Paolo Morena: songwriting masterclass

Paolo Morena has been one of the leading lights in Chelmsford’s music scene for years. Now, he is taking the opportunity to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of songwriters. Further details below.

So, Paolo and I go back a long way. My first memory of him was when he arranged a beach gathering/party on an Essex beach somewhere back in the early nineties.

Fast forward around ten years or so. The word on the grapevine was about a secret gig he was playing with his newly formed band. Check out my review of the show below. Published, c. 2000, by Planet of Sound, Channel 4’s much-loved and sorely missed, music magazine.

From solo to band leader

PAOLO
Chelmsford Amber Sound & Light

Tonight: a word-of-mouth gig. Those attending bear witness to the arrival of a force to be reckoned with.
Paolo Morena used to be an angel-voiced solo artist. For whatever reasons, he’s now drafted in bass, guitar and drums.
Judging by tonight’s blinding show, he clearly knows best. Jeff Buckley comparisons are inevitable – Paolo are that good. Like that other Paolo, Italy football skipper Paolo Maldini, they are a class act. 8/10

View from the Void by Andrew McCulloch

So, The Morenas was born. They went on to enjoy a fantastic career from the start of the century until the teens. All the indie-rock elements were there: awesome musicians, looked great, a real gang mentality. However, they didn’t quite tip over to the mainstream.

At this point, dear listener, you are encouraged to check out The Morena’s Spotify account (https://linktr.ee/paolomorena). Groove down to ‘Jungles of Dagenham’ and be seriously impressed by the songcraft and musicianship. But then head back here, yeah?

Paolo told me about some of his favourite memories of that time.

Memories of The Morenas

Highlight #1

The Cannonball Run. The race started at Chelsea FC, went via the Paris Hilton, and finished at Monte Carlo to play at the Formula One Cafe! We won a competition on Lauren Laverne’s XFM show and drove the route branded up with XFM merch in our 1967 Chevy Caprice Hill Street Blues American cop car. We took a shortcut in the end as there was no way we were going to beat any of the supercars that were racing and we had to ensure we got there in time to play.

The police in Paris were so accommodating. Our vehicle had working lights and sirens. As we approached the city, four police bikes encircled the car. We thought we were done for. But les flics signalled to us to turn the sirens and lights on and ended up accompanying us to the Hilton. Talk about arriving in style.

The mayor of Monte Carlo was far less welcoming and met us in his fancy get-up. He asked me when we were leaving and I politely told him in a couple of days. He smiled and said he would check in just to be sure. 

Highlight #2

I always enjoyed our TV appearances. We played for Channel 4; they treated us like superstars. Riders and dressing rooms, stylists and hairdressers, it was quite something. We were on a show about the latest wave of guitar bands.

Highlight #3

Anytime we shared the stage with great artists. The Morenas played so many shows. We supported and were on the bill with Radiohead, The Beta Band, Edwin Collins, Van Morrison, Turin Breaks, just to name a few.

Paolo happy to share his songwriting skills

And, as if his credentials needed further clarification, in 2017, he was voted ‘Solo Performer of the Decade’ in the annual PANIC (formerly Performing Arts News in Chelmsford) Awards. These awards recognise outstanding contributions to music, theatre, radio, etc. in Essex.

Paolo is sharing his skills and techniques when he hosts the Absolute Beginners songwriter workshop on Saturday, 9 October 2024 at Chelmsford’s Hot Box from 11 am to 4 pm.

The class will comprise just five to six people. Participants will write a song together, arrange it using a looping station, and record a version all in one day. Attendees will also receive a digital copy of his new book Absolute Beginners Guide To Writing A Song.

To book, contact him at themightysmall99@gmail.com or calling 07427 173936.

Final thoughts

So, you’ll never get a better chance for up close and personal tuition from a master of his craft. From concept to finished recording in a day! Why not share this information with the budding songwriter in your family or friend circle?

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