OVERVIEW

‘I’m Not A Number (I’m A Free Man)’ is Paul Hooper-Keeley’s third solo single, released under his PHK moniker. A singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, he has had releases in each of the last five decades in bands such as The Threads (Unicorn Records/Prism/Twist/Detour/Biff Bang Pow/Intervallum Music), The Deep Six (Heavy Soul Records) and The Mark Three (F.A.B. Records).

On this, his third PHK solo single, Paul is joined by ‘special guest’ Tim Mitchell-Smith of The Threads on Bass, with both tracks taken from the forthcoming PHK album, ‘You Should All Be Ashamed Of Yourselves’. ‘I’m Not A Number (I’m A Free Man)’ reflects the disaffection caused by the “Groundhog Day” nature of the daily grind and the hope that one day we can break out, do our own thing, and be seen as the individuals that we are. ‘Fears Of A Clown’ is a reaction to people who put you down for doing your own thing in your own way i.e. being part of a subculture, that they don’t understand, along with the fear it causes as they reflect on their own wasted ‘regulation’ lives and their subsequent reaction to want to change you to their way.

As always, PHK’s songwriting style relies to a large degree on societal observation and injustice, certain questionable characters and an element of challenge and protest. The album will continue this theme and tackle ageism (amongst other things) in the music industry, social media trolling, manipulative behaviour, narcissistic characters, the London-centric nature of the music media and the rejection of society’s straitjacket of the rat race (and the rules, routines and norms that go with it).

Features

1) I’m Not A Number (I’m A Free Man)

2) Fears Of A Clown