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For many people, it’s a mere fantasy to leave a corporate 9 to 5 job and follow a dream of becoming a full-time musician. But that daydream is reality for singer-songwriter Paul Lemire.
In our latest episode of Character Concerts, Lemire shares that he expressed interest in music from an early age, listening to his mother’s favorite records as a child and putting on living room performances with his family. In high school, his passion for music deepened as his appreciation for artists like Joe Jackson grew, and after graduating from Loyola Marymount University, Lemire tried his hand at pursuing a career in music.
Lemire worked full-time at Mattel during the day, but influenced by Dave Matthews and Ben Harper, he spent nights at open mics and cultivated his craft of songwriting. “It’s always awesome when a song comes through,” he said. “Like the muse comes through and the songs stand the test of time.”
A life-changing trip to Spain would soon change that, as Lemire got his first taste of a paid gig while on vacation. On the plane home, Lemire decided to take a leap of faith and quit his job to focus on music. “I’ll always remember the final words my boss said before we parted ways,” he recalled. “He said, ‘I guess it’s not all about the money for some people.’” Afterward, Lemire began playing various Los Angeles and Orange County resorts and hotels, country clubs and restaurants including the Beverly Hills Hotel and Fashion Island for years to come.
Although there have been a few twists and turns along the way, Lemire is still making music today. He frequently plays shows on Instagram Live and has plans to start a band called The Filthy Katz once the pandemic is over.
Watch Lemire’s full performance and interview above!
