A Dirty Dozen with PAUL MASBAD from LIVE WELL – September 2026

According to a recent press release: “Emo punk band Live Well is excited to share another new single from their forthcoming EP MORE THAN YOU CAN GIVE. Today the band has shared “KIDS”, a song that reflects on future hopes and dreams. Fans can stream the new song here, and look forward to the release of MORE THAN YOU CAN GIVE on September 3rd. Live Well is an emo punk band from the greater New York area. The music feels nostalgic, with straightforward lyricism and short songs leaving listeners wanting more in the best way. The band formed in 2018, born out of friendship, mutual aid, love, and support. Paul Masbad (lead singer / songwriter) and Max Johl (guitarist / arranger) had gone on a cross-country road trip that galvanized their friendship. This foundation has since extended to their other band mates Luis Castro (bass), Neil Stafford (drums), Donald Perdomo (guitar) as well as their friends, family, and listeners. Live Well is a gang, a family – and they’re excited for everyone to join them on this journey.” We get singer Paul to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

The songs on MORE THAN YOU CAN GIVE are all about 6 years old at this point. We had demo’d them during the pandemic and for the recording process we revisited them and adjusted them in a few ways. I think the overall theme of love is intertwined throughout and maybe like 1 or 2 listens will reveal that. In terms of any hidden things in the material, the name of the EP and the last lyric of “KIDS” actually come from a part of the eulogy I wrote for my mother when she passed 2 years ago. It means a lot to me have included that because it feels like I get to live with her a little bit longer every time I see the EP or perform “KIDS.”

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I think growing up, I’ve always wanted to be a performer of some sort. When I was in my early teens I was performing slam poetry in NYC every other weekend at open mics, etc. And when I finally learned how to play guitar, it was almost like the natural progression of things. Did I think I was going to be here now, performing as much as I did? No way. I always thought it was just a dream. But I’m glad I’m here now with my band.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Watching Joyce Manor play is always a joy, the way they just plow through their set is amazing and I think we try to emulate that to a certain extent. In terms of other performers or frontmen, I’ve always LOVED watching Tunde Adebimpe from TV on the Radio perform. I grew up listening to Black Flag and so Henry Rollins is in there somewhere too.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I honestly would love to do a song with someone like Olivia Dean, or the Jonas Brothers, or Justin Bieber, or Lady Gaga. I feel like it would be a rad experience to work with artists outside of our genre.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

I started doing jiu jitsu almost 2 years ago. It seems like that’s all I do whenever I have free time if I’m not working. Other than that, I’d say I’m spending time with my wife watching movies and tv.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Honestly I wouldn’t really know how to describe it. People have said we sound nostalgic. Lately, I’ve been feeling nostalgic for a time/place that doesn’t exist. You ever dream of a house or a home and you wake up feeling that place was entirely real and not created by the synapses firing in your brain? Yeah. I’ve been feeling like that lately. I don’t know if I’d disagree with anyone calling our music anything, especially if they liked it. Maybe I’m just happy they’re listening.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I’d say Max is the cook. I’d say I’d make Max cook. For a while he’d post pics of steaks he made and I’d put my phone in my mouth. Luis and Donald would probably be the ones to start the singalongs. Did you know Luis is objectively the best singer in the band? I still don’t know why I’m the lead. We can all put down some drinks but we’ve all slowed down as we got older.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I honestly can’t remember the last time I was starstruck. I did walk past Eric Andre in Manhattan while I was doing an impression of a woman holding her cell phone between her shoulder and ear because her hands were occupied with a bunch of dog leashes. He looked at me like I was nuts.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

I think the best part has to just be playing music. The state of being a musician is the best part. It’s just fun. But I don’t think I would be as bummed if I couldn’t be a musician. It’s not like I’d have to stop listening to music, right? I’m not sure if I have a dream job though. I don’t think I dream of labor in the traditional sense.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I just like being asked questions. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of answering them as long as people continue to think I’m someone who’s worth asking a question to. Does that make sense? It’s such a fortunate position to be in to be interviewed for any reason. I’m just grateful for it.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I’m one of those “everything happens for a reason” kind of people. If I had to choose something though, I think I’d quit smoking sooner. As cool as it is to do, it’s a lot cooler to be able to breathe and sing properly. It’s be one of the more fun things to explore since coming back together as a band.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Oh man. Oh man. So many records. So little time. Oh snap. I really don’t know how to answer this one. It’d be cool to be in the room for TV on the Radio’s Return to Cookie Mountain. Or The National’s I Am Easy to Find. Or Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem. I love those bands so much. I wouldn’t even want to contribute, I’d probably just watch them make magic.

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Category: Interviews