Andy Mineo brings “Paganini” to the stage in a new live-performance video filmed during SXSW.
The track comes from Mineo’s Never Land EP and features KB and Canon on the studio recording.
Its title borrows the name of Italian violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini. As a result, the comparison becomes a declaration of technical confidence from three rappers with little interest in easing into a verse.
Andy Mineo Takes ‘Paganini’ to SXSW
Mineo handles the SXSW performance alone. He moves through the song over rapid strings, heavy drums and the sort of dramatic momentum normally reserved for someone being chased through a very expensive period film.
The video blends concert footage with tighter performance shots. Meanwhile, Mineo works the stage rather than trying to recreate the full studio collaboration.
That approach also provides a useful reminder: densely written rap songs still have to survive contact with a live microphone.
“Paganini” appears on Never Land, which Reach Records released Jan. 28. The seven-track EP also includes “You Can’t Stop Me,” “Paisano’s Wylin’” and the title track.