BAD HABITS

The song Bad Habits by Paul Val from his album of the same name has become a staple for the Zoo Crew, the hippie DJs spinning records at THE ZOO radio station for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This high-energy anthem, with its gritty guitar riffs and soulful blues edge, resonates deeply with listeners. In a recent interview shared on Paul Val’s Instagram, he revealed that the song was inspired by a late-night jam session in his Austin studio, where he grappled with personal struggles. He described the writing process as “cathartic,” channeling the universal theme of breaking free from self-destructive patterns into the song’s infectious melody. The track’s raw energy, according to a post on his Facebook page, was amplified by recording live with his band in a single take, capturing the spontaneity that Zoo Freaks love to vibe with.

Another piece of trivia comes from a Q&A session Val held on X, where a fan asked about the song’s distinctive slide guitar riff. Val shared that he used a vintage 1960s Gibson guitar, which he found at a pawn shop, to create the gritty sound that drives the track. He also mentioned that the lyrics, particularly the line “chasing shadows in the dark,” were inspired by a conversation with a close friend about overcoming addiction. The Zoo Crew has noted on air that this relatability makes Bad Habits a fan favorite, with Zoo Freaks frequently requesting it during late-night broadcasts. A fan-run group, Paul Val Fanz, even organized a virtual listening party for the album, where members shared personal stories of how the song’s message of resilience connected with their own lives.

Paul Val, born Paul Valdez in Austin, Texas, began his musical journey at a young age, heavily influenced by the city’s vibrant music scene. According to his bio on his official website, Val picked up the guitar at age 12, teaching himself by listening to blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and rock icons like Jimi Hendrix. By his late teens, he was performing at local open mic nights, honing his craft in dive bars and small venues. His breakthrough came when he formed his first band, The Valients, at 21, which gained a cult following in Austin for its high-octane live shows. Val’s bio highlights that a pivotal moment was meeting producer Jack Douglas, who encouraged him to blend his blues roots with modern rock, shaping the sound heard in Bad Habits.

Val’s rise wasn’t without challenges. In a post on Instagram, he shared that he nearly quit music after a string of rejections from record labels in his early 20s. However, a chance performance at South by Southwest caught the attention of an indie label, leading to his first EP release. Since then, Val has built a loyal fanbase, with groups like Paul Val Fanz and fan sites such as Paul Val Freaks celebrating his music through fan art, cover videos, and discussions. His Facebook and X accounts are active with updates on tours and behind-the-scenes content, keeping fans engaged. For the latest on Bad Habits and Val’s upcoming projects, Zoo Freaks can follow him across these platforms or join the conversation on fan-driven communities.