Calling Nashville, TN home is Italian-American singer-songwriter, Vinnie Paolizzi.
For those unfamiliar with the singer-songwriter, he has over a decade of songwriting experience to his name, has been the guitarist for American country star, Brittney Spencer and has shared a songwriting round with none other than Dean Dillon. In November of last year, the singer-songwriter released his self-titled, debut full-length album, The Vinnie Paolizzi LP— a 10-track project that introduces him and pays homage to the old Music Row.
Recently, I spoke with Paolizzi about how he got his start in music, his debut record and more.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with you and your music, can you tell us a bit more about how you got your start in music? Why did you decide to pursue a more traditional sound?
Vinnie Paolizzi: I grew up outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a set of parents who loved listening to 70’s rock music–so I’ve always gravitated towards old school recordings. They weren’t musicians, but they really loved great songs and kept music on in our house all the time. I told my sister to ask for a guitar for Christmas when I was 12 and I immediately stole it and started writing songs. I moved to Nashville at 23 in 2018 with no plan except to play music as much as possible.
Kyla Pearson: What is the primary message you wish to share through your music? Why is this message important to you?
Vinnie Paolizzi: Honesty is a huge part of my music and my life. Keeping myself honest and telling stories that get a feeling across with no frills is always my goal when I sit down to write.
Kyla Pearson: Last November, you released your debut, self-titled album, The Vinnie Paolizzi LP-- a project that not only introduces you as an artist but also honours the old Music Row and “hayday” of Nashville. Can you tell us a bit more about the project as a whole?
Vinnie Paolizzi: “The first LP and the 10 songs I chose, reference growing up in the Springsteen-Belt and moving to Nashville in the 21st century. The record answers the age-old question, what happens when a kid raised on Classic Rock and Chicken Parmesan in the northeast moves south and tries to find his way?” (Paolizzi, 1).
Kyla Pearson: Community is a central part of Italian culture and the country music industry (especially in Nashville). You’ve previously stated that you embrace community and collaboration, instead of “going it alone”. How has this approach/mindset helped set you up for success as a singer-songwriter and helped bring this album to life ?
Vinnie Paolizzi: I was very lucky to move to Nashville around the same time as some other incredible songwriters. We have all set out on different paths and none of us really sound the same but we love writing together and playing shows.
“Love and time were two crucial elements of writing and recording this record. In Italian cooking as in songwriting, nothing worthwhile is rushed and I made this record one ingredient at a time, as I could afford it with favors and friends all over town, I appreciate all of them and I hope the love and care that went into this project comes across to everyone listening” (Paolizzi, 2).
Kyla Pearson: Now that the album is finally out in the world, how does it feel to finally see it all come together? How would you say the album (and the singles off it) demonstrates your growth both as an artist and songwriter from your past releases?
Vinnie Paolizzi: Sonically, this album is a huge step forward for me and the process was long but so worth it. All of the songs mean so much to me and I’m so proud of the performance we captured. Hopefully, fans can see that my style is growing up and staying close to “classic” as possible.
Kyla Pearson: According to you, what would be the ideal setting for fans to listen to the album in order to fully experience it?
Vinnie Paolizzi: Long car rides have long been the place for great music, this album is no different.
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, do you have any upcoming shows where fans can hear you play the tracks off of the album live?
Vinnie Paolizzi: Touring this fall throughout the US!
The Vinnie Paolizzi LP Tracklist:
- “Proud of What I did Today” (Vinnie Paolizzi, Derek Bahr, Chase McDaniel)
- “Something We Said”(Vinnie Paolizzi, Colton Venner, Ryan Nelson)
- “Left My Heart Behind”(Vinnie Paolizzi, Meg McRee, Nate Fredrick)
- “If It Would Only Rain” (Vinnie Paolizzi, Adam Hood)
- “Cairo” (Vinnie Paolizzi)
- “As Far As Goodbyes Go”(Vinnie Paolizzi and Bryan Frazier)
- “Johnny Was A Baptist” (Vinnie Paolizzi and Tyler Halverson)
- “It Ain’t Easy” (Vinnie Paolizzi and Ben Chapman)
- “Blame It On The Ivy” (Vinnie Paolizzi and Derik Hultquist)
- “Ahead of Me”(Vinnie Paolizzi and Ben Danaher)
*Produced by Mike Harris
Listen to The Vinnie Paolizzi LP Now:
Stay up to Date with Vinnie Paolizzi:
Paolizzi, Vinnie. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Feb 28 2024.
Paolizzi, Vinnie. “Vinnie Paolizzi LP Project Bio.” N.d, pp. 1-2, PDF. Accessed May 1 2024.
Unknown. “Featured: singer-songwriter, Vinnie Paolizzi.”. Accessed May 1 2024.