Paul Rey

Sweden's Paul Rey channels an energetic style as a singer and songwriter, blending his affinity for catchy melodic pop with rap elements. Born Pauli Jokela in Lund, Sweden, he was raised in a household shaped by diverse cultural roots and a strong musical atmosphere, thanks to his Chilean mother and Finnish father. Piano lessons marked his entry into music at age six, after which he incorporated drums and guitar into his skills. During his teenage years, he immersed himself in Sweden's robust system of music education, which led to appearances in regional talent competitions by the time he turned 10. A pivotal moment arrived at age 11 when his father brought him to Malmöfestivalen, the country's premier music event, sparking his interest in composing original material. Drawing from a wide array of inspirations that ranged from Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, and the Beatles to 2Pac, Dr. Dre, and Eminem, he cultivated a unique approach fusing pop and R&B across genres. His 2012 independent album earned strong early praise and positioned him as an opener for performers such as Big Sean and Raekwon. This exposure drew the notice of Quincy Jones, whose support paved the way for a deal with Epic. Rey issued his first EP, Good as Hell, in 2015.