If You Want Blues (You Got It)

The song If You Want Blues (You Got It) by Paul Val is a gritty, soulful track from the album of the same name, perfectly suited for the Zoo Crew's hippie DJ vibes and their Zoo Freaks audience. This high-energy blues-rock anthem showcases Val’s signature raw guitar riffs and commanding vocals, capturing the essence of Texas blues with a modern edge. In a recent Facebook post, Val shared that the song was inspired by late-night jam sessions in Austin, where he and his band would “let the music take over, no rules, just feeling.” He described it as a tribute to the blues greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose influence echoes in the track’s searing solos. The song’s lyrics, with their nod to life’s struggles and resilience, have resonated deeply with fans, one of whom commented on Instagram, “This song hits like a freight train—pure blues soul!”

Another piece of trivia comes from a X post where Val revealed that If You Want Blues (You Got It) was recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs to preserve its raw energy. He mentioned that the band played the song in one take, fueled by “cheap coffee and cheaper whiskey,” which gave it an authentic, unpolished feel. Fans on the Paul Val Fan Club Facebook group have shared stories of hearing the song live, noting how Val often extends the guitar solo, improvising based on the crowd’s energy. One fan recounted a show where Val dedicated the song to “anyone who’s ever felt knocked down but kept swinging,” making it a rallying cry for the underdog.

Paul Val, an Austin-based guitarist, began his musical journey in the vibrant Texas music scene. Growing up in Houston, he was exposed to blues and rock from an early age, sneaking into local bars to watch legends like Lightnin’ Hopkins. According to his bio on paulval.com, Val picked up the guitar at 13, teaching himself by ear to mimic the sounds of his heroes. By his late teens, he was gigging in small venues, honing his craft in smoky dive bars. His big break came when he moved to Austin and formed his current band, quickly gaining a following for their electrifying live performances. Val’s commitment to keeping the blues alive has earned him a loyal fanbase, with supporters gathering on platforms like the Paul Val Fans website.

Val’s rise wasn’t without challenges. In an interview shared on Instagram, he spoke about working odd jobs—everything from construction to bartending—to fund his music. His persistence paid off, and now, as an independent artist, he credits his fans for his success. You can connect with him on his official website, follow his updates on Facebook, check out behind-the-scenes content on Instagram, or join the conversation on X. Fans also rally around him in the Paul Val Fan Club Facebook group and share news on the Paul Val Fans website, where they celebrate his music and upcoming projects, like his recently announced live album.