Paul Hardcastle is a British composer, musician, and multi-instrumentalist, known predominantly for his contributions to the electronic, jazz, and synth-pop genres. Active since the 1980s, he gained international recognition for his anti-war song "19", a distinctive blend of narration and synthesized music. His later work, particularly in the "Jazzmasters" series, demonstrates a significant shift towards smooth jazz, further showcasing his versatility as a musician. Hardcastle's influence on electronic and smooth jazz music is marked by his unique synthesis of electronic instrumentation and traditional jazz elements.