In this episode of The Bandwidth Project, I sit down with multi-talented musician Paul Streichan (@paulstreichan) to talk about his journey through music, from busking on the streets to playing in multiple bands. We explore his experiences studying contemporary music, his deep dive into funk and improv, and how mindfulness influences his creative process. Paul shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, building a consistent practice, and balancing personal artistry with audience perception.

We also discuss:

• The psychology of music and memory
• The power of saying yes to opportunities
• How improvisation can shape your musicianship

More about Paul:

Hi, I'm Paul, I like heights, blue, music and easting tasteful fruit, especially berries. I am born in raised in central Oregon and I am studying music at Oregon State University with hopes of pursuing a master’s degree in contemporary music. I dream of one day living in a bungalow on the white sand beaches of Mexico. I write, record, produce and engineer most of all my original music with help from some of my closest friends and I currently play music in a few different bands around town. One is The Rum Peppers, a high-octane rock group fronted by one of my best friends Zeus Guelfex. Another group I play in is Electric Street Sign, a country southern rock band started out of a passion for busking (street performing) with another one of my best friends Joe Martin. One other group I play in is Monkey Mode, a jazz fusion funk group with long impromptu solos and interpretive space jams led by another one of my best friends Andrew Bell. Music is and always will be something to me that creates magic in an empty room or street corner. I have met some of the most interesting and beautiful people playing music and getting involved in the wonderful community of Bend. I have more future in front of me than past and because of this realization, I feel extremely optimistic of the wonderful opportunity’s life has in store. I will continue putting music from my heart out into the world and I look forward to meeting more people on the path to peace, joy, and liberation.