CHAMPAGNE ROOM: LISTENING SESSION WITH PAUL FROM UNJUST/CLOUD COLLECTOR

In this intimate listening session from the Champagne Room, Paul Mendoza, frontman of the legendary hardcore band Unjust and now a key member of the new project Cloud Collector, reflects on nearly four decades of music-making. The conversation unfolds as a nostalgic yet forward-looking journey through his formative years in the Bay Area hardcore scene, his evolution from guitarist to vocalist, and the emotional weight of returning to music after a long hiatus. Paul shares candid stories about the band's legacy, the loss of his ex-partner and creative collaborator, and how she inspired his shift to singing. He details the reassembly of Unjust’s original gear after years in storage, the spiritual and sonic rebirth of Cloud Collector, and the band’s concept-driven, narrative-rich approach to songwriting. The discussion also explores the changing music landscape—digital tools, streaming, and the decline of traditional venues—while celebrating the raw, unfiltered energy of underground shows in places like Tijuana, where young bands still play freely on sidewalks. Paul’s deep reverence for artists like Björk, Faith No More, and Norma Jean underscores his eclectic influences, and he expresses hope for a future where younger musicians can still 'suck' and grow in safe, supportive spaces.