Ōtepoti/Dunedin-based singer-songwriter and multi-genre artist Paul S. Allen is set to release not one, but two new albums – his 4th and 5th – in a bold and creative twin project.

The two albums, Afterthought and Contemplating the Afterthought, will drop together, each offering a unique listening journey across Paul’s ever-evolving musical landscape.

• Afterthought – a high-energy, electronic-driven collection of 13 tracks that continue Paul’s exploration of electronica, EDM, and experimental beats.
• Contemplating the Afterthought – a more relaxed, chilled companion album, also with 13 tracks, inviting listeners to slow down, reflect, and immerse themselves in an atmospheric soundscape.

These twin albums follow on from Paul’s 2025 release, Afterglow – a 17-track exploration of ambient electronica, written and assembled in just one weekend.

About Paul S. Allen:
Paul S. Allen is a versatile musician based in Ōtepoti/Dunedin, New Zealand, with a songwriting style that blends reflective lyrics and heartfelt storytelling with an ever-changing palette of sounds. His genre-crossing catalogue spans acoustic folk, rock, EDM, house, and ambient electronica.

Alongside his solo work, Paul performs as part of Spectrum, a duo with fellow artist Bella (BE_TH). A proud supporter of the Dunedin music scene, Paul frequently collaborates with local acts and is a familiar face on the live gig circuit.

When not performing or writing music, Paul is an artist and photographer, often capturing Ōtepoti’s creative community through his camera lens.

Twin Album Release Details:
• Afterthought – 13 tracks of electronic beats and vibrant energy
• Contemplating the Afterthought – 13 tracks of chilled, reflective soundscapes
• Release Date: Friday 26 September 2025
• Available on all your favourite music platforms / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube etc

For fans of electronica, ambient, and genre-bending creativity, this twin release is both an immersive sound journey and a reflection of Paul’s ongoing musical evolution.

Here are some images from the rally today.

As a cis-male I stand as a proud ally of the LGBTQI+ community. I will support my friends at this time where conservatism is attacking human rights especially for our wonderful trans communities .

All images ©Paul S Allen 2022

I had my first tattoo today
Huge thanks to @kesi.ink at Subconscious Studios. Kesi was fantastic, their care and work was so good for this newbie’s first tattoo. I love it so much!

;

I got this tattoo for many reasons. it is a reflection of the person I am comfortable being, the musician/guitarist/songwriter/poet/performer.
It also represents the battle I have had for mental health over the last few years especially over the last year. The semicolon represents that I am not finished and that life continues.
I dedicate this to all those who have struggled with mental health and to my friends who have passed away or are also currently battling with their mental health.
I particularly remember in this tattoo, the wonderful Dunedin NZ, musician, songwriter and wonderful human that was Nick Knox who passed away a year ago. (Arohanui Nick )

These are difficult times and so many people are struggling so please be kind to all, especially to yourself. Reach out for help, and ask your friends if they are ok really listening to them.

Peace, love and good health to you all;
Noho ora mai rā

Paul Allen – Singer songwriter

New Zealand Support Contacts

• 1737, free 24/7 phone and text number
• Healthline: 0800 611-116
• Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543-354
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828-865 
• Samaritans: 0800 726-666
• General mental health inquiries: 0800 443-366
• The Depression Helpline: 0800 111-757

for NZ music industry people
Check out MusicHelps

For Dunedin people
Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust has a Crisis Café in the Hope Centre, 3 Albion Place, in Dunedin. The Hope Centre is a safe place for those in crisis during the Crisis Café hours of 1pm – late on Thursdays.
https://www.lifematters.org.nz/

A video of images from the NYE event held in Arc Brewing in Blueskin Bay Dunedin New Zealand
on 31 12 2021 to bring in 2022
I opened the evening with a set of my own so no photos of me =)

The acts for the event

• Paul S Allen – Singer Songwriter (Me not in the video or photos)
• Tall Folk
• Flying Man
• Ollie Crooks
• Hystera
• Coin Laundry
• Bo and the Constrictors
• Glad Rabbit

Here are some of my images from the night.