was in town this week from New York City, and I thought it would be fun if we made a quick video that covered the basic differences between the viola and the violin. Although the violin is a beautiful instrument, you just can’t the kind of robust tone from a violin [...]

5.24.08. “it’ll taste like internet”

5.24.08. “it’ll taste like internet”

Paul Dateh performing with Ken Belcher
Sunday, May 25th, 2008
5pm PST / 8pm EST
http://live.pauldateh.com
[Video by Vu Bui]

5.21.08. working on the album

5.21.08. working on the album

This week, I met up with my good friend and producer Oren Yoel to work out the arrangements to a couple tracks on my upcoming album. We’re getting closer and closer to official production, and I’m very much looking forward to the day the record gets pressed.
I’ll make sure to keep posting video updates regularly. [...]

5.12.08. untitled/Trapped

5.12.08. untitled/Trapped

[Join us for a very special online-only show on May 25th, 2008!]
Paul Dateh performing with Ken Belcher
Streaming LIVE at http://live.pauldateh.com
Sunday, May 25th, 2008.
5pm PST / 8pm EST
video credits:
“untitled/Trapped”
written by Paul Dateh
as performed by Paul Dateh & Ken Belcher

5.5.08. “just friends” cover

5.5.08. “just friends” cover

My good friend and guitarist Ken Belcher and I perform our arrangement of Musiq’s “Just Friends”. You can download the mp3 here.
Don’t forget to join us for our very special online-only show on May 25th! :)
Paul Dateh performing with Ken Belcher
Streaming LIVE at http://live.pauldateh.com
Sunday, May 25th, 2008.
5pm PST / 8pm EST
Guitar – http://kenbelcher.com
Vocals+Violin – http://pauldateh.com

5.2.08. The “Seekrit” Streaming Show with Paul Dateh and Ken Belcher

5.2.08. The “Seekrit” Streaming Show with Paul Dateh and Ken Belcher

Join us for this very special online-only event!
Paul Dateh performing with Ken Belcher
Streaming LIVE at http://live.pauldateh.com
Sunday, May 25th, 2008
5pm PST / 8pm EST
[Technical services provided by The Bui Brothers and NoodleSMart.tv.]
See you at the show online!
pd

4.29.08. tagged: the 4×4

4.29.08. tagged: the 4×4

I was tagged by Bill Cammack!
4 Jobs I’ve had:
1. youth center staff member
2. record label promotions manager
3. bookstore cashier
4. door hanger hanger
4 TV shows I like:
1. NOVA or anything on Discovery/History Channel
2. Robot Chicken
3. 30 Rock
4. Freaks & Geeks
4 Movies I could watch over and over:
1. The Sandlot
2. Back to the Future
3. Superbad
4. Better Luck [...]

4.18.08. two weeks in spring of 2008.

4.18.08. two weeks in spring of 2008.

This episode documents two weeks of my life on the road during the Spring of 2008.
Week One: Performing at Playboy’s “Rock the Rabbit” Spring Break Festival in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Week Two: Exhibiting for Sony Ericsson at CTIA Wireless 2008 and performing at Miss Playboy Mobile 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I’ll be back on the [...]

4.12.08. we all belong.

4.12.08. we all belong.

I really don’t know what I hoped to truly accomplish in making this video or post. I just felt that I had to do something to externalize all these feelings and thoughts that I’ve been dealing with inside my head for all these years. I wish that I could better organize my thoughts to write [...]

3.31.08. the amazing las vegas hotel room

3.31.08. the amazing las vegas hotel room

In my recent episode documenting my trip to NYC, you got to see the serious side of my personality. This week, I’d like to share a little of the silly side.
Inka and I are exhibiting for Sony Ericsson at CTIA this week. We’re staying in a crazy fancy hotel, and I am fully amazed and [...]

3.18.08. – a week in new york city.

3.18.08. – a week in new york city.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted an entry, and I’m happy to finally have a new video to share (especially considering that my last entry wasn’t the most cheerful).
This week’s video documents my recent trip to New York City. I was in town for several meetings, rehearsals, a recording session, and a show with [...]

3.1.08 – 2 Hours After the Show

3.1.08 – 2 Hours After the Show

This video documents what happened after my show at Temple Bar last night (2/28/08).
After having a great time playing music and hanging out with awesome people at the show, I went to grab a late-night dinner with some friends. Immediately after we were seated, however, someone was beaten and stabbed right in front of the [...]

2.27.08 – 1-week Extension.

2.27.08 – 1-week Extension.

Due to being in NYC this past week, I’m going to need a little extra time to put my next episode together. But, I got a lot of great footage from my trip, so make sure to check back and see what I was up to in the city. :)
Also, if you’re in the Los [...]

