Interview with Artist Paul Archer
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| Photo by Mark Case |
COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View/MBM Ten Pounder. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.
CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. Many struggle just to move from one level to the next, and some, unfortunately, never do. What would you consider to be a pivotal point in an artist's career which would take them from one level to the next that a struggling artist should be aware of? Is it an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all-together different in your opinion?
Music and the “industry” can be seen, for some and at certain points for certain people as a set of “lucky” circumstances and events. Musicians are told to ensure that they are playing and performing and writing as much as possible. That they ensure that they attend the right events, clubs, festivals and that they “network” and “hustle”.
To be honest I find this orthodox approach to be only skimming the surface of creative pursuit and it can serve to “suck” the creative energy from creative people and leave artists broken and in a state where they feel that they have in some way “failed”. I do not inhabit this place. I, myself have wrestled with the complexities, highs and lows of multiple record and publishing deals some of which begin with great promise only to finish in disappointing disarray. Some artists are “lucky” in industry terms however they can then lose the very parts of them which make them creative, unique individuals. Commercial success, whilst it can be helpful financially can also completely change artists and their human connections around them.
In my own journey I realized fairly early on that music writing, recording, creation and performance were going to be the main creative work and focus of my artistic and creative life.
I had become a music “lifer” and, for me this was the result of a spiritual experience I had whilst I was on stage at a festival playing songs I had written in a band with my brother. I felt that I was no longer there on stage but was in a profoundly safe and nurturing place like my mother’s womb. I felt the presence of profound love and peace and belonging to something so much greater than myself.
I am forever grateful for this creativity and the gift of music and Art which I believe comes from The Logos. This experience altered the course of my whole life and still does to this very day. I continue to feel the same way even after twelve albums, countless singles, recording, publishing deals, industry events and encounters.
I think that a deeper sense of connection, my continual state of searching, a deep humility and gratitude and a love of awe and a joy in the searching and being are helpful in this journey and I am ever grateful for these things and so much more besides.
These things help to connect me to a deeper form of understanding, living and personal, spiritual, emotional, mental and psychological resilience and my heart is forever grateful.
CV: What do you feel an artist can do right now to stay relevant?
I think that resilience, honesty, individuality and uniqueness in your approach can be incredibly important.
If you are writing from your heart and your deepest feelings and are courageous there is relevance right there.
In a world which now so very much needs humility, honesty and a deeper sense of being, a real awareness and appreciation of how connected we all really are and yet how unique and individual we all are.
CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Is there a fine line between the two or can it be looked at to some degree as the two essentially being one in the same?
I feel that with relevance I would be looking towards my inner, deeper nature and what is “relevant” as opposed to the industry or market trends and in regard to saturation I feel that music and art in general in my experience requires struggle and searching and I do not approach music or the “industry” as such from a more orthodox point of view.
I keep my heart, mind and energy focused on the creation of new work whether that be my sonic art or my visual abstract expressionist art. Saturation I think for me is more of an outside concept applied to more “pop” artists. There is a deeper dialogue and a deeper conversation to be had here….
The internet is already saturated and awash with so many artists, thoughts, concepts, ideas but I believe that my responsibility as an artist is to reach inside and be humble, compassionate, empathic, hopeful and to hopefully connect with people and spread a sense of openness, compassion, light, empathy and deep gratitude for this short time we experience here on this amazing planet!
CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on expectations, whether it being your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?
I have had many years working in mental health Personal Recovery interventions and also working with traumatized young people and children and this work has greatly affected and influenced the paths of my creativity as I seek to help, nurture, empower and support also through the sonic and visual art which I create and I feel a great symbiotic relationship here in my approach to art making.
CV: For you, what’s first when it comes to songwriting…is it a matter of lyrics melody, chords, beat, attitude? Or is it more organic than that where the moment dictates the process and outcome?
I get this sometimes when I am outside running and exercising or relaxing. Sometimes songs can take years and verses and choruses can evolve, change and I have found myself in recent years completely re-writing some of my songs after years of feeling and seeing them in completely different contexts than where they now are and this is fascinating!
I have also found this process liberating and it has enabled me to see melodies and lyrical concepts in hugely different ways and from many diverse perspectives!
CV: What do you believe makes songwriting more honest and impactful...that something that both the artist and listener can share?
It is of course also vital that a songwriter is acutely aware that there is an innate responsibility for a creator of a song to then transition to becoming effectively a servant to their creation. This is because the song takes on a “life” of it’s own.
The writer (if they are also the performer) must ensure that they serve the song and the nature of the song. An example here would be where I once wrote a song called Innate Strength which was all about the ups and downs of the music industry.
