For some time there has been a buzz about Paul Costa’s rapid rise in Australian country music. Now he’s set to shine in the mainstream spotlight, as his latest album RESTORATION highlights his growing renown as one of Australia’s leading song interpreters. Paul had been on the scene for some years, playing with his brother Don in the popular Costa Brothers duo, but when he stepped out in 2004 and released his debut solo album WALKIN’ IN THESE SHOES, three top 10 hit singles came in quick succession – “House of Mirrors”, “It’s Good To Be Me” and “I Think I Like It”. A string of awards quickly followed. By the time his second album was released, Paul was being named 2006 Independent Artist of the Year; Australia’s biggest independent record company, Shock Records, had picked him up; and observers were particularly noting his astute song choices. Although he hails from Victoria’s Mallee region, and still lives on the Murray River in the picturesque town of Robinvale, Paul’s influences came from further afield.

Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash were mainstays of Paul’s listening, along with George Strait and the south-of-the-border Latino-tinged country/blues/jazz style of The Mavericks. Paul’s own vocal prowess points to these and other influences, while remaining markedly individual, and drawing great critical acclaim.

Working with award-winning producer Rod McCormack, who has a great knack for finding the best songs for his artists’ talents, Paul sang original works on WALKIN’ IN THESE SHOES, three of which he co-wrote.

But Paul and Rod’s choice to record existing songs by classic, iconic songwriters across several musical genres on Paul’s second album RESTORATION was ingenious. “I wanted an album packed with really good songs,” Paul said. “The first album was an introduction to what I do musically, but this time I wanted to focus my ability to interpret a song – to convey the emotion and meaning in a fresh, powerful way.”

Paul breathes new life into tracks from some legendary songwriters and performers. A highlight of the album is “The Way You Make Me Feel”, a duet with bright young country artist Aleyce Simmonds. The powerful song, co-written by Bryan Adams and performed by Ronan Keating, was an instant radio and CMC hit. “We figured Ronan Keating had sung a lot of country songs, so we’d turn the tables with this one,” Paul said.

On the second single from RESTORATION, “A Lover’s Question”, Paul gives a heartfelt yet playful rendition of the Brook Benton/Jerry Williams R&B/pop hit. With songs from Mickey Newbury, Tim Hardin and Merle Haggard also included on the album, Paul’s skills are given full vent as he works each song to bring out his own distinctive personality.

Add to the mix some seriously smouldering good looks and a down-to-earth attitude, and it’s no wonder Paul is already making serious headway on TV, radio and on the road. With an avid fan base and a growing collection of awards, Paul Costa is definitely the artist to be keeping an eye on in 2007.

“A warm honest voice full of genuine passion… If you haven’t heard of Paul Costa, do yourself a favour and have a listen.” – Deborah Minter, Capital News

PAUL COSTA’S AWARDS TO DATE:

Victorian & National Country Music Awards, 2007
Entertainer of the Year
Male Vocalist
Victorian Album of the Year
Smoky Dawson Best Independent Release
Duet of the Year (with Aleyce Simmonds)

Australian Independent Country Music Awards, 2006
Australian Independent Artist of the Year

Victorian & National Country Music Awards, 2006
Victorian Album of the Year

TIARA (Tamworth Independent Artist Recognition Awards), 2006
Songwriter of the Year

CMAA Golden Guitar Awards
Finalist – New Talent

Australian Country Recording Awards, 2005
Male Vocalist of the Year

www.paulcosta.com.au
www.myspace.com/paulcostamusic

Media contact: Debbie Kruger – Kruger PRofiles
02 6684 7419 0412 405 704 pr@debbiekruger.com

Paul Costa Management
Phone (03) 5026 4169 Mobile 0428264169
P.O. Box 22 Robinvale Victoria 3549 Australia
Web Site http://www.paulcosta.com.au
Email: pcosta@iinet.net.au