Remorse and regret show some wisdom getting through / Turning my heart a paler blue

- A Paler Blue, Paul Felton

East Nashville’s poet, songwriter, and leader of song circles, Paul Felton, confesses that at 58 years old, he cried when he learned to strum string instruments, playing and singing for the first time Patti Griffin’s song, “Long Ride Home.” Growing up in Mechanicsburg, PA, Felton knew he had a way with the written word early on, and was regularly exposed to the symphony orchestra early, played clarinet and alto sax in high school, where he stumbled into a music theory course, but hadn’t yet experienced being in bands or singing and playing an instrument for an audience. Felton laughs, “You can’t sing and play woodwinds at the same time! Moving to Nashville made me a songwriter. You get infected, if you have the soul for it.”

Take me anywhere but here / Let me make it crystal clear / There are places much lonelier than Heartbreak Hotel / We may land on something true, maybe I can rescue you, or maybe you’ll just join me where I dwell / Two doors down from hell.

- Two Doors Down From Hell, Paul Felton

The story of Paul Felton’s new album, All Over the Place set for release in 2026, unfolds well past majoring in music education at Austin Peay State University. After a decade in theater in Nashville, writing poetry led to an interest in local songwriters and becoming part of a thriving community of artists. And while his new album is not a “country” album, the years leading up to this collection of songs involved thoughtful connection to traditional country music songwriting. “The songs we music majors used to make fun of are actually rock solid expressions of pure humanity. It’s all in the lyrics, riding over poignant melodies. The songs and stories resonate with something universal.” 

Felton’s passion for poetry and songwriting was fueled by showing up for other artists’ performances and seeking inspiration and community. As a frequent patron of songwriter rounds at Belcourt Taps, one night as Felton was listening (and healing a broken heart) from the bar, he became inspired to write a song right there in that moment. He later sent that song to the host, which ultimately lead to Felton’s first show and then a standing series, Americana Junction, that he hosted. 

You can hear the East Nashville influence all throughout Felton’s new album, which leans into emotional lyricism and blending musical genres like Americana, folk and jazz. In 2023, Felton discovered and started working with producer, multi-instrumentalist, engineer, Kenny Schick, to record 11 tracks. Playing the majority of the instruments, Schick particularly shines with his warm electric guitar tones and melodies throughout the album. Paired with Felton’s concise and poetically direct lyrics and his lilting, soft vocal approach, the result is a sound that feels as “homey" as a vinyl record spinning in the living room on a Sunday afternoon. 

These precious things we share, are they really all that rare...is it for real, this love we seem to feel, or a trick for trying to ease our lonely hearts

- Precious Things, Paul Felton

For many who reside and participate in the unique East Nashville community of artists, Paul Felton is a friend, fellow artist and leader of inspiration. He is known for hosting songwriter jams and meditations. All Over the Place is the product of many years living among and connecting with song and art-centric creatives. While the songs take the listener through concepts of trust, heartbreak, and the pain of the world, Felton provides the light needed to process hardships into ultimate love and acceptance, and joyfully sings, “Floating around with my feet off the ground,” in the jazzy track, “Dancin’ All Over the Place.”