Paul Iwan - Returning (RED)
Liverpool Singer-Songwriter Paul Iwan Releases Dual-Concept Single 'Returning'
Liverpool-based alternative electro artist Paul Iwan has released his compelling new single, 'Returning'—the award-winning track born from the Threshold Festival 2019 songwriting challenge.
Challenged to write to the theme of "returning," Iwan drew from his personal battles with PTSD, channeling the concept into a raw exploration of relapse and regression. The competition pushed him out of his sonic comfort zone, stripping away his usual production to let the core songwriting stand on its own.
Now, Iwan delivers the track as a dual-concept release featuring two distinct sonic identities:
- The Red Version: Features Iwan’s signature alternative electro sound, heavily driven by synths, loops, and electric guitars.
- The Blue Version: A stripped-back, minimalist acoustic arrangement that honors the song's original, raw competitive brief.
This conceptual project serves as a masterful showcase of Iwan's vocal depth and his ongoing thematic exploration of identity and "otherness." Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Gary Numan, Radiohead, and Manic Street Preachers, Iwan's mature sound has already earned high praise. Notably, legendary Kinks frontman Ray Davies described his work as "impressive, inspired and bold."
Release Details
- Availability: Both the Red and Blue versions are streaming on all major digital platforms.
- Release Date: 3 April 2020
- Production: Written, performed, and produced by Paul Iwan at Studio 45 (Liverpool).
- Mixing: Handled by Andy Fernihough at 3rd Planet Studios (Liverpool).
- Mastering: Mastered at Metropolis Studios London by Andy "hippy" Baldwin
