Paul Wenzel is the creative force behind WIREHOUND, a collaborative musical project rooted in emotional storytelling and rich instrumentation. Originally from New York and now living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he has spent decades writing, performing, arranging, and producing music. His work spans multiple instruments, including guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals, and his compositions draw deeply from personal experience. WIREHOUND reflects both his musical vision and his ability to build meaningful artistic partnerships.

The ensemble supporting Paul shapes WIREHOUND’s distinctive sound. Guitarist Rick Birmingham brings a textured, atmospheric style. Pianist and keyboardist Eben Seaman provides harmonic depth. Guitarist and producer Corey Zack contributes not only instrumental talent but also studio mastery, as seen in his work at Cocoon Studio in Jersey City. Vocalist Dana Hermann adds warmth and emotional clarity, while drummer Jason Reddish drives the rhythmic backbone. Together, they help Paul transform his personal narratives into fully realized, layered musical arrangements.

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A Career Marked by Loss, Setbacks, and Extraordinary Perseverance

Paul’s musical journey has not followed a traditional path. In 2006, he was in the midst of recording what he believed would become his breakout album, “sleep all day,” when he suffered a sudden and devastating personal loss. The impact of that event forced him to step away from music entirely. For years, he remained separated from the creative work that had defined him, unsure whether he would ever return to writing or performing.

In 2014, he revived WIREHOUND with a sense of hope and renewed artistic purpose. Just as momentum began to build again, tragedy struck a second time. Paul was involved in a severe accident that caused long-lasting injuries and left him disabled. Doctors eventually diagnosed him with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), one of the most painful chronic conditions in medicine. At its worst, the pain prevented him from standing or holding a guitar—an unimaginable loss for a lifelong musician.

Yet Paul’s story did not end there. He continued searching for treatment until a leading CRPS specialist moved to his area, offering a path forward that he had not previously imagined. After extensive evaluation, major surgery, and two years of intense physical therapy, he began to reclaim abilities he thought were lost forever. His recovery became the foundation for his musical rebirth.

Reclaiming Music and Recording WIREHOUND’s Debut Album

With determination and the support of close collaborators, Paul returned to the studio to record WIREHOUND’s long-awaited debut album, “the anatomy of a thought undone.” The sessions took place at producer Corey Zack’s Cocoon Studio in Jersey City, where the group worked for more than a year and a half to bring the project to life. The album features contributions from the core WIREHOUND ensemble, as well as horn and string performers who helped expand the project into a sweeping, emotionally resonant work.

The resulting album serves as a testament to Paul’s resilience, musical identity, and collaborative spirit. Its release across streaming platforms marked a milestone in his recovery and reaffirmed his presence as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a compelling personal story.

Looking Ahead: New Music and an Ongoing Creative Journey

WIREHOUND’s momentum continues. Paul and his team are preparing to return to the studio in 2026 to record the follow-up to “the anatomy of a thought undone.” The forthcoming project represents not only a second creative chapter but also a continuation of Paul’s hard-won return to music. His persistence, combined with the talent around him, has shaped a musical path grounded in courage, vulnerability, and connection.

He remains active on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and TikTok, sharing updates about WIREHOUND, engaging with listeners, and building a supportive music community. His story resonates with fans not only because of the music itself but also because of the grit and humanity behind it.

A Life Defined by Creativity, Collaboration, and Healing

Paul’s journey reflects a powerful interplay between artistic expression and personal strength. His path through loss, disability, recovery, and renewed creativity is woven into the fabric of WIREHOUND’s music. As he continues to write and record new work, he stands as a musician whose artistry is inseparable from resilience. His story offers a reminder that creativity often endures even in the face of profound hardship—and can even emerge stronger because of it.

Paul Wenzel — Profile Summary Table