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Michele Pauli's 'Tre (Stay Gold)' Blends Club Music with Conceptual Art

publication · 2026-05-05

Michele Pauli, the guitarist and founder of the Milan-based band Casino Royale, has unveiled his solo project Backwords with the album 'Tre (Stay Gold)' on OOH-Sounds. This album, which took ten years to complete, delves into a soundscape influenced by club music. Lovett/Codagnone designed the cover art, representing Pauli's generation. The title 'Stay Gold,' inspired by a Stevie Wonder song from 'The Outsiders,' highlights a spirit of defiance. The album features a blend of analog synthesizers, electronic percussion, and elements from experimental dub and techno. Notable tracks include 'Wait!' with its bass lines and vocal effects, 'PasDesChance' with acid bass, 'Post-Rider' recorded in a Los Angeles church, and 'Arpoon' utilizing a Roland 808. The music video for 'Arpoon,' directed by IncepBOY, creatively merges sound and visuals through gold stencil cutouts and layered projections.

Key facts

  • Michele Pauli releases 'Tre (Stay Gold)' under Backwords on OOH-Sounds.
  • Cover art by New York duo Lovett/Codagnone.
  • Title phrase from Stevie Wonder's song for Coppola's 'The Outsiders'.
  • Album combines repetition and stratification with analog synths, electronic drums, and magnetic distortions.
  • Track 'Arpoon' uses Roland 808 drum machine and shifts from abstract to club/techno.
  • Video for 'Arpoon' directed by IncepBOY (Pauli's alias).
  • Album recorded over two years but represents a decade of work.
  • Label OOH-Sounds is independent with a focus on experimentation and intersection of music and other arts.

Entities

Artists

  • Michele Pauli
  • Backwords
  • Lovett/Codagnone
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Francis Ford Coppola
  • Laurel Halo
  • Chávez
  • IncepBOY

Institutions

  • Casino Royale
  • OOH-Sounds

Locations

  • Milan
  • New York
  • Los Angeles

Sources