Meet Pauli The PSM, the man behind your favourite tracks

Drummer, musical director, DJ, composer, producer and recording artist Pauli Lovejoy, aka Pauli The PSM, has collaborated with top talents from Harry Styles and Maggie Rogers to Gorillaz and FKA twigs.

Since spending more than a decade creating and collaborating with the best, Pauli has cemented a reputation as one of the ‘Top 100 Drummers in the World’, with composer credits on the YouTube Originals show Black Renaissance featuring Michelle and Barack Obama, his own sold-out live shows, and most recently a role as musical director for Harry Styles’ Love On Tour. Pauli has three wildly successful EPs of his own too, including Secret Life Of A Badman Vol. 2, featuring tracks that landed on The FADER’s list of ‘10 Songs You Need In Your Life’. 

Ahead of his show at Soho House Chicago, we spoke to Pauli about his highly specific pre-stage ritual, his top musical influences, and the artists that excite him right now.

What was the first album you ever loved? 
‘Big Willie Style, Will Smith.’

What’s your ultimate comfort track?
‘In the morning, “Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness. And in the evening, “Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk.

‘But my most listened to song is “Stoner Hill” by Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band. It just does something to me, it gets me in my feels every time.’

Do you ever listen to your own music? And if so, which track means the most to you and why?
‘My ambient record Offair: The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind Vol 1: Space. It’s an escape and wonderful to fall asleep to.’

Who are your key musical influences?
‘Sun Ra – just watch Space Is The Place and it will all make sense.’

Favourite artist you’ve ever seen live? 
‘Tye Tribbett, he’s like the gospel James Brown [laughs]. Don’t quote me on that.’

Favourite city to perform in? 
‘I just played my first headline solo show at Schubas in Chicago. I can’t lie… that was up there.’

Favourite Soho House? (other than Chicago, of course)
‘Babington House is a nice retreat. I like how its off the beaten track. You can wander for hours and really get lost in the magical vibrations of the English countryside.’

If you had to pick a soundtrack to your life, what would it be?
‘“Love Is Everywhere” by Pharoah Sanders.’

Name the artist you’re most excited about right now.
‘Yellowtechnica out of Brooklyn, New York – he’s opened for me on a couple of shows and his visuals are out of this world. Also, Imjesshu out of LA. I produced her debut EP, which comes out soon.

‘And Biako, who is also out of LA. His debut album is definitely in my 2023 albums of the year. He writes songs I wish I had written.’

What’s your pre-performance ritual?
‘Burn some Flybrations incense and watch SpongeBob SquarePants re-runs.’ 


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