“Strange Summer” is Allen Paris’s first single from his EP “Glow” dropping this month. Paris’s ethereal vibes and his kaleidoscope of sounds will have you intrigued.
This song sounds like pool parties that start one afternoon and end the following morning; nights full of blurry Instagram stories with friends for evidence of a good time; like having the time of your life with complete strangers that you will never meet again. Anyone who has experienced these party moments knows that a “Strange Summer” is exactly what the world needs right now.
Follow Allen @itsallenparis
Hi Allen, please tell us a little about you.
Loving, outgoing, people person, loyal, lives with integrity, father, golfer, respectful, strong God-fearing truth seeker.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Loyal, funny, and intelligent.
How did you get in the industry?
My musical journey started at a very young age, I’d say 8 years old doing talent shows and being in school choirs throughout elementary and Jr High school. Once I started HS I was a part of an elite singing group called The WescovAires which was best of the best. While doing so I started a singing group called 4 Blend with 3 of my friends, which was renamed CAJ due to one of the members dropping out. With CAJ we reached as far as being produced by R. Kelly’s cousin Melvin Kelly and at the time I thought that was pretty cool. But as time went on things didn’t transpire as we thought they would, so with age we decided to end the group and go separate ways. I couldn’t leave music alone once I was able to experience a musical career outside of school, so I began my solo career shortly after graduating, which landed me in multiple recording contracts throughout the years. I worked all the way up to being a Warner Bros recording artist, which was definitely the highlight of my career in those times. It’s why I have continued with music till this day and excited to share my musical talents with the world.
Describe your sound in 3 words.
My sound is a multitude of influences so to put it in 3 words is tough. But I’d say it’s a rhythmic, easy to the ear, inspirational sound.
Who influenced you?
My influences at a young age were groups like Kriss Kross, The Boys, Mint Condition and of course the late great Michael Jackson to name a few.
Do you play any instruments?
I do not play any instruments fluently, but I love to try and think I know how to play guitar and drums. Soon I hope to be able to say confidently ‘YES I play the guitar.’
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes – almost every time I either have to speak in public or sing. But I believe being nervous is just part of the human senses allowing us to feel more alive in certain moments. I’ve learned to channel the nerves into strengths and positivity before a show or major interview; so far I’ve been okay.
Tell us about your new single “Strange Summer.” What’s the story behind this song?
“Strange Summer” came very naturally between my producer Fingazz and I as we were searching/preparing to create a summer record. The story behind it was majorly due to the unfortunate COVID lockdown which came with so many other left-field situations that were not previously part of everyday life. To make a feel-good record with the idea of it being a Strange Summer was inspiring to me.
What’s the story behind your upcoming EP “GLOW?”
GLOW is most likely my best body of work to date. So complex but yet so pleasant at the same time, first album I was able to really home in on my MJ inspired vocal talents which was a feeling I rarely got to explore or give myself with other previous albums or songs. Truly can’t wait for the world to hear what we’ve done.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? What’s not?
The creation part is the best aspect of being a recording artist in my opinion. Coming in with an idea and then creating that idea from scratch into an amazing piece of musical art is unfathomable to me but we seem to hit the mark every time and that is the best feeling ever! I would say the least favorite aspect of being a singer/songwriter is the assumption I’m always in the mood to sing for anything or anyone, definitely have a sour taste for the random “Allen can you sing for us” situations.
What are five things you can’t live without?
Can’t live without God, my children, food, (of course) water, and integrity.
What’s next for Allen Paris in 2021?
I honestly don’t think about what’s next for me. I’m a go with the flow type of individual who’s always praying for the best quality of life God can provide for me.
What’s your favorite song and why?
I don’t have a favorite song. I love all my songs as if they were my favorites.
What book should every artist read?
The Quran.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Thankfully I haven’t had to make any in the recent months. God is good.
Any loves other than music?
Yes – being a father, cardio and Golf.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Michael Jackson, so I could ask him so many questions on life and the industry and show him some of my music to get his personal feedback. That would have been a dream. Rest in Peace to the KING.
Best advice ever given?
Stay humble, stay patient, stay true.
How’s your typical day?
Typical day would be to do some cardio, eat a light breakfast, go out and either sell my product which are Michelada cups I produce and sell with 2 other childhood friends called The Gold Michi Co. Or play a round of golf and then come home spend some time with the family, eat some dinner and watch a good move or TV show.
Name one of your strengths.
My strengths are that I’m very adaptive to anything in life. Not afraid to speak my mind as well as helping other do the same. I love people and life itself, I feel I can pretty much do anything and if seem to not be able to I will figure it out some way or the other.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Perfect Sunday would be to just stay home with my family and enjoy the day with whatever it brings.
Favorite karaoke song?
I don’t do karaoke
What is your own definition of happiness?
God is my happiness
Do you support any charities?
No charities at the moment but would love to support and donate to anything that has to do with children, as they are our future.
What is your favorite healthy food? Favorite cheat food?
Fav health food would be a perfectly cooked chicken breast and broccoli. Fav cheat food would be so many it’s tough to filter that in one lol, but a good medium rare steak from Fleming’s would be a start.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
First date deal breaker would be bad teeth.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to see myself alive in 5 years lol. Anything else wouldn’t matter if I’m not, right?
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion is however I’m feeling that day and according to the event if that’s what’s on the table. But I’m more of a tee shirt, shorts, hat with some clean kicks kind of guy on a daily. But I can also jump into the Rockstar mode if need be with hair down, fitted jeans, some sort of boots and possible fav leather jacket I’ve had for over 8-9 years now.
What do you think of social media?
I think social media ruined an entire generation in my opinion, there’s rarely anymore in person communication. It’s all about our phones these days which is sad, but I do understand that it’s very useful for many people in many ways, especially the ability to connect with someone in an instant across the world. This is why it’s become important/mandatory for artists like myself to have – in that aspect I think it’s great.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on all platforms under @ItsAllenParis Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Favorite movie: Fav movie is the The Lost Boys & Goonie’s among many others, imma movie freak! Lol
Favorite Travel Destination: Well I haven’t traveled to all my bucket list destinations just yet, but out of all that I have been able to thus far I’d have to say Cancun.
Favorite Sports team: No favorite sports team.
Quote: “Live life like it’s your last, love as much as you can and do you best to not regret your decisions or mistakes, as those are the keys to your own story and make you who you are. God is the greatest!”
