Exclusive: Joseph Paintsil Drops Debut EP While Eyeing MLS Revival with LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy's Joseph Paintsil has ignited a wave of excitement in the music world with the release of his debut EP, "Emergency," earlier this April. 

The 7-track project showcases Paintsil's versatility as a music artist, blending genres like R&B, Afrobeats and hip-hop. 

Despite the buzz surrounding his musical talents, the skilled right winger remains focused on his football career, where he has consistently impressed fans with his speed and agility at the Dignity Health Sports Park.

The EP's presence on major music streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and Audiomack, featuring hits like "Blessings," "Monalisa," "Nobody," and "Merci Beaucoup," has generated significant global engagement, introducing Paintsil's unique sound to a broader audience. 

Interestingly, after a successful comeback from injury, which saw him miss over 10 matches for LA Galaxy since January and sit out Ghana's 2026 World Cup double-header against Chad and Madagascar, Paintsil's return coincided with the timely release of his debut EP.

BEATS AND FOOTBALL: PAINTSIL'S DUAL PASSION

The intersection of music and football, two of the world's most popular passions, has a rich history. 

Footballers and musicians have collaborated to create iconic anthems that resonate with fans worldwide. In recent years, Ghanaian players have also explored this creative fusion. 

For Paintsil, the former KRC Genk star, music and football are intertwined. 

"I've always been a die-hard music lover. There's so much inspiration I draw from music. This is my first EP, but not my first song. I've done others like 'Unbreakable' and 'Sing With Me'."

When asked about balancing music and football, Paintsil notes, "I don't think both are really demanding because I try to enjoy the moment rather than being too conscious and making mistakes. I'm just doing music for my fans. And for football, it's what gives me a living. When I step onto the field, I'm disciplined. And my sole focus is to help LA Galaxy secure victories," he told SportsBoom.com.

A PASSIONATE APPROACH

The 27-year-old acknowledges that balancing football and music can be challenging, but his approach to both is refreshingly straightforward. 

"It's quite demanding, but I think football and music are both easy," he says. 

"I don't try to overdo things; I keep it simple. In football, seeing it as a challenge can put pressure on yourself – mistakes are part of the game."

Regarding music, Paintsil notes that the pressure to succeed can be intense due to investment. 

"For music, there's pressure to make an impact because of the investment – it's always been that way. I think it's key to let the system adjust to your style. It's all about mentality."

THRIVING IN LA

Paintsil's decision to join LA Galaxy has proven to be a wise choice. 

Initially questioned due to MLS quality concerns, his transfer has been a blessing in disguise. The Ghanaian speedster's words at his unveiling, "I really want to come," now seem prophetic.

LA's vibrant entertainment scene has allowed Paintsil to pursue his music passion. The supportive LA Galaxy team, including the technical staff, teammates, and fans, has been instrumental in his growth. 

"I sing way back, but it's been a different atmosphere here at LA. We're a big family on and off the pitch. The fans love my music, and some teammates jam to my songs. It's really encouraging."

"I can only repay the love shown towards me on the pitch. That's how it's supposed to be – to make the fans happy whenever we can as a team."

GALAXY'S CONTINENTAL DREAMS DASHED

The LA Galaxy's Concacaf Champions Cup campaign ended in disappointment, falling 3-2 (3-2 aggregate) to Tigres UANL in the quarterfinals. 

Despite a strong rally, LA couldn't overcome a two-goal deficit within the first 10 minutes, courtesy of Nicolás Ibáñez and Uriel Antuna.

Joseph Paintsil's well-timed strike just before halftime offered a glimmer of hope, but ultimately wasn't enough to change the outcome.

With the Concacaf exit, the Galaxy now turn their attention to Major League Soccer, aiming to improve their standings. Currently, they're the only team in the Western Conference without a win, a concerning trend.

"We've put all of that behind us now. We've picked valuable lessons from the defeat. The major focus now is the MLS. We need to start getting the results to increase our chances of a top-four finish," he concluded.