I caught up with enchanting artist Pete Beat to talk about his latest release, ‘Before The War’, music recommendations and what’s in store for the rest of 2021.
Tell MoggBlog viewers about your latest release! What’s the inspiration behind that?
This is my third album, and is called Before The War. Some of the songs including the title track have a 1930s influence, though with electronic production.
The title is a nod to the fact people in the west don’t seem very bothered by their governments waging war around the world, as they don’t think it will ever come to their shores. But we might find ourselves as refugees one day, and should think about our attitude towards them.
Musically it ranges from 1930s retro to electronic dance music, disco and guitar based indie. Hopefully it all magically works together, it feels cohesive to me at least.
Do you prefer performing live or recording, and why?
For many years I recorded songs in my bedroom and was too scared to play live. I looked for a singer to work with for a couple of years, but didn’t find the right one, so ended up doing it myself.
Playing live is now only moderately terrifying and although I’m apprehensive, I’m really looking forward to getting back to it. It’s