No Stress is a mantra. Repeated as many times as needed during a given day, it helps to clear the head of all the strife and noise of the modern world. It also functions as the pseudonym of multi-instrumentalist Paul Horton, a versatile creator often found playing keys in The Alabama Shakes or crafting improvised jazz compositions in Concurrence. With Prelude No. 1, Horton presents the fruits of a cleared psyche that blends everything from hip-hop and jazz to glitch and transcendental ambience. Born and raised in Athens, Alabama in a household brimming with an eclectic record collection; Horton was exposed to everything from Ella Fitzgerald to Linda Ronstadt to Africa Bambaata to New Edition to Beastie Boys throughout his upbringing. In short, a good dose of everything. This bombardment of influences, along with a Magnavox handheld tape deck to savor his favorite film and TV music, led to a musical path that isn’t corralled into any particular scene or genre. Horton has never been one to maintain idle hands. His work in The Alabama Shakes and Concurrence is augmented by constant composition at home, as well as raising a family and remembering to enjoy the non-musical parts of life. Prelude No. 1 is the result of finding that balance of work and life, remembering to embrace No Stress all along the way.