
Will Paquin at the Raccoon Motel -- September 25.
Wednesday, September 25, 6 p.m.
Raccoon Motel, 315 East Third Street, Davenport IA
Having gained speedy fame for his debut single "Chandelier" that reached 4.6 million views on TikTok and 4.3 million plays on Spotify, multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Will Paquin headlines a September 25 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the nascent artist lauded by The Spectrum for his "spank-y yet subtle rhythm guitar and lyrics that you might catch yourself singing."
With the 25-year-old a native of Boston, Last.FM stated, "Paquin's musical journey commenced during his childhood when he began playing the guitar. Influenced by prominent jazz guitarists such as Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell, he developed a distinct guitar style characterized by intricate and captivating riffs. In 2020, Paquin gained prominence through TikTok. He posted videos showcasing his exceptional fingerpicking techniques, often filming atop a building near his Boston residence. His breakthrough came with a TikTok video where he showcased his intricate fingerpicking techniques when playing the guitar line from his debut song, 'Chandelier.' This viral video catapulted him to wider recognition and enabled him to cultivate a dedicated fan base. Paquin's musical portfolio includes original compositions like 'Now You Know' and '21.' These songs have received acclaim, with notable figures in the music industry, such as Zane Lowe, showing their support. His ability to craft short, engaging musical clips on various online platforms has facilitated the sharing of his original compositions with a broad audience.
"In addition to his original works, Paquin has demonstrated his musical prowess through cover songs and instrumental arrangements. His guitar style draws inspiration from classical guitarists like Baden Powell and Luiz Bonfa, renowned for their mastery of Samba guitar. Despite lacking formal classical training, Paquin incorporates elements of this tradition into his guitar playing. He successfully transitioned classical guitar techniques to the electric guitar, an endeavor that posed challenges but ultimately led to the development of his unique guitar style. His renditions of songs such as Elliott Smith's 'Angeles' and Phoebe Bridgers' 'Kyoto' exemplify his distinctive musical style and authenticity. Additionally, he creates his interpretations of songs, including Luiz Bonfá's 'Samba de Orfeu,' showcasing his versatility as an artist."
Will Paquin headlines his Davenport engagement on September 25 with an opening set by Micah Preite, admission to the 6 p.m. concert is $19.84, and tickets are available by visiting TheRaccoonMotel.com.