Whether it was listening to his mom play the piano or brother James play guitar late into the night, some of Paul’s musical memories came early. Being the youngest of four, he was exposed to many different genres

throughout the 70s and 80s to say the least.Putting together his first “drum kit” out of hollowed-out wooden

blocks, a tambourine and some cheap little cymbals that hung from a music stand Richards grew up playing along to KISS records and admiring the album artwork just as much as the music itself. He got his first proper drum kit at 11 and played in bands with local musicians throughout high school. Paul received his degree in

Graphic Design from Morningside University where he also played in the college jazz band and combos, sang in the college choir and learned how to be a musician by playing and creating music with other musicians.

Playing music went on the back burner as Paul raised a young family. However, he always had a drum kit in the basement to bang on and when the opportunity to play for a reunited Chautauqua Road Band came knocking in 2016, he jumped. It was the perfect opportunity to restart his creative musical juices.

The journey since 2016 opened the doors for more musical growth and experiences. Creating new, original music became more of a priority over the past few years and the collaboration with brother James and Mike McAlister evolved into a set of amazing songs worthy of professional recording. Paul’s contribution to the drum parts and the vocals is a key to the 6 songs recorded for the newly named band, Divergent’s first EP, ‘Runnin’ Free’. The creation of original music and the recording experience has ignited the desire to continue on this journey far into the future.