Was it as a small child, when his family’s striped couch became his pretend piano, or was it a few years later when he followed his older brother onto a stool behind a drum kit? Either way, it was clear from a young age that Paul and music were going to join forces.

Fast forward a few years; a graduation from a performing arts high school, a further graduation with a Jazz Performance Honours Degree, a Performance Master’s, and then a PhD, in Higher Instrumental Popular Music Education (HIPME) and Dr P. A. Francis continues to enjoy the rollercoaster that is professional music.

His toe-tapping, infectious drum grooves have been the driving force behind artists whose credits include BB King, Amy Winehouse and James Brown, and his career has spanned live performances, studio sessions, TV, film, and stage productions. After years in a supporting role, Paul has branched out as a writer, lyricist, producer, and arranger.

Under his creative guidance, bringing together international musicians, O.W.T.O. is what happens when real musicians hit record. No smoke, no mirrors, no autotune, and no machines. Just a drive and a musical pulse that has been described as “an evolution of nostalgia,” with a studio and live feel that puts the listener at the heart of the process and a sound that makes you reach for those long-retired dancing shoes.