Songwriter, Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
Paul has worked on the railway as a train guard for most of his life so when he started releasing his music and getting press attention he became known as the ‘singing train guard’.
He’s had quite a rollercoaster of a ride since releasing a demo EP ‘Bring the Rain’ in 2016. After being featured on BBC1 Songs of Praise in a special railway edition with Ruby Turner, things took off at an amazing rate. His songs have had regular airplay on BBC Introducing and he’s been invited to play concerts and events all over the world from festivals to train concourses and prisons.
“Paul’s gigs seem to be having a profound affect on people” – Diane Louise Jordan – (BBC 1 presenter)
“A very talented musician with a unique sound, lyrics and mix of instruments” – Leon Schoeman (TBN presenter)
After a successful Pledge Music campaign in 2018 where fans helped The Paul Mirfin Band raise over £4000 they released their debut album ‘Ancient Roads’, recorded and produced at Homefire Studios in Harrogate. Following the success of their first EP ‘Bring the Rain’ and subsequent singles ‘The Fighter’ and ‘This Train is Bound for Glory!’ the band began to gain recognition beyond their hometown of Knaresborough.
In 2018 they were invited to play at Joshua Fest in California. Festival director, Aaron Diello, first approached the band in January after hearing the live recording of ‘Trust in the Silence’ and quickly booked the band adding the song to the Joshua Fest special edition vinyl record. They were the only UK band on the line up playing alongside American greats such as Lecrae, Crowder and King & Country.
With original folk rock arrangements referencing Steve Earle and Mumford & Sons combined with Paul’s gravelly tones and poetic lyrics, there are clear influences of rock legends such as Johnny Cash in the music. He grew up in the steel town of Sheffield and the South Yorkshire roots come across in his song writing with northern honesty and grit.