Possessed by Paul James

Under the name Possessed by Paul James, Konrad Wert has since the mid-2000s developed a project rooted in American folk, alternative country, bluegrass, blues, and an acoustic punk sensibility. Born in Immokalee, Florida, and later linked to Texas, he builds a one-man-band–style music around the banjo, guitar, violin, and a minimalist rhythmic approach, with direct-format songs where rural traditions, antifolk energy, and autobiographical writing intersect. Possessed by Paul James released a self-titled debut album in 2006, then Cold and Blind in 2008 on Voodoo Rhythm Records, followed by Feed the Family in 2010 and Live at Antone’s in 2012. His trajectory also passes through scenes close to independent Americana and DIY folk, as well as through collaborations and tours in the circle around Scott H. Biram, Chuck Ragan, Deer Tick, or Frank Turner. In 2013, Possessed by Paul James released There Will Be Nights When I’m Lonely, followed by As We Go Wandering in 2020 and Fighting For Our Own Survival in 2023. The whole draws a rugged acoustic repertoire, blending percussive pulse, inhabited singing, and forms inherited from folk and bluegrass, without limiting itself to a traditional reading of these styles.