Increasingly a favourite of ours, Nathaniel Paul is back with something a little different: a one-take acoustic performance recorded live inside the iconic Leighton Concert Hall at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame, it’s called It’s All Blue.

By Graeme Smith

Paul’s new single strips things right back for an intimate acoustic live performance. It’s his sound at its most distilled, giving us gently plucked acoustic guitar, flashes of harmonica and, as ever, Paul’s soul-stirring vocals. The minimalism of it gives plenty of space to his lyrics, which are rich with philosophy and a tempered hopefulness. Ultimately, it’s a feelgood number, but perhaps for one who likes to keep it real.

“In a world of filters, this song is the opposite,” says Paul. “It’s not perfect—but it’s honest. I wanted to show what one voice and one guitar really sound like in a sacred space built for sound.”

The single will feature on Nathaniel Paul’s upcoming full-length album currently in production in collaboration with the Notre Dame Children’s Choir.

Recorded with 18 microphones in a single uninterrupted take, It’s All Blue is out now. You can give it a listen below.