Paul Cummings grew up in a small Western, NY town so people often wonder what he's doing playing country music. The truth is, country music in upstate NY is a big deal, in some cases more than it is in the south. Paul grew up to the great sounds of George Strait, Johnny Cash, George Jones, and so on. Paul immediately grew up with a love for country music; however, it was not the first path he took as a musician. As many people know, Paul first learned music on a Saxophone, bought by his parents, and instantly fell in love with it at a very early age. Paul never lost sight of his country music; in fact, his favorite movie to this day is Pure Country, a movie about a washed up artist named Dusty, played by George Strait, remains his favorite. George instantly became his idol and hero in music. People who know Paul personally know his great love and respect for his father. Paul Cumming shares the same name with his dad and he could not be more proud of the fact that this is the case. He once said, “If I could live half the life my old man has lived up to this point, I would be perfectly happy with the way things turn out.” His dad, a Past Fire Chief with the local fire department, is a man with who many people look up too. Paul looks up to no one more than him and considers his dad one of his very best friends. Getting back to the music, Paul entered the world of Jazz and Blues and first began to feel success in his high school years. Winning awards for his jazz skills sparked a fire that has yet began to burn out. Paul truly loved music and loved the idea of entertaining. His first band was an old western swing band, and it just wasn’t working for Paul. It was missing something…a steel guitar. Paul learned quickly that he needed to be playing country music. “It’s a music about real life. Nothing beats a Jazz rhythm, but you cant fully express what’s happening inside your heart. Country music, now I’m talking every song, is like a 500-page novel summarized in a 3-4 minute song. After you hear a good country song, you feel as though you know that artist personally, and you feel as though you’ve known them for a very long time…now this is music. I can take any song I hear on today’s radio station, and relate to it…That’s awesome.” Paul, though a musician his whole entire life, is still only yet getting started. His dreams include the obvious…a record deal, but more so playing live with two individuals who have had a HUGE impact on his life. One being George Strait the other being a newer artist, Brad Paisley. “George, my hero without a doubt. I think a big reason being is that I relate him a lot to my dad. People look up to George as they do my dad. There’s a close resemblance. His music is the best without a doubt, he’s the king. Brad Paisley. Now I loved his sound the very minute I heard him on the radio for the first time. I said to myself, if this guy doesn’t make it, Country Music has officially taken a turn for the worse. Brad proved that traditional country music was still much alive. I cant wait to one day tell him just how much of an inspiration he has been to me.” You can now catch Paul with a new look, a new sound, and a new band. Paul will be back on the road in the spring of 2006 touring from Buffalo, NY to Rochester and in between. He’d like to thank everyone for taking the time to read his profile; we’ll have some music up soon.


Why this name?
Well, it's quite original!

Do you play live?
Yes, though in the middle of a break doing some recording. I have a new band and a new sound and we'll be getting back on the road late February.

How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
Oh my, I cant even begin to explain. The internet is an asset for any unsigned band these days. It's such a great tool. You can do all the promotion you want, from the comfort of home.

Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Yes, however certain instances might direct me towards No.

Band History:
Brand new band now so stay tuned.

Your influences?
George Strait is the biggest influence on my career. Brad Paisley as well has been an inspiration.

Favorite spot?
The Roost, Rochester NY

Where Are My Car Keys (Live) A Mike Hyden song used during Paul Cummings's 2006 Summer Tour!

Traditional Country

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