Paul Nourigat learns not to takes love for granted in his bittersweet new single and video Assumed It Would Happen — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The third preview of the singer-songwriter’s fifth Americana album Smiles That Pass By, Assumed It Would Happen hits the spot between country and folk with strummed acoustic guitars, lonesome pedal steel, and plaintive vocals about appreciating what you have and living in the moment. “There have been multiple points in my life when I was with someone special, enjoying a magical moment I assumed would happen again, but did not,” he says. “I’m closer to my end than my beginning, and have learned to relish each moment, while thankful for memories of times past.”
Nourigat had been a “musical bystander” his whole life. Five years ago, however, he picked up a guitar and five thoughtfully themed albums later he hasn’t looked back. With steely determination and no formal musical training, Paul learned to play ukulele, guitar, sing, write songs and produce.
Today he has a richly diverse catalog of songs that traverse folk, country, rock, and blues. The Portland, Oregon artist’s album Smiles That Pass By, due May 17, stands out in his oeuvre for being his most uplifting and empowering. It features 10 original songs brimming with universally resonant personal stories and a-ha moments, reaching across genres and generations. “I’m at a point in life where I’m compelled to share what’s on my mind,” says Paul. “Having experienced many highs and lows, I’ve come out of the extremes stronger for the experiences, which is the essence of the lyrics for each song on Smiles That Pass By.”
Paul’s broad sweep of the Americana landscape recalls such artists as Slaid Cleaves, Guy Clark, The Lumineers and Jim Lauderdale. Each of his songs occupies its own unique roots-flavored world, and Paul, with his producer and guitarist extraordinaire Adam Selzer, curate just the right mix of musicians for the personality of each track.
At the heart of Paul’s songs is his life. Growing up, his family moved around internationally and nationally as a result of his father’s military career, and he lived in 12 homes by the time he graduated high school. This transient existence forced his sense of independence and mindfulness of the world around him. Just after high school, he survived a brutal and humbling motorcycle accident that claimed a few digits on his shattered hands, after which he discounted playing musical instruments. That is, until his wife of 40 years signed him up for a group ukulele session, which led to guitars, writing over 150 songs, and the rest is history.
“My songs speak to people who want to hear stories,” Paul says. He crafts each album with well-developed overarching themes, and each song features narratives with classic story arcs, including sweet resolutions.
Watch the video for Just Assumed It Would Happen above, hear more from Paul Nourigat below, and find him on his website, Facebook and Instagram.
