Paul Wishart
Oral History Information
Paul Wishart, a Scottish-born musician and innovator, was steeped in jazz from a young age, thanks to his father's passion for the genre and his mastery of multiple instruments. By his teenage years, Paul's musical repertoire expanded. He delved into the saxophone and eventually picked up the guitar, forming his own band by the age of 17. Transitioning from local music stores to the global stage, Paul's career soared in the 1980s when he joined the ranks of Simple Minds on tour. His creativity knew no bounds, as he pioneered the use of synthesizers, including the groundbreaking Fairlight, and embraced MIDI technology ahead of his time. Paul's expertise led him to roles at Sterling Audio and later Harman, where he became deeply involved in the distribution and production of cutting-edge musical equipment. His passion for pushing boundaries extended to the realm of streaming, where he was an early adopter — paving the way for the digital music revolution since its nascent stages in 2003. Throughout his journey, Paul has forged lasting friendships and left an indelible mark on the music industry.