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Everybody loves someone with some money to burn, and no one knows that better than Pauli the PSM. His latest single “daddy” is premiering exclusively with OnesToWatch — an ode to excess, with a healthy dose of irony about the rat race. 

“Can you pay my rent?” a woman’s voice asks at the top of the track, which then launches into a driving beat and Pauli admitting to the listeners that he “might donate” his cash — or he “might just flex.”

The production is smooth and tight, perfect for a packed club dancefloor, as Pauli boldly tells us “you can call me daddy.” They get an assist from rising R&B/pop artist Valé, who gets her own verse to tell Pauli, “ I know you’re dying for me to come and call you daddy.”

The song comes with some self-awareness, as the artist explains, “Hate the system // play the game, though.” It’s an attitude Pauli hoped would shine through on the track. 

"'daddy' marks the return of my braggadocious alter ego, Prosecco Pauli — a relic from my former days as a DJ in New York City,” he said in a statement about the song. “It’s a playful take on money, power and excess, living somewhere between flexing and taking the piss out of the flex.”

Pauli pointed to the line, “Money talks, but I’m conflicted” as the “best” way to sum up “daddy”’s message, explaining that it’s all about “enjoying the game while questioning the system we’re all playing in.”

“I’ve been a fan of Valé since her single 'OOP,' produced by Heavy Mellow, who also produced my first single 'I Don’t Care,' so this collaboration feels like a full circle moment,” they added. 

“daddy” is a bold, brash declaration of wealth, with production that makes you feel like you’re on the dancefloor with Pauli as he shows off his dough. We caught up with Pauli to learn more about "daddy" and what's next: 

OnesToWatch: Who is Pauli The PSM?

Pauli The PSM: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. Prosecco Pauli. Intergalactic Badman. Musician, producer, occasional troublemaker and full time student of the multiverse. Depends which day you meet me, really… Slide in the DMs and find out!

What is ‘daddy’ all about?

Daddy is the return of my braggadocious alter ego, Prosecco P! IYKYK.

Somewhere between flexing and taking the piss out of the flex. I’m always playing with characters in my music, especially the ones who are a little more confident, outrageous and shameless than I am in real life.

There's a healthy dose of satire in there :)

Any collaborators? Who produced the single?

My homegirl Valé brings the sexy Latina energy, comes in and reminds everybody she’s the boss. The record was produced by Kyle Berzle, aka BIG JOY. An absolute wizard and a dear friend of mine.

I love working with people who aren't afraid to get a little weird. Take myself and the music too seriously.. nah, thats not me 

How do you approach music as an artist versus a musical director?

As a musical director, my job is to understand somebody else's vision and find a way to bring it to life. i'm translating an artist's ideas into a musical language that a band, and an audience can understand. It’s about collaboration and knowing when to lead and when to get out of the way.

As an artist, I'm building my own universe. I get to make the rules, break the rules, invent characters, tell stories and follow whatever strange idea has been living rent free in my noggin.

MDing has taught me discipline, and being an artist reminds me to stay curious and never lose that childlike sense of wonder.

What's a win for you as an artist?

Opening for my mate, Harry (Styles) on Love On Tour was a surreal moment. And doing it at Wembley, in my hometown, made it even sweeter.

But I've also come to appreciate so many victories.. people discovering songs and making it part of their life. Also my fan clubs - Flyfam, Paulinators, and all the pooksters around the world in the GCs keep me going!

Besides this excellent single, what else should we be on the lookout for?

My album, arrives in 2027. Hopefully there’ll be something on there that makes you want to shake a leg, fall in love or question your life choices. Ideally all three.

In the meantime, if you're new around here, I'd recommend starting with Secret Life of a Badman, Volumes 1 and 2.

Take us on a date in London: where do we go? What do we do?

First of all, we're starting in the ends. What do you know about Edmonton?

We're getting on the 149. Top deck business. 

First stop, a little lahmacun from one of the Turkish spots by the Green. 

Then we're heading through Totty. It’s nice round there now, maybe we'll go for a coffee, and do a little people watching.

We'll continue down through Stokey and Dalston. Maybe jump off in Hackney, rummage through some records, and I’ll do my best to not judge you on whatever you pick up. 

Back on the 149, through the City and over London Bridge. By this point you've heard far too many stories about my childhood and I've asked you about your entire family tree.

And then, we're finishing somewhere completely ridiculous overlooking the Thames, maybe The Shard. We've gone from a £5 lahmacun to dinner in the sky.

Then we’ll go dancing and maybe grab dessert. We’re not going any further south of the river tho.. thats long. 

What's inspiring you right now outside of music?

Coffee. I've become a bit of a coffee nerd, actually. Grinding the beans, then perfecting the pour over. It's one of the few moments in my day where I'm genuinely happy to slow down. 

Food group / activity best suited to enjoying your work?

Ice cream. Duh.

Musically, who is new but making all the right moves? Who are your current Ones To Watch?

Valé, for starters. She features on Daddy, but she's a brilliant artist in her own right. Incredible energy, loads of personality and a real sense of self. Go peep her music!

I’ve been a fan of Valé since her single “OOP,” produced by Heavy Mellow, who also produced my first single “I Don’t Care,” so this collaboration feels like a full circle’s moment.

Listen to the premiere of "daddy" below: 

For fans in NYC, Pauli The PSM will be appearing in person at Rough Trade Below, on Thursday, October 22nd at 6pm, for Club Pookie - a special night bringing together new music, dancing, and connection. More info here.