Paul George is a talent manager at Los Angeles-based management company, Podwall Entertainment, where he represents clients across music, television, and film.

Starting his career at RCA Records/Sony Music in business development, he has since worked in various capacities directly with artists and groups including Maroon 5, Sara Bareilles, NSYNC, and Dallas Austin.  Currently he and company president Eric Podwall oversee management for the company’s wide range of talent including actors, artists, songwriters, producers, and creative directors.

Here's our recent chat with Paul to discuss his favourite recent campaigns and talk about the overlaps between visual creativity and music.

I’m currently working on a wide range of initiatives throughout music, television, and wellness. This past year has allowed me to exercise some creative muscles I have left dormant. In addition to providing management services for an extremely talented roster of artists, actors, songwriters, and producers, I am co-developing some exciting content for television. 

On a personal level, I’ve witnessed the impact sound healing can have on your overall wellness, and with my wife, I’m excited to share an outside project we are working on together in the near future that bridges her passion for sound healing and my passion for music. I am a creator at heart and find my vocation in helping others reach their full creative potential. A big thank you to Creative Commission for allowing artists to do the same through their vast network of creatives.

I'M LOVING

Creatively at the moment I’m loving this latest intersection between tech and art.

Whether the NFT rush is a fast-inflating bubble about to burst, or in fact a marketplace culture that’s here to stay, at the very least it should be treated as a catalyst for thought about how we can create larger value for content creators. I have enjoyed the conversations and education over the last few months, and while I meet these conversations with many questions, to ignore what’s happening will continue to keep the entertainment industry’s reputation for remaining behind the curve on historical digital advancements. 

Although this technology is still relatively in its infancy, blockchain technology is already offering promising prospects for the future of art and commerce. Education is key during these times. Learn, discuss, but more importantly, don’t be late.

FAVOURITE VIDEO

My all-time favourite music video is Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. 

Perhaps for the nostalgia now, but at the time more for what grunge-rock represented as a whole. As a kid who grew up in the 90’s, MTV had an immense influence on pop culture, and this video in particular freezes a moment in time for me. I was captivated by the grungy look, cult-like feel, and anti-conforming message of the video in an age where rebellion through music was the voice for many apathetic kids. 

Made on what was considered a shoestring budget at the time, it’s lived on as one of the most memorable visuals in music history in my eyes. For some real nostalgia, below you'll find the original casting call Cobain and the band personally handed out at The Roxy in LA after a performance, the night before the video was shot.

BEST ARTWORK

I’ve always loved the album art for Common’s Like Water for Chocolate. 

The chosen photo and title left a forever impact on me, and when diving in to the lyrical content of the album, opened me up to a whole new stream of consciousness. Released in 2000, I was fifteen years old at the time. This album as a whole helped shape my social conscience in what were very influential years, especially living in suburban America. Common has always provided the necessary food for intellectual and artistic thought. To this date, The Light remains one of my all-time favorites. Soulquarians live on!

FRESHEST CAMPAIGN

The best creative campaign this past year has progressed into a movement, and one I am proud to stand with. #BlackLivesMatter. 

In an overly manipulated and agenda-focused corporate media landscape, it’s been invigorating to see the power social media can have on implementing real positive change, especially amidst a global pandemic. The mobilization of global support in this movement caused significant and what we all hope are lasting changes across various racial, political, social, corporate, educational, and entertainment sectors. It is my hope that artists and corporations continue to prioritize justice, respect, and equality for all in their true ethos. 

As Nina Turner, president of Our Revolution stated, “campaigns end, revolutions endure.” It’s our moral obligation to push and make this world better for the next generations, and we can only do so by continuing to address the inequities of the past and today. Music has historically been a driving force in the expression of oppression, and we should continue to look to music and art as a beacon of hope for a more collective and inclusive society.

BEST COLLABORATION

The most recent brand collab that caught my eye is Ricky Regal (Bruno Mars) x Lacoste. 

Although early in the campaign, the artistic correlation is proving to be a perfect extension of the music that’s forthcoming from Bruno and counterpart Anderson Paak (now formally known as Silk City). Creative Director Louise Trotter gave Bruno full authority to design a lifestyle collection around this alter ego “Ricky Regal” that will sure play a big role in the success of the upcoming full-length project. 

Using fashion as a status symbol is nothing new, but this collab is unique to me in the fact that Bruno is creating a whole world for the music he and Anderson will be releasing. Just as the first single personified, a balance of retro sport and luxury. Let me get that track suit, Ricky!

VIDEO OF THE YEAR 

For me, the most creative and original music video of the year is sad day by FKA Twigs, directed by Hiro Murai. I am a huge admirer of Tahliah’s creativity and genre-bending techniques across music and dance. It makes sense that Murai directed this visually captivating piece, as you may also be familiar with another video he directed, Childish Gambino’s This Is America.

LOGO LOVE

I wish I’d designed the artist logo for The Rolling Stones – the Hot Lips Logo. Universally recognized as a symbol representing anti-authoritarian attitude and sexual expression, Jagger wanted something to stand the test of time. Well, mission accomplished. Not bad for a a third-year university student named John Pasche.

GO FOLLOW

The one artist you should follow on Instagram is British virtuosic pianist, songwriter, and artist Reuben James. 

As a pianist myself, I connect with his talent on another level. There’s storytelling in his jazz-influenced playing alone, but when he adds his lyric and voice, we have the making of a powerful force. Not to mention, he has the fashion sense to match his talent. He’s already contributed to releases from marquee names in music including Sam Smith, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and John Legend. I now look forward to seeing the waves he creates through his own musical releases on both sides of the pond.

ICONIC

The most iconic music photograph to me is the Abbey Road album cover art for the 1969 the Beatles release.

The north-west London captured photo by Iain MacMillon will forever be engrained in my head. To think this photo was taken just weeks before the band’s split places even more value to the capture. To me, the photo represents departure and individuality. I thank my father for introducing me to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.