Paul Niehaus IV definitely does not wear out his welcome on his uplifting and soulful new single and video If I Stay Too Long — premiering exclusively on Tinnitist.
The title track from the Missouri singer-songwriter’s brand-new album, If I Stay Too Long deftly toes the line between pop, rock, folk, blues and soul. Grounded by a mellow groove and a sweet melody, fueled by Niehaus’s warm vocals and sincere lyrics, and topped with punchy horns and a spirit-boosting chorus, the track could be a long-lost ’70s classic from the back catalog of Jim Croce, Harry Chapin or Cat Stevens.
It’s just the first step on the a soul-stirring journey through the heartland of American music that is If I Stay Too Long. Produced by the skilled hands of Paul, alongside the esteemed executive producer Eric Luther Ingram, son of Luther Ingram, If I Stay Too Long embodies the spirit of authenticity and artistic integrity. This collaborative effort has yielded a collection of 10 captivating original tracks — each a testament to the deep-rooted traditions and innovative spirit of Americana — plus a cover of Luther Ingram’s classic I’ll Be Your Shelter.
With a tasteful blend of acoustic and electric elements, the album takes listeners on a sonic adventure. The resounding beats of the drums, the soothing melodies of the bass, the evocative interplay of the fiddle, steel drum, and horns; each instrument adds a layer of depth and nuance, creating a sonically rich experience that transports you to the heartland of American music.
Niehaus is a renowned and multi-talented musician whose artistry has already left a mark on the industry. Born with a natural gift for melody and a penchant for exploration, his musical journey began at an early age when he first picked up a guitar and discovered his passion for creating harmonious landscapes. With an insatiable curiosity and a dedication to honing his craft, he delved into various musical traditions, from blues and jazz to country and rock, amalgamating them into his own sonic tapestry.
Raised in the river city of St. Louis, Niehaus describes himself as a “Curator of the St. Louis Sound.” He studied music and folklore at Truman State University. He plays guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and more. Paul has performed as a touring musician in 46 U.S. states, plus Mexico, Canada, and a five-month stint on a cruise ship. Paul has done production work in permanent blues-oriented music exhibits in three national museums: The National Blues Museum (St. Louis), The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (Meridian), and The Museum of African American Music (Nashville).
He got his first Blues Music Award nomination (Best Rock Blues Album) for an LP he produced for Jeremiah Johnson in 2020 called Unemployed Highly Annoyed. A year later, he won his first BMA (Best Emerging Artist Album) for Dylan Triplett’s Who Is He? After producing dozens of albums for other artists over the last seven years, now he’s stepping into the spotlight.
Watch the video for If I Stay Too Long above, sample the rest of the album below, and hang out with Paul Niehaus IV on his website, Facebook and Instagram.
