09 October,2023 05:15 PM IST | MUMBAI | BrandMedia
Poo
Lunt's journey into the music world is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he trained as a chef before finding success in the demanding world of airline catering. His ventures in hospitality eventually expanded into real estate, with projects spanning Asia, the Middle East, and the U.S.
But beneath the business acumen was always an artist. In his youth, Lunt performed in local groups in Hawaii and Los Angeles and worked as a ghostwriter, penning lyrics and melodies for others. That background gave him a deep empathy for artists - he understood both the grind and the vulnerability of chasing a creative dream.
"Music has always been in my blood," he reflects. "I knew if I ever built a label, it wouldn't just be about selling records. It would be about giving people the opportunities I wished I had."
When Lunt founded Popolo Music Group in the early 2020s, he knew one of the biggest obstacles in the idol system was accessibility. Traditional auditions favored those who could afford flights, hotels, and months of waiting. Talented singers in Manila, dancers in Lagos, or rappers in São Paulo were often shut out before they could even step into a room.
AuditionKpop.com was the solution. The site allows anyone, anywhere, to submit a 1-2-minute performance video, two recent photos, and a short personal introduction. Submissions can be uploaded directly or emailed to Demos@popolomusic.asia. Within days, hopefuls can have their material reviewed by PMG's A&R team - something that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
"What we built wasn't just a website," Lunt explains. "It was a bridge between talent and opportunity."
The response was immediate and overwhelming. Within months of its launch, AuditionKpop.com began receiving hundreds of submissions weekly. Today, the platform averages 300 auditions every week, spanning continents and languages. Videos pour in from Manila, New York, Madrid, Nairobi, and Seoul, creating what industry insiders have dubbed a "digital gold rush" of aspiring idols.
The influx has made AuditionKpop.com the largest online audition platform in the world, surpassing the systems of older, more established labels. It has also enabled PMG to scout talent from communities that were previously overlooked. "We're seeing kids from rural towns in the Philippines audition right alongside hopefuls in London and Los Angeles," says one PMG A&R executive. "It's leveling the playing field."
What sets AuditionKpop.com apart isn't just its accessibility - it's the philosophy driving it. Lunt insists that attitude comes before talent.
"Anyone can learn to sing or dance with practice," he says. "But humility, discipline, and resilience - those are non-negotiable."
This philosophy guides PMG's six-month trainee program, based in Manila and Cebu. Beyond vocal and dance coaching, trainees receive mentorship in songwriting, branding, wellness, and financial literacy. Psychologists and life coaches are also part of the program, ensuring that young artists are supported holistically.
The emphasis on mindset is a direct response to the well-documented burnout and pressure in the K-pop system. "We don't just want stars - we want sustainable careers," Lunt explains.
While AuditionKpop.com identifies talent, PMG's live arm, Popolo Live, ensures they'll have a global stage waiting. The company has already co-promoted concerts across Europe, North America, and Asia, establishing touring circuits that will host PMG's future acts.
By the time PMG debuts its first artists in summer 2026, followed by global tours in 2027, Popolo Live will have laid the infrastructure for Filipino stars to perform at venues from Manila to Madison Square Garden.
PMG has also begun to align its rising artists with established names strategically. From P-Pop icons like Sarah Geronimo and SB19 to international legends like Shakira, the label is signaling its intent to bridge Filipino talent with global audiences.
"Music is universal," Lunt says. "By pairing fresh voices with global stars, we accelerate visibility and show that Filipino artists belong on the same stage."
AuditionKpop.com is more than just a platform - it's a cultural shift. For the first time, aspiring idols don't need money, visas, or connections to be heard. All they need is a phone, an internet connection, and the courage to hit record.
For Lunt, this accessibility is the accomplishment he's most proud of. "The Philippines has always had the talent," he says. "Now we've given them a megaphone. And the world is listening."
With its online audition platform now the #1 in the world, training centers preparing the first generation of pop idols, and Popolo Live securing international stages, PMG is poised for a breakout moment. The label's first records are slated for release in 2026, marking the start of what Lunt calls "a cultural revolution."
"K-Pop opened the door," he says. "Now it's time for the Philippines to walk through - and lead."
Whether the world is ready or not, Paul "Pooh" Lunt's accomplishment with AuditionKpop.com has already reshaped the industry. For thousands of hopefuls every month, it has turned the dream of becoming a global idol from an expensive gamble into a reachable reality. And for Lunt, it's just the beginning.
