Short Biography
It's September 2008 and 21-year-old Paolo is busy finishing off his second record. He's produced the record himself and he started working on it in February 2008. Paolo and the band have worked in studios in Ireland, Wales and London and there were even some sessions recorded in Los Angeles and New York. The new record will be out in 2009.
But what a journey Paolo's been on since his debut 'These Streets' was released two years ago. The grandson of an Italian immigrant, Nutini was born and raised in Paisley, Scotland. Paolo's grandfather opened up 'Castlevecchi' fish and chip shop, which Paolo's Mum and Dad (Linda and Alfredo) now run.
Paolo's exposure to classic R&B stars like The Drifters and Ray Charles came via his Dad and an Aunties record collection - while Paolo got into John Martyn and Van Morrison later on.
Paolo's debut record produced four hits; 'Last Request', 'Jenny Don't Be Hasty', 'Rewind' and 'New Shoes', and Paolo has sold over one million albums in the UK and the same again around the rest of the world.
In 2007, Nutini received a BRIT Award nomination for Best British Male Solo and has collected a variety of awards - including a Nordoff Robbins Silver Clef and a Tartan Clef for Best Newcomer, A Daily Record "Hero" Award and in October 2008, Paolo will collect an ASCAP Award for having a song in the "most played" category for airplay on US radio for 'New Shoes'. He was even presented to the Queen earlier this year in recognition of his contribution to the arts in Scotland.
Paolo has toured the world relentlessly and has had some journey since signing his record deal at 17. AND if his own gigs around the globe weren't enough - he's also played with some of the music worlds' legendary figures.
In December 2007, Paolo supported Led Zeppelin at "that" re-union gig - which was set up for the Ahmet Ertegun Foundation. Ahmet founded Atlantic Records in the 1950s and signed many, many household names - including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, The Drifters, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin. Ahmet really took to Paolo when he heard the early demos and "sort of" came out of retirement (at 82!) Ahmet invited Paolo to sing with Robert Plant and Ben E King at Montreux 2006. Also on that bill was Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers, Stevie Winwood, Stevie Nicks, Solomon Burke, Kid Rock and others!
Paolo recently played the Hollywood Bowl with Etta James and at Montreux 2008 he dueted with Petula Clarke before singing on his own for Quincy Jones - at Quincy's 75th birthday celebrations. Paolo has shared a stage with Paul Weller in New York and at the Isle of Wight Festival 2007 - Paolo was invited to sing a song of his choice with the Rolling Stones in their headline slot! Paolo chose 'Love In Vain' from the Stones 'Let It Bleed' album. "F**k me Paolo, we haven't played that for years" was Keith's response. As you can imagine - Mick and Paolo nailed it!
Paolo has done so much for a 21-year-old - he's played the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, the main stage at T in the Park. Paolo played Carnegie Hall in New York. He's played at festivals in Japan, America and all over Europe. Paolo performed on one of the last editions of Top of the Pops, he performed 'Rewind' on Parkinson, he's been on Later with Jools Holland, Taratata in France and in the USA - he's been on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with Conan O'Brien. Paolo even played T in the Park this year under the band name of 'Snake Derrick & The Vipers'... just so he could get himself a ticket at the sold-out event and go camping with his mates! Oh, and to try out some new songs of course.
Paolo was in Beijing a few days before the 2008 Olympic Games. He was one half of the PUMA press conference alongside the fastest man in the World, Usain Bolt. Who went on to collect three world records and three GOLD medals! Two 21-year-olds sat beside each other taking questions from the world's media. Paolo played a gig for the Jamaican team as a morale booster for the athletes and his new mate, Usain, even joined Paolo on stage to sing with him as Paolo sang for the Jamaican Prime Minister and the Jamaican team on the eve of their 46th Independence Day! Paolo is an ambassador for Puma in 2008 and they have him and his song 'New Shoes' in their global brand TV and cinema advert.
In-depth Biography
In much the same way that José González hails from Sweden and not Spain, Paolo Nutini is not a smooth Italian pop star, but rather a soul-influenced adult alternative songwriter from Paisley, Scotland. Raised in a music-loving family, he grew up listening to a range of folk, opera, jazz, and his father's R&B favorites. Shortly after discovering homegrown folkies like John Martyn, the teenaged Nutini left school to focus on his own musical development, eventually moving from Paisley to London at age 16 and garnering attention via local gigs. He inked a deal with the British arm of Atlantic Records two years later, just several weeks after his 18th birthday.
Working with Coldplay and Badly Drawn Boy producer Ken Nelson, Nutini generated an impressive amount of buzz before his first single, "Last Request," was released in the early summer of 2006. He appeared at special Atlantic Records showcases at Carnegie Hall and the Montreux Jazz Festival, as well as showcase sets opening for the Rolling Stones and Paul Weller. Nutini's debut album, These Streets, was ultimately released in July 2006 alongside his second single, "Jenny Don't Be Hasty." The album fared quite well in the U.K., where it climbed to double-platinum status and sent four singles into the Top 40. Accordingly, an American release followed in January 2007.
For Paolo Nutini's second album, the songwriter took a more active role in the production, partnering with Ethan Johns but helming much of the material himself. The resulting record, Sunny Side Up, appeared in June 2009, featuring increased contributions from Nutini's backing band and a bright, sprightly disposition. ~ Stewart Mason, Rovi
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