Pam Windsor Contributor
Paul Cardall’s entire life has been “heart centered” in one way or another. Whether through his struggle to survive numerous surgeries and an eventual heart transplant due to a complex congenital heart defect, or his desire now to help others cope with loss and pain by giving them hope through music.
His new album Peaceful Piano is his latest effort to draw upon his own experiences to create soothing melodies that offer comfort.
“Music creates an atmosphere where you can unwind,” he says. “You can ponder, meditate, and think through things. It can help people access spiritual feelings and peaceful emotions.”
His songs take the listener on an emotional journey. Cardall explains what that means.
“Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven is very sad. He uses those minor keys and you can tell he’s in despair over some woman he’s in love with. His life was very painful. What I’ve tried to do with my music because I draw on pain in order to celebrate life, I take minor chords and then transpose the piece, so it’ll evolve into hope.”
For years, he’s produced his albums through his Stone Angel Music company, acting as a one-man band of sorts, handling his own creative content, production, marketing and public relations. His music has found a worldwide audience, largely on its own, thanks to the internet. The numbers are staggering. Tens of millions download Cardall’s songs every month.
“Honestly, I’m still blown away by it,” he says. He’s also been surprised by the many positive comments and messages he gets through social media.
“One of the most interesting scenarios came from a young man in Iraq. I had no idea my music was reaching the Middle East. He was in a military camp and said he was contemplating suicide when he heard my song ‘Life and Death.’ The young man said he was overcome with emotion of joy and hope, and it made him want to live.”