I am a Hammond organ, piano, and keyboard player with over 25 years of experience performing in bands and recording in studios for various artists across my country and the region.
Coming from a musical family, I started playing piano at the age of three, received formal education at eight, and have been a professional musician since 20. For 12 years, I played in one of the most significant bands in the former Yugoslavian region and often perform in duos and trios. I have recorded for many artists in genres like rock, pop, jazz, blues, and world music and contributed to the Nafaka (2006) soundtrack.
I also work as an accompanist for jazz and blues singers and teach piano.
Instruments I Record With:
- Hammond Organ A100 through Leslie 760
- Yamaha U3 upright acoustic piano
- Hammond organ sounds via Viscount Legend
- Rhodes MK2 73 electric piano
- Yamaha CP4 (piano, Rhodes, Clavinet sounds)
- Nord Electro 5D
- C. Bechstein "L" 1937 vintage baby grand piano
With years of live and studio experience, I bring a distinctive touch to any musical piece. Feel free to reach out—I'm open to collaborations across all genres!
Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.
Credits
151 Reviews - 34 Repeat Clients
Endorse Paul Kempf
check_circleVerifiedVery pleased to work with Paul again whose playing was of good quality and arrived in good time. Smooth and clear communication, thanks again.
check_circleVerifiedWorking with Paul is always a pleasure. His piano parts are just what the song calls for and he is quick and easy to work with!
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Fantastic piano work by Paul. Thanks Paul.
check_circleVerifiedPaul did a really exceptional job on a potentially challenging recording task. Not only was the quality brilliant, but he was timely & great to work with.
Highly recommend!!!
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Paul once again provided some stellar organ parts for my song. He always intuits what the song needs. I love working with him!
check_circleVerifiedGreat to work with Paul's amazing performance again! I will definitely reach out if I have more new tracks!
check_circleVerifiedPaul is a total pro, the Hammond part he recorded sounds incredible, he was so patient with my revisions and requests, the final recording is amazing, beautifully played and recorded I can't recommend him highly enough!
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Lovely playing, fast turnaround, recordings sounded great. Thanks so much, would definitely recommend
check_circleVerifiedAmazingly talented player and delivered well before what he promised, which helped me a lot.
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Paul is a great musician, and a consummate professional. I can say personally that it's a privilege to have worked with him.
check_circleVerifiedWorked with Paul a couple of times for piano tracks. He always does a tremendous job with very quick turnarounds!
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Paul was amazing! He was really easy to work with and the piano tracks sounded incredible. Would absolutely recommend :)
check_circleVerifiedIt was a real pleasure working with Paul! Attention to detail, followed my guidance, provided options, and very organized with his takes. Also, great sound!! Will definitely work with him again.
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Exactly what I needed in a very short period of time; I wish everyone were as easy to work with as Paul is.
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Exactly what we needed! Paul was professional and fast. Will use again.
check_circleVerifiedPaul is very professional and kind. I feel respected throughout the process and he’s been so patient with me and my requests. It’s my first time on Soundbetter and I’m glad I picked Paul.
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Absolutely phenomenal work! Paul delivered an extraordinary performance on the Bechstein, bringing my track to life with his incredible talent and creativity. His piano ideas were not only brilliantly executed but also added a profound depth to the composition. Highly recommended! And looking forward to the next one.
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Working with Paul has been an amazing experience.
His approach to each chord and the sound he brings really take the song to the next level.
100% recommended. - check_circleVerified
I've now had Paul track for me on his Yamaha upright and baby grand. Both sound stellar and his feel is spot on!
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First time working Paul was an amazing experience. Very timely and proficient. Will be coming back for more keys work
Interview with Paul Kempf
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Unique sound of "real" instruments (Hammond organ, upright piano) as well as my wide experience and skill. I'm quite critic to myself but people who listen to my performing and who I work with like and value my way of playing and my work.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: For Hammond organ I use Leslie 760 with tube in preamp recorded with two Rode NT55 matched pair and AKG D112 (for bass part of Leslie). For upright piano I record with same Rode mics. All those recordings go through soundcard Audient iD44 as well as all for other digital key instruments.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will do my best, using all my knowledge and experience and dedicating needed time.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes, two friends and colleagues - Tony Lovic and David Duvnjak, both very good in music production as well as great musicians.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog, of course, but nowadys it is impossible to avoid digital. So, my answer is both. But, for listening music - LP, of course :-)
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Creativity, freedom of expression, using my knowledge and skills.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: It is quite wide range - from etno music to blues, jazz, rock music and fusion of all named styles.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Although it is heavy to carry it would be Hammond B3, Leslie 147, Bösendorfer grand piano, Fender Rhodes & Vox Continental.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I bring original instrument line/part with feeling.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First I listen to the music piece few times, than write it down. After that I sing the idea of instument line. Than I play it with instrument in few versions untill one version sounds the best for me. I leave it for two days without listening, and if it yet sounds equally good - the process is done.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm inspired by many genres of music from different periods. There are The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Weather Report. Also there are many jazz musicians such as Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Joe DeFrancesco, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Carlos Jobim, Horace Silver, etc.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I record almost all music instruments with keys (piano, rhodes, clavinet, hammond organ, vox organ, etc.).
I was the piano player in this production
- C. Bechstein "L" - no fx or eq
- Yamaha U3 damped
- Yamaha U3 clean
- Hammond A100 + Leslie 760, dry
- PianoContact for pricing
- Keyboards - SynthContact for pricing
Typical turnaround time: 5-7 days depending on the project. One revision included. Contact for pricing.
- Hammond A100
- Leslie 760 (with tube in preamp)
- C. Bechstein acoustic grand piano
- Yamaha U3 acoustic upright piano
- Yamaha CP4
- Rhodes 73 mk2 piano
- Viscount Legend
- Nord Electro 5D
- Rode NT55 matched pair
- AKG D112
- Audient iD44
- Cubase Pro 12
