Tucson Musician Spotlight: Paul Opocensky of the PO Project

The Tucson music scene is full of talented artists who bring their own stories, influences, and personalities to the stage. One musician who has been quietly building a strong presence in the local community is Paul Opocensky, the creative force behind the PO Project.

Paul’s journey through music has taken many forms over the years—from performing with the band Tongue Dried Sun to stepping out on his own as a solo artist. His sound blends elements of grunge, Americana, and acoustic storytelling, creating something he describes as “Acoustic Grunge Americana.” Influenced by artists like Chris Cornell, Pearl Jam, The Avett Brothers, and Bob Dylan, Paul brings a mix of emotional depth and authenticity to his performances.

Beyond the music itself, Paul’s story includes moments of personal challenge, growth, and resilience that have shaped his songwriting and connection with audiences. Today, he continues to perform regularly around Tucson while preparing to release new music under the PO Project name.

We caught up with Paul to learn more about his musical journey, his creative process, and what fans can expect from his upcoming release.

For readers who may not know you yet, can you share a little about your musical background and how your journey started?

I’ve been involved in music for most of my life but didn’t start playing until I was 18 years old. I was in a band called Tongue Dried Sun for a long stretch and we did some amazing things and now I have been playing solo for 7 years and it has been equally amazing and being a part of this Tucson scene has been such a blessing

What inspired you to create PO Project? Was there a specific moment when you knew you wanted to launch this project?

When Tongue Dried Sun dissolved in 2008/2009 I thought I would go solo right away so I came up with the name Paul Opocensky Project because it had a cool abbreviation, POP! But it wasn’t until my mom passed away in 2016 that I started to write more…the feelings that will come out of a person when they are grieving can be so deep and beautiful, and I wanted to capture that. It was also a great release of all those emotions too. But I didn’t play solo in front of anyone until 2018 and the rest is history! 

How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you before?

I would label my music as Acoustic Grunge Americana. Take bands like Alice In Chains, Soundgarden & Pearl Jam and blend them with The Avett Brothers, Bob Dylan, and Jason Isbell. I play all kinds of music but that sums it up! 

Your social presence shows personality and creativity. How important is authenticity and humor in your brand as a musician?

It is so important to me! I want to show people who I am. I have a joy for playing music and I also can’t take myself too seriously. Anyone who actually knows me sees that I am not pretending when I am on stage. That’s just who I am. 

What’s your songwriting process like? Do ideas usually start with lyrics, melody, a riff, or something else entirely?

Songs and melodies come to me at the most random times…I have so many notes and voice recordings on my phone that I scramble to capture so I can remember them. Most of the time I just start playing the guitar, making it up as I go and holding on to the things I think are good and then I fine tune the lyrics after. Sometimes I will create a whole song in my head while I am driving and when I get home I run in to capture a version I can go back too. 

Who are some of your biggest musical influences — locally or nationally — and how have they shaped your sound?

Nationally – Chris Cornell, The Beatles, Pearl Jam, and The Avett Brothers

Locally – There is such a wide range of solo artists and bands here in Tucson, it’s so amazing. I would be lying if I said any of them influenced my songwriting but I will say they all push me to be the best at what I do and I admire them all! I always feel bad because I want to go see them play and I always have shows too. Plus, I am a hermit when I am not playing 😂

What has been one of your most memorable live performances so far?

When I was with Tongue Dried Sun opening for Collective Soul at the TCC Arena. Getting lead to the stage with a flashlight right after the arena lights dropped is an amazing feeling. Also, opening for Journey twice at Ava Amphitheater was crazy too! 

As a Tucson-based artist, how has the local music scene influenced your growth?

As I stated before, seeing what other bands are doing is an inspiration. They drive me to be the best version of myself.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an independent musician, and how did you work through it?

Well, the Covid timeline was tough and I also battled stage 3 Colorectal Cancer…navigating those was difficult but it showed me new ways to do things that I still utilize today. 

What do you want people to feel when they experience your music live?

As C & C Music Factory once said, “Let the music take control…let the rhythm move you”

Paul’s story is a reminder that music often grows out of life’s most meaningful moments—both the joyful and the difficult. Through his songwriting and performances, Paul Opocensky continues to turn those experiences into music that connects with audiences across Tucson and beyond.

With a busy performance schedule and a new release on the way—“Paul Opocensky Project presents: Senator Astronaut Lost Transmissions Vol. 1”—there’s plenty ahead for fans of the PO Project. His album release show will take place on May 15 at Four Walls Tucson, with a limited number of tickets available.

If you’d like to follow Paul’s music, see upcoming shows, or inquire about booking, you can connect with him on Instagram or Facebook @poprojectofficial, or email contact@poproject.co.

And as Paul says, sometimes the best thing you can do is simply let the music take control.