DP
Born to Play
Duke Paul was born in Grey, Maine to Carol Blakeney, a full time musician from the age of 14, and Paul Tukey, a life long self employed entrepreneur. Carol enjoyed success in New England opening up for legendary acts such as the Marshall Tucker Band, Blue Oyster Cult, and ZZ Top at the Portland, Maine Civic Center as a part of the legendary Maine Band Carol and the Charmers. Duke took up guitar at the age of 14 years old, but never took it seriously until he turned 22 years old. Duke worked full time in landscape construction from the age of 15, but after years of hard labor he knew it was time to sing the working man blues. At 22 he took up writing songs and after the first one "Write You Off" was penned he couldn't stop.
The Next Chapter
After 25 years in Maine Duke decided he was ready for a change. He moved down to Rockville, Maryland after being offered a lucrative River Restoration Construction Gig. He quickly found there was a thriving music scene in the outer D.C. area and he got his first gig playing at a local wine tasting room on the weekends. Four hour sets. 10-15 originals mixed in with a whopping 30 covers. He quickly learned how to put on a show and what the right songs were for every audience and atmosphere. Fast forward a few months and by the end of 2018 Duke was able to leave his job and play music full time, often 7 nights a week. Duke played the next three years logging over 1,000 shows in places like York Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, The 9:30 club in D.C., The Tin Roof in Baltimore, Arlington Virginia, Fairfax, Virginia, and just about every other town and live music club in the Massive D.M.V. After gaining great musical insight by playing live, getting an associates degree in Music at Baltimore County Community College, and putting out his first album Bad Things Duke decided it was time to go to the big leagues. He moved to Koreatown, Los Angeles on June 1st, 2021.
On to California
Duke Immediately found work playing at Bars, Breweries, Wineries, Private Parties, Corporate Parties, and famous Clubs like The Viper Room, The Mint, The Whiskey, Molly Malones, El Cid, Sassafras Saloon, and the Troubadour. After being in California for 18 months Duke has played over 200 shows in California ranging from the great cities of Fresno, San Fransisco, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Bakersfield, Solvang, Ventura, and many many more locations. At this point Duke acknowledges there is no turning back. No matter what comes his way he will find a way to be a professional musician.
He continues to write music heavily and is putting out releases on a regular basis. Give Duke Paul's music a listen and reach out to him to see how you can work together in the future.