Regarding how it can build you up and knock you down just as quickly. I wanted to convey the intensity of this in performance so I used my knowledge of martial arts to perform a standing to floor breakfall and then slowly pick myself back up in the space of silence between the verse and chorus. Simultaneously, a huge wall of distortion would pour in from the silence I would “hit” the floor and slowly pick myself up whilst singing.
I am also planning a Sonic and Visual tour of Art galleries in the UK and Ireland in 2026 these will incorporate multi-media visual and sonic art performance and discussion.
CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. Many struggle just to move from one level to the next, and some, unfortunately, never do. What would you consider to be a pivotal point in an artist's career which would take them from one level to the next that a struggling artist should be aware of? Is it an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all-together different in your opinion?
Paul Archer: I think every artist should ask themselves the question (often) - “Why am I doing this?” - Is it for success, fame, celebrity, wealth, fortune or is it because what I am doing is central to my mental, spiritual, emotional and psychological health, resilience and wellbeing. Does it present a cathartic release and liberation or is it to a remit, set of rules (unwritten or written, musical, industry related, personal…)
I would put forward that a mindset which is centered around honest, humble, creative, holistic and artistic endeavor can be a more “real” and enduring foundation for writing and creativity and a more fulfilling and nurturing musical, expressive and artistic creative life.
Music and the “industry” can be seen, for some and at certain points for certain people as a set of “lucky” circumstances and events. Musicians are told to ensure that they are playing and performing and writing as much as possible. That they ensure that they attend the right events, clubs, festivals and that they “network” and “hustle”.
To be honest I find this orthodox approach to be only skimming the surface of creative pursuit and it can serve to “suck” the creative energy from creative people and leave artists broken and in a state where they feel that they have in some way “failed”. I do not inhabit this place. I, myself have wrestled with the complexities, highs and lows of multiple record and publishing deals some of which begin with great promise only to finish in disappointing disarray. Some artists are “lucky” in industry terms however they can then lose the very parts of them which make them creative, unique individuals. Commercial success, whilst it can be helpful financially can also completely change artists and their human connections around them.
In my own journey I realized fairly early on that music writing, recording, creation and performance were going to be the main creative work and focus of my artistic and creative life.
I had become a music “lifer” and, for me this was the result of a spiritual experience I had whilst I was on stage at a festival playing songs I had written in a band with my brother. I felt that I was no longer there on stage but was in a profoundly safe and nurturing place like my mother’s womb. I felt the presence of profound love and peace and belonging to something so much greater than myself.
I am forever grateful for this creativity and the gift of music and Art which I believe comes from The Logos. This experience altered the course of my whole life and still does to this very day. I continue to feel the same way even after twelve albums, countless singles, recording, publishing deals, industry events and encounters.
I think that a deeper sense of connection, my continual state of searching, a deep humility and gratitude and a love of awe and a joy in the searching and being are helpful in this journey and I am ever grateful for these things and so much more besides.
These things help to connect me to a deeper form of understanding, living and personal, spiritual, emotional, mental and psychological resilience and my heart is forever grateful.
CV: What do you feel an artist can do right now to stay relevant?
Again, a good point to start with this question may be to ask oneself “why am I doing this? ”What do I want to achieve and express?”
PA: At this particular point in history we have so many incredibly emotive, disturbing and challenging issues and we need more creative voices working towards deep empathy, compassion, connection and hope. These aspects are vital in terms of our humanity, connectivity, awareness but also ecologically and environmentally.
To be honest I think that creating work with integrity and honesty is central to making insightful and thought provoking work. I think that the practice of not following trends but rather being true to your heart, being open to the moment and reflecting your inner as well as your outer ongoing journey are vitally important.
I think that resilience, honesty, individuality and uniqueness in your approach can be incredibly important.
If you are writing from your heart and your deepest feelings and are courageous there is relevance right there.
In a world which now so very much needs humility, honesty and a deeper sense of being, a real awareness and appreciation of how connected we all really are and yet how unique and individual we all are.
CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Is there a fine line between the two or can it be looked at to some degree as the two essentially being one in the same?
PA: I have a feeling led, art first and music second creative process which is rooted much more in instinct as opposed to musical rules or systems. I often find melody from dissonance for instance (when I play guitar).
I feel that with relevance I would be looking towards my inner, deeper nature and what is “relevant” as opposed to the industry or market trends and in regard to saturation I feel that music and art in general in my experience requires struggle and searching and I do not approach music or the “industry” as such from a more orthodox point of view.
