From co-writing songs that would eventually tie into RIAA-certified success to crafting deeply personal projects like his debut album Wetakkim, Paqx has steadily carved out his own lane as a versatile and fearless artist.
His journey spans heartfelt lyricism, raw hip-hop energy, and even bold reinterpretations of classics such as Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” which has resonated with hundreds of thousands of listeners online.
In this exclusive interview, Paqx opens up about his inspirations, the challenges of balancing production with vocals, the impact of YouTube on his artistry, and what fans can expect as he looks ahead to his next full-length album.
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Hi Paqx and thanks a lot for being here with us today! Your journey in music started long before your official debut — can you take us back to that pivotal moment when you co-wrote your first song that eventually connected to so many RIAA certifications? What did that experience teach you about the music industry?
Yeah that was an amazing and unexpected experience. What I learned about the music industry is to get a split sheet.
Your debut album Wetakkim (2020) was a deeply personal project. Looking back now, how do you feel it represents where you were at that stage in your life and artistry?
Looking back now, I see someone who was honest but just wanted better for his life. I was still figuring a lot of things out.
Tracks like “Disconnected” and “Dearmama” explore themes of vulnerability and reflection. What inspires your lyricism, and how do you approach writing songs that are both personal and relatable?
Mainly just what goes on in my head. I usually need accompanying music to help me write. I like my words to have meaning in my songs. So I just write what I know.
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In 2023, you released the instrumental =peace. What drew you to release an instrumental track, and how does producing without lyrics challenge or free your creativity?
I’ve always appreciated the piano, and the chance to compose a piece like that was a proud moment for me. For me, it’s more challenging to produce than write so I just kept going over it over and over again until it was what I wanted.
You’ve experimented across genres — from hip-hop tracks to an ‘80s-inspired cover like “Eyes Without A Face.” What motivates you to explore such diverse sounds, and do you see genre boundaries as limiting?
I like to cover songs that I really admire and I also find therapy in writing my own songs. I don’t find genre boundaries limiting but I think experimenting with so many genres may be confusing for some.
Your cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” has resonated with over half a million listeners on YouTube. What was your emotional connection to that song?
When I recorded Comfortably Numb, that was the closest thing to how I was feeling at that point in my life, except I wasn’t that comfortable, just numb, but I think that song speaks for itself and is unique to each listener.
When approaching a cover versus writing an original, how does your creative process differ? Do you aim to stay true to the source or completely reimagine it through your own lens?
I usually try to stick as close to the original sound as possible while still putting my unique interpretation on it.
Collaboration has been a recurring part of your career. How important are relationships with other songwriters, producers, and musicians in shaping your music?
I think it’s necessary for success.
Your voice has a distinctive tone that pairs powerfully with your production style. Whether it is a rap track or a melodic song like your Pink Floyd cover, how do you balance the dual roles of vocalist and producer when crafting a track?
I take a similar approach to both producing and vocalizing. I ask myself, does this sound good to the listener, note by note, track to track, as a whole.
What does storytelling mean to you as an artist, and how do you weave narrative into your music, whether through lyrics or production choices?
I don’t consider myself as much of a storyteller, but hopefully as someone who inspires with his music. So when I use words in my songs, I want to make the listener feel something, visualize, or maybe think of something new.
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Looking at your evolution from Wetakkim to your latest releases, what do you think has changed the most in your sound or artistic perspective?
I’m learning to put more emotion in my delivery and not be as monotonous. If I had to do it over, I probably would’ve produced a more uniform first album.
The music industry today is so tied to streaming and social platforms. How has YouTube and digital presence shaped your career so far, especially with the response to “Comfortably Numb”?
YouTube has helped me with all the criticism online. It made me want to improve and take it more seriously. The response to Comfortably Numb has been mostly negative, but it made me realize that people like to listen to what they’re familiar with. It’s like I got 30 original songs, but my covers are the ones that people seem to know.
Paqx, it was such a pleasure having you with us, what are your plans for the future? Can fans expect a new full-length album, more singles, or perhaps a continuation of your genre-bending explorations?
Thanks for having me. I definitely want to release another album in the near future.
Check the links below, discover more about Paqx and his music, and remember to add his song to your favorite playlists!
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