Bruce Springsteen/Eddie Vedder/Kurt Cobain/Neil Young/Cat Stevens/Cinema Cinema/Eric Clapton/Mark Knopfler

Paul Claro & The Dark Halls is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Paul Claro. The Brooklyn-bred artist performs Springsteen-influenced tunes with a backing band comprised of members of his family. Claro received his first guitar at age 11 as a gift from his mother. He became frustrated when he realized he didn't sound like his favorite artists and quit after three lessons. Then one day, he visited his cousin, Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, who taught him a few of his band's riffs and he fell in love all over again. The group recorded a five-track EP at Slammin' Tracks Studios in Queens, NY. The music is a blend of acoustic/blues with a harder, punk edge. The album contains the track "Dark Hall," which is the source of the groups name. "The song came to life," Claro explains, "when I was going through a tough time physically, emotionally and mentally. I was fighting my way out of a dark hall." Claro draws upon many other experiences for influence. "I write about life, love, passion and hate. I put my heart on my sleeve when I write." Claro assembled two of his closest family members for his band. His 29 year-old nephew Ev Gold plays lead guitar while his 20 year-old son Paul plays the drums. �My son picked up the drums when he was 11 and has yet to put the sticks down. He has been performing with me since he was 12 and is very accomplished for his age." "He is a great bright spot in my life." Says Claro of his son Paul. As for his nephew, Ev Gold he states, "He is an unbelievable talent. A natural, I�m thankful to have him back in my life. He is an amazing guitarist that performs my music like he has written it himself. He can just pick up his guitar and play to any one of my songs by feel. And it always sounds great. We are just the perfect mix. Maybe it's in the blood." Paul Claro & The Dark Halls are currently writing songs for a new album.