2.20.08 – Inside Look: Rehearsal

2.20.08 – Inside Look: Rehearsal

Here’s a quick look at what one of my rehearsals looks like. :)
(I’m currently in NYC to work on a couple projects with DJ Johnny Juice, as well as play a show with Juice at Pace University on Thursday, the 21st. Due to my schedule while I’m in the city — and my lack [...]

2.13.08 – get up to get down.

2.13.08 – get up to get down.

When I was a student in music school, every teacher and professor I ever had always said the same thing: every instrumentalist must know how to sing. I hope that the video attached to this post qualifies as a partial fulfillment of their requirements.
I say “partial fulfillment”, because there’s a second part to that mandate: [...]

2.6.08 – celtic blues with ken belcher.

2.6.08 – celtic blues with ken belcher.

Hello, and welcome to my new site!
As you can see, parts of the site are still very much in a “bare-bones” form. I was thinking of holding off this soft launch a little bit longer so that I could make things look better, but then I remembered my goal in doing this whole thing: to [...]

You are now watching: 4.12.08. we all belong.

I really don’t know what I hoped to truly accomplish in making this video or post. I just felt that I had to do something to externalize all these feelings and thoughts that I’ve been dealing with inside my head for all these years. I wish that I could better organize my thoughts to write something more impactful, but this is the best I can do for now.

I grew up in the community of Mar Vista, a small suburban neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles county. I loved living there; Mar Vista is overall a great place to live and a great place to grow up. But, there are unfortunately dark pockets that exist within what would otherwise be the perfect place.

In the neighborhood I grew up in, the gang lifestyle is sometimes simply part of the area’s culture, and it’s all too easy for a young person to get pulled into the mix. Thankfully, I had my music and the local youth center to keep me off the streets, but not all kids living in Mar Vista are that lucky.

I honestly don’t know why anyone chooses to join a gang. Some people say that members join because they desire to prove their own worth; others say members join out of fear; and still others say that members join because they want to feel that they simply belong. Whatever their reasons, once they’re in, they’re locked into a lifetime of danger and destruction.

It deeply saddens me whenever I hear that one of my fellow youth center members has joined a gang. It makes me angry that some of the kids in my home town simply do not have access to opportunities for a better future — or worse: they just don’t want a better future. It makes me furious that some kids in my neighborhood don’t even know what a college or university is like, nor do they even desire to attend.

My friends weren’t gangsters, but gangsters murdered my friends. Even after two years, accepting this fact is extremely painful and difficult. But, I am truly exhausted from being angry of sad. I want to use my energy now for something better. Maybe that’s why I made this video: I wanted to make something that might help make a difference.

Even if it ends up making even the smallest of differences, it’ll be energy well spent.

  • kmazerati
    I am happy to know that you are able to connect with your own emotions in such a healthy way. I am impressed, which wasn't your intent I know, with your courage to share the deepest, darkest, most hurtful parts of you for the benefit of others. I have four children and I worry about the cruelty in the world sometimes. I know that unfortunately my nightmares are someone else's reality which makes me sad. Thank you for not reducing yourself to revenge and hate but instead saving others with your honesty in light of this tragedy. This brings honor to your friends and I am sure they did not die in vain.
  • Thank you for your intentions, Paul. You are an inspiration, and your actions DO resonate into the whole of human consciousness and out into the universe. Keep doing the right things... Peace
  • annoymous
    Believe me you made a difference watching that really made me realize gang is not the way and watching this made the thoughts of joining a gang go away thank you Paul and i assure that Jacob and Jessie are smiling down on you cause they are proud as everyone else how far you have made it
  • Rikki
    im so sorry for your loss...the fact that you have the courage to make this video shows how much you care and feel...we are all with you in prayer.
  • adry ar
    amm,, i know you are making a difference and that you are touching every heart of the listeners with those words, sometimes God let things happend because have plans, and i also know that that plans are not everytime the ones that we want, i hope you feel betteer thinking about you can help many guys by watching your video.. (:
    God bleess you and stay in his love,, jajaja and i hope ii could explain myself well,, is just that i don't know a lot of english ;D chaoo
  • BrownPride
    I wish I could say something that would make your pain go away... I don't think we're supposed to understand why these things happen, but they do and I think the best we can do is try to make a difference in this world. And you are doing just that. You are such a good person; it comes across in everything you do and say. This world needs more people like you. You are touching people's lives through your music and your whole person! All I can say is that your friends will be watching you always, and I promise you'll see them again...
  • lovethecoconut
    Do what you love and do it well. YOUR friends are watching and always will be a part of you. They are gone only in this lifetime BUT they live in your memory and in your heart. So carry on... move on Because YOU are making a diffrence.
  • Naerrchen
    I have to cry right now, because this really IS stupid and simply not fair and it reminds me that somewhere else isn't better than the place your living in. My best mate was thrown out of a window from the 4th floor, just because he was at the worng place in the wrong moment. He is 23 and will never be able to move again. 20 fucking 3 and he is a living dead. It sucks so much and hurts so much you just don't know if you should scream or cry or kill those who did this. It's so stupid and you feel so heldpless about it. And it shows that pointless violence can occure EVERYWHERE, even in a small town like lund in fucking "peacefull" Sweden.
    The song you wrote for them is a beautifull homage to your friends, you honour them.
  • pattyv02
    wow..i'm speechless.tears are running down my eyes right now..you gonna make a really big difference with your music and this very video of yours..wow...i feel you..well, duluck with everything ,pd.imma support your music ,because you have good intentions and good music...peace out..
  • Lou
    I feel you man. It's frustrating how, for whatever reason, people resort to violent means to solve any disputes they have. I think more of us have friends that get killed because of guns or gangs than many people know. Especially in neighborhoods where violence is prevalent. It sounds strange, but in my neighborhood, "you've made it" really means "you've made it out." I think a lot about why some communities have developed this way... and I don't have any answers.
  • M
    paul, i'm not sure what you hoped to accomplish with this video either, but i think the fact that you already have such an influence over others helps to get your message across. and for me, i appreciate how your videos, especially ones like this, really show the human side of you and it connects to us on a much deeper level. there are so many ways to communicate emotions experiences with others whether it's music or through video blogs or what. but i feel like you know what a lot of us are going through. i myself had two cousins who were killed about 9 years ago and i will ALWAYS remember them being 18 and 16; they will never age. i worked a lot with male youth who were at risk for violence in the community (i worked in oakland), and i totally understand how you feel about them joining gangs cuz these kids were SMART. they had so potential and it killed me that the system didn't believe in them and set them up to fail before they were even born. so, thank you, paul, for making such a profound video that many can relate to on so many levels, and thank you for showing this vulnerable side of you; not only does it make a difference, but artistically, it only shows how in touch you are with souls around you. much love and respect.
  • i really believe you´re going yo make a difference, i have learned something very valuable today, i´m going to call my friends, they need to know how much they mean to me, thanks paul for sharing your life and for teaching me something really important, thank you so much
  • Martin
    Very sad and touching... Making this video wasn't a mistake if it helps you somehow. It's beautiful...
  • Paul,

    I love jew my friend. Thank you for making this video. It is truly a reminder of how precious life is.
  • Patrick
    Couldn't have said it better myself, well done.
  • =)
  • Man, it is amazing that you have the strength to put your emotions out like this... and your message comes across strong and clear. Though this video will only be seen by a relatively limited number of people it will affect them... and that will in turn affect others in an outward ripple and you will consequently reach many.

    More importantly, though, is the fact that even though you are not telling this story daily, not spreading this exact message... you are living your life and interacting with others in a very positive way... through personal exchange as well as through your music... and that may have the greatest effect of all.

    I am glad to even know you, Paul.
  • Lan spoke for me, too. Exactly.

    A clear example of how to better use our talents for important self-expression.
  • Thank you to everyone for watching and commenting. Your kind words mean so very much to me. May you all be safe and in good company.
  • bichitoazul
    Es realmente triste que estas cosas curran, lo sento mucho por tí, de verdad...
    pero personalmente creo que es bueno que hagas vdeos como éste, porque hacen que la gente se de cuenta de las consecuencias tan graves que puede tener unirse a gente de ese tipo, tu ejemplo puede hacer que las personas que lo hagan se paren a pensar en los daños que pueden ocasionar a la gente de su alrededor, a la gente que les quiere. Gracias por compartir con nosotros.
  • QL
    im so sorry for your loss.....
  • eric
    thanks for making this video. it really touched at the heart. i also had no idea that this tragedy happened which led to your song to them.
  • "...any movements towards that goodness makes all the difference."
    Amen, brother.
  • No, not an empty gesture, not a waste of time, not stupid. I'm nearly speechless. It's exactly the kind of deeply sincere message that any kid on the verge of getting in over their head needs to hear: they need someone to tell them that they *do* belong, and that they are not alone, and that there's hope for a better future.

    I'm so sorry you lost your friends, and that you lost them in such an unfair senseless way.
  • Thank you for making this video. I hear/know where you're coming from. I'm sending this to some friends.
  • I agree with Lan. You are making a difference with this video, and you make a difference every time you make music and remember where you came from. I'm so sorry for the way you lost your friends. It is unfair.
  • Paul, Thank you for reaching through the screen and sharing yourself. I truly hope your video makes a difference in other people's lives and helps you heal. Growing up in LA, unfortunately, exposes us to gangs. I am sad that you've been directly affected by them in such a terrible way. But I'm glad that you're still here to share your experience and, through your story, to save someone's life by telling it and influencing a decision for someone to not join a gang.
  • Oh, and it has been a long time since I've seen such a meaningful video blog video. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
  • I can't really say much... you are making a difference with this video.
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