Paul "PapaBear" Johnson
New York
Summary
Professional freelance multi-instrumentalist, music director, music producer, arranger, and orchestrator with deep understanding of client needs and project management. Known for delivering impactful results and maintaining high standards in every assignment. Collaborative team player who swiftly adapts to changing requirements to achieve goals. Skilled in communication, time management, and creative solutions, contributing to productive and positive work environment.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Arranger/Orchestrator
Various Artist
01.2017 - Current
- Enhance shows/video game/event quality by adding compositional accompaniment to any musical situation
- I've been fortunate to arrange and orchestrate for Taeyang, Blackpink, Rico Nasty, Mariah the Scientist, Kehlani, Doja Cat, Meg the Stallion, Kalen Allen, Takken 8 and countless others.
Bassist
Various Artist
01.2010 - Current
- Collaborated with fellow musicians to create cohesive and memorable arrangements for various performances.
- Worked with notable acts and shows like Lil' Wayne, Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Ice Spice, Blackpink, The Incredibles 2 (Movie), Aladdin on broadway, Betty Boop the musical, Life of Beth (TV Show), Broadway for Racial Justice Presents: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Wynton Marsalis, Lizzo, Common, Blackpink, and countless others.
Education
High School Diploma -
Talent Unlimited High School
06.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Berklee College of Music (Online)
Boston, MA05-2018
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Berklee College of Music
12.2016
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Team Player
- Adapting on the spot
- Being able to do multiple roles in my field
Notable Gigs
- Taeyang/Big Bang - White Night and Last Dance Tour (musician, arranger, programmer) [2017]
- Blackpink - White Night Tour (musician, arranger, programmer) [2017]
- Lil' Wayne - tours, shows & festivals [2018-2020] (musician, arranger)
- The Incredibles 2 - Movie (session musician) [2017-2018]
- Taylor Swift - Reputation Tour [2019]
- Target Ad - commercial (composer, arranger) [2020]
- Life of Beth - TV Show [session musician, arranger] [2021-2022]
- NYCLU Sing Out for Freedom 2021 - streamed event (arranger, orchestator, pit musician)
- Mariah the Scientist - tour and shows [2021] (MD, arranger, musician)
- Kehlani - tours, shows, videos [2021-2023] (assistant md, arranger, orchestrator, programmer)
- Aladdin (on broadway) - Musical (substitute bassist) [2022]
- Kirby - tour (MD, tour manager, arranger, programmer) [2022-present]
- Leon Bridges - tours and festivals [2022]
- Mac Ayres - tours & shows [2022-present]
- Broadway for Racial Justice Presents: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill at little Island (MD, arranger) [2022]
- Shucked - musical (additional orchestration, associate arranger] [2022]
- Wynton Marsalis: Arts achievement medal at White House (musician, arranger) [2023]
- Doja Cat - tours, shows & festivals (MD, arranger, orchestrator, programmer, producer, ) [2023-2024]
- Ice Spice on SNL - TV Show (arranger, bassist) [2023]
- Takken 8 - Video Game (composer, arranger, programmer)
- YOLA (session musician) [2024-present]
- Lizzo on SNL - TV Show (arranger, musician, vocalist) [2025]
- Common - (session work, composer) [2025]
- Betty Boop (on broadway) - Musical (substitute musician) [2025]
Timeline
Arranger/Orchestrator
Various Artist
01.2017 - Current
Bassist
Various Artist
01.2010 - Current
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Berklee College of Music
High School Diploma -
Talent Unlimited High School
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Berklee College of Music (Online)
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