Paige Blue
Paige Blue is a songwriter/producer/mixer from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Focusing on pop, alternative and urban music, the Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist is published by Downtown Music Publishing and Tony Esterly/PFMH Music.
Blue recently co-wrote and co-produced Lo’s latest single “Mantra”, and co-produced “Naked” and her upcoming single “Mosaic.” She also co-wrote Kat Saul’s latest single “Middle Name”, released on January 28th.
In addition to her songwriting/production work, Blue is the lead singer of indie band All Talk. Their song “Wrap It Up” was featured in Sephora’s 2019 holiday campaign as well as Freeform’s Christmas movie “No Sleep Til Christmas”.
Blue’s music has been heard in many film, commercial and promo placements with Sony, Disney, PBS/AOL Initiative, CBS Films, Magnolia Pictures, Future You Pictures, ABC, Freeform, CMT, MTV, and more.
Photo credit: Ryan Nolan
Introduce yourself - Where are you from?
Hi! I’m Paige Blue. I’m a record producer, mixer and songwriter living in Nashville, TN. I moved here 4 years ago from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
What's your story?
I was born and raised in Sioux Falls on an acreage surrounded by cornfields. I loved animals, music, and having bonfires. It was a pretty typical midwestern upbringing. I went to a public school that had a great band program. Music education played a very important role in my life.
Could you tell us a little bit about your childhood? Any favorite childhood memories?
My dad was a stock car driver. We would go to the race track every Friday, Saturday, and most Sundays to watch him and cheer him on. That along with South Dakota snow days are some of my favorite memories.
When did you start feeling connected to music?
Definitely through my older brother Jesse. He’s 4 years older than me. When he wasn’t drumming in his rock band, he was recording by himself to tape in his bed room. He plays so many instruments. And well, might I add. I always wanted to copy him in whatever he did.
What did you grow up listening to?
My mom is a Mississippi woman so she listened to all the big female country stars of the 90s- Faith, Martina, Reba, and a whole lot of Shania Twain. My dad listened to more garage rock. I grew up thinking CCR meant Cross Canadian Ragweed (haha).
I was influenced a lot by what my older brother and sister listened to. They would give me mix CDs which were very ska/punk rock based- Fastball, MxPx, New Found Glory, Alien Ant Farm, etc.
When did you start making music?
I started playing piano when I was 8, then drums when I was 12. That’s when I began writing music as well.
At what point did you decide to pursue music as a career?
Right when I graduated high school I started drumming, writing and touring with an alt rock band. I knew I wanted to pursue music full time and this opportunity presented itself to me just in time to avoid college. No regrets there.
Could you tell us about your first experience in the music industry? What lessons did you learn since then?
The band experience taught me a lot. Mostly that I didn’t want to tour in a band. Since then I’ve learned SO MUCH. But the biggest take aways are these: no one will work harder for you than you. And that having a good attorney is important.
Could you tell us about your latest released project(s)?
I’ve been working a lot with 2 Nashville based pop artists, Lo and Kat Saul. I co-wrote and co-produced Lo’s single Mantra with her. When we produce together, we go by GIRLZ. We also co-produced her singles Naked and her upcoming single Mosaic. I co-wrote and co-produced Kat Saul’s single Nick Miller as well as co-wrote her last single Middle Name.
I also front a band called All Talk. We have a song called Wrap It Up that we released back in November. It was featured in Sephora’s 2019 holiday campaign as well as Freeform’s Christmas movie “No Sleep Til Christmas”.
Co-written by Paige Blue.
What are you the things you are looking for when working with artists?
I find myself drawn to quirk and talent. I want an artist who’s willing to push boundaries. Someone who isn’t chasing a current sound. Someone is forging their own path. And I particularly love great songwriters. Artists who are great writers have so much more power when it comes to identity and the expression of it.
What appeals you the most about songwriting?
Self expression.
You are also a producer. What equipments and softwares do you usually use?
I produce in Logic Pro X with an Apollo x8p interface. I’m constantly downloading and trying new software and plugins but always have my real instruments on hand- drums, bass, and guitars.
What's the hardest thing about being a producer? What's the best thing?
The hardest and best things are usually one in the same- pushing boundaries with sounds and creating something original while also creating what the artist envisions. That’s the sweet spot.
Co-produced by Paige Blue.
In your opinion, what makes a good song?
I truly believe that it’s a blend of music, melody and lyrics. Every piece and they way they work together is so important. But alas, I am a lyric listener first. So if the lyric is basic or doesn’t make sense, I (with some exceptions) don’t care for the song.
What advices would you give to anyone who'd like to pursue music as a career?
Get a good attorney and work really fucking hard.
What do you like the most about Nashville? Any local artist(s you'd like to recommend?
I love the community here. It’s so collaborative and supportive. I’ll give another shoutout here to my favorite local artists Lo and Kat Saul.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
It sounds simple, but people treating each other better would be a good place to start.
What are your goals for 2019?
I have numerical work goals in mind as far as how many artist releases and film/tv syncs I am shooting for this year. But outside of occupational goals, I want to read 52 books this year.
As an artist and as a human being, what biggest lessons have you learned so far?
Don’t cater yourself to other people’s expectations. Be you to the fullest fucking extent with no apologies.
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