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River Run 3:220:00/3:22
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Marianne 4:060:00/4:06
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Ophelia 4:210:00/4:21
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Chestnut Mare 4:000:00/4:00
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0:00/3:02
Become a supporter of the album by contributing to my fundraising campaign through a non-profit organization called Renew the Arts. The amount we are raising for this project will cover the costs of the musicians and engineers who helped bring their unique voices and visions to bear in the creation process, and the studio space that allowed them to breathe life into these songs. All the names of contributors who give thru the end of July will be included in the liner notes for CDs and vinyl before they're sent to press!
In conjunction with the fundraiser, I'm creating a free Patreon community for anyone interested in learning about the album's inspirations, insights into how I create music and the journey along the way.
LISTEN HERE
Praise for “River Run”
“Paula Fong Creates an Americana Triumph with ‘River Run’”
"Musically, "River Run" is a roots-driven folk, bluegrass, country and Americana single featuring beautiful layered vocals singing heartfelt melodies over slide guitar and rhythmic banjo. The arrangement is lush and rich, allowing Fong’s voice and storytelling to take center stage. "River Run" stands as a poignant and transportive offering, one that showcases Paula Fong’s ability to turn introspection into something expansive, inviting listeners to find their own sense of release within its gentle current."
- EARMILK
Paula Fong Brings Calm and Clarity with Her New Single ‘River Run'
"Los Angeles-based Americana singer-songwriter Paula Fong stands out as one of the most compelling voices in today’s folk and roots scene"
- Too Much Love
Bio
Los Angeles-based Americana singer-songwriter Paula Fong commands attention the moment she takes the stage. Despite her small stature, audiences are consistently surprised by the power, soulfulness, and grit she delivers—her voice can shift from warm intimacy to raw intensity within a single song. Fong brings an engaging presence marked by gentle banter and compelling connection, then captivates with performances that reveal surprising depth and fire.
Her sound traverses the full landscape of Americana – from the stark, grounded beauty of Gillian Welch-style roots music to traditional country swing in the vein of Patty Griffin, from Joni Mitchell-inspired fingerstyle guitar work to old-time traditions. She's been compared to Karla Bonoff and Linda Ronstadt for her ability to move fluidly between genres while maintaining a distinctive voice. This range isn't merely stylistic – it's rooted in a genuine love for the breadth of American roots music and the folk traditions that influenced it.
That folk foundation traces back to Fong's youth, when summers spent in the French countryside exposed her to Breton folk music that left an indelible mark. Over the years she explored an eclectic range of styles, from classical to Chinese opera - before finding a true home in an Americana church band whose music lived at the intersection of acoustic country, folk, and the spiritual.
Fong performs in various configurations depending on the venue and material—sometimes solo with just her voice and guitar in intimate settings, or alongside multi-instrumentalist Phil Glenn (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano) or with a full band that brings drums and electric guitar into the mix. Each setup showcases different facets of her artistry, but the core remains constant: vocals that can deliver both sweetness and surprising power, arrangements that honor tradition while pushing boundaries, and a stage presence that makes even large rooms/venues feel personal.
The single "Ophelia" from her debut EP Chestnut Mare earned International Acoustic Music Award recognition, with 2026 bringing a bold two-part 10 song album produced by Justin James Sinclair (ROSIE, Jenny Owen Youngs, Weezer, Kate Micucci, Train). Aside from her solo project, Paula directs an Americana music service at Rolling Hills United Methodist and tours nationally as a vocalist with (sometimes opening for) Abby Posner's band, Abby Posner and the Big Fall.
International Acoustic Music Award Finalist
Praise for the EP “Chestnut Mare”
American Songwriter - 'New Albums Roundup'
The Bluegrass Situation - ‘You Gotta Hear This’
Saving Country Music - ‘Release Radar & Most Anticipated Albums’
“Paula’s approach is deeply rooted in a folky tradition but she glosses it up with gentle brush strokes of country zeal & bluegrass sweeps spiced with her effective vocal style.”
"Paula Fong’s Chestnut Mare is a breed apart, and a constant reminder that we must be constantly aware of the layers of brilliance that lays in the heart of all."
"Paula Fong Set To Fly Solo with Album Release 'Chestnut Mare'"
"Paula Fong Releases Debut Americana/Folk Solo Album"
"Paula Fong’s ‘Chestnut Mare’ Offers Highlights From Her Solo Songwriting"
"I have been a fan of Paula Fong's singing for so many years and I am thrilled that she is finally coming out with a recording of her own music. I have always loved her singing - her voice has a clarity and sweetness that warms you but she can also reach down and grab you with surprising strength and grit when she wants to... And I have to say that I was not prepared for the depth and maturity of her songwriting. This is a great record!"
- Teresa James of Teresa and the Rhythm Tramps (Grammy nominee blues artist)