I keep my heart, mind and energy focused on the creation of new work whether that be my sonic art or my visual abstract expressionist art. Saturation I think for me is more of an outside concept applied to more “pop” artists. There is a deeper dialogue and a deeper conversation to be had here….
Pop is pop and that is okay but I think that creatively speaking my “eyes” are not on the world of big branding. This is not to say that pop artists do not have depth but my eyes are focused on the continual search and this is where the relevance comes.
The internet is already saturated and awash with so many artists, thoughts, concepts, ideas but I believe that my responsibility as an artist is to reach inside and be humble, compassionate, empathic, hopeful and to hopefully connect with people and spread a sense of openness, compassion, light, empathy and deep gratitude for this short time we experience here on this amazing planet!
My recent composition “Heavy Soul” is my personal appeal to the world to protect and respect the beautiful planet of which we all inhabit along with the powerful truth that love begins at home in our hearts.
CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on expectations, whether it being your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?
PA: I think that any expectations are firstly your own in the sense that it is good as an artist to set our expectations before we commence the work in humility, honesty and integrity. For me those expectations would include these values and the continual quest to be open and to listen to my heart, my feelings and my deep instincts.
I have had many years working in mental health Personal Recovery interventions and also working with traumatized young people and children and this work has greatly affected and influenced the paths of my creativity as I seek to help, nurture, empower and support also through the sonic and visual art which I create and I feel a great symbiotic relationship here in my approach to art making.
CV: For you, what’s first when it comes to songwriting…is it a matter of lyrics melody, chords, beat, attitude? Or is it more organic than that where the moment dictates the process and outcome?
PA: Often more organic for me where the moment and my constant state of searching and reflection can cause me to write or paint. Sometimes (but more rarely) words and melody come together at the same time.
I get this sometimes when I am outside running and exercising or relaxing. Sometimes songs can take years and verses and choruses can evolve, change and I have found myself in recent years completely re-writing some of my songs after years of feeling and seeing them in completely different contexts than where they now are and this is fascinating!
I have also found this process liberating and it has enabled me to see melodies and lyrical concepts in hugely different ways and from many diverse perspectives!
CV: What do you believe makes songwriting more honest and impactful...that something that both the artist and listener can share?
PA: When the writer and/or listener is prepared, able and empowered to go deep and be courageous with their art and as a listening participant. I would venture that all songwriters begin as listeners. When the writer is continually able to examine oneself as to one’s motivations and motives.
It is of course also vital that a songwriter is acutely aware that there is an innate responsibility for a creator of a song to then transition to becoming effectively a servant to their creation. This is because the song takes on a “life” of it’s own.
The writer (if they are also the performer) must ensure that they serve the song and the nature of the song. An example here would be where I once wrote a song called Innate Strength which was all about the ups and downs of the music industry.
Regarding how it can build you up and knock you down just as quickly. I wanted to convey the intensity of this in performance so I used my knowledge of martial arts to perform a standing to floor breakfall and then slowly pick myself back up in the space of silence between the verse and chorus. Simultaneously, a huge wall of distortion would pour in from the silence I would “hit” the floor and slowly pick myself up whilst singing.
This caused a stir with emergency services at some festivals needless to say!
CV: What do you feel has been the greatest contribution to your success as an artist?
Resilience, as a result of being brought up by my wonderfully creative, kind, loving and musical parents and the deep spirituality which I have from my love of The Logos at the center of my spirit.
I am forever grateful and deeply humbled that I am still making records and performing, writing and recording after over thirty years and twelve albums. I am still eager to create more!
CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming up?
PA: My brand new album called “Art”, which incorporates both my sonic as well as my visual art is out now on American Record Label - Think Like A Key Records and is also available from my own website, www.paularcherofficial.com.
I headline The Sanctuary Theatre in Belfast on 1st November 2025 as part of the wonderful No Hype Just Good Local Music podcast festival.
I am also planning a Sonic and Visual tour of Art galleries in the UK and Ireland in 2026 these will incorporate multi-media visual and sonic art performance and discussion.
I am exhibiting my visual art in the St. Patrick’s Centre in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland in January 2026.
I will also be releasing brand new work following on from my current album in three to six months time.
CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with
our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.
PA: Heartfelt and sincere thanks for your very interesting questions and thank you for your time and interest.
Check out Paul at:
The Cosmick View
Where the stars always shine bright
www.thecosmickview.com
www.facebook.com/TheCosmickView
www.thecosmickvoice.com
www.anchor.fm/the-cosmick-voice
My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.
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