Welsh Wolf – The SoCal Sound Session on The Soundtrack with Lev L Spiro
The SoCal Sound and The Soundtrack welcomed a dynamic full band in studio performance from Welsh Wolf, fronted by the effortlessly charismatic singer-songwriter Paul Freeman. Long-time and deep SoCal Sound followers might remember Paul performing with a previous project 100 Year War at our satellite studio that was once at Westfield Topanga (a stage that once also hosted performances from Pearl Charles, Wynona Judd, Kaleo, Loyal Lobos, and more). Paul is more well known for his work opening for legendary acts like The Who, Joe Cocker, and Chris Cornell; Freeman brought heartfelt songwriting and lived=in storytelling to this intimate set hosted by Lev L. Spiro.
You can listen to The SoCal Sound locally in Southern California on 88.5FM, stream online, or through the free SoCal Sound App! Available for apple and android devices!
Freeman gave the audience a preview of the songs from the new EP A Voyeur’s Dream, which is an amalgam of personal reflections, vivid nostalgia, all with the cinematic songwriting that made it fit perfectly into this radio show focused on music for cinema.
Welsh Wolf performed 3 songs live in studio:
Freeman also talked to Lev about his journey from a teenager leaving home in Wales, to a London carpet fitter by day and bandmate by night, which ultimately led to an acclaimed solo artist and sought-after touring partner. With a refreshing lack of pretense and a wry sense of humor, he spoke about the inspiration behind his work, the joys of touring:
"I actually tour, and my favorite part of doing this, yeah, to see the instant reaction of something you've created is like, that's that's my favorite. That's my favorite part of it. Because, you know, you go into the studio and you can make it sound shiny and new and, and great, but there's no feedback, we play it to your friends and you hope they like it. But when you have it in front of a live audience that doesn't know who you are, and I feel like that's the tail. So being kind of there was a few years there where I felt like I was just the perpetual opener for people, which was really kind of fun because you could see a brand new audience every night that you have to win over."
He goes on to further discuss more like producing young talent, and even serenading his wife while she does her makeup — one such serenade led to a song featured in Marvel’s Jessica Jones.
The session also gave listeners a chance to meet Freeman’s wife, actress Erin Cahill, who joined the conversation and offered insights into their partnership and creative lives.
As Welsh Wolf steps into this exciting new chapter, Paul Freeman’s songwriting continues to bridge eras and genres — from his early days influenced by Springsteen and McCartney, to the expansive, cinematic spirit of A Voyeur’s Dream.
A Voyeur's Dream is available now
The SoCal Sound Sessions, interviews, and performances are filmed and edited by Matt Blake, recorded and mixed by Tristan Dolce.
Public Radio and Public Media thrives because of listeners like you! Sessions with musical artists like Pearl Charles are only possible with your support. Please consider going from passive lister/watcher, and elevating your commitment to The SoCal Sound by becoming a donating member!
If you loved this session, and want to see more like it, consider donating to The SoCal Sound. Help us continue to bring world-class artists into your world, support the spirit of independent public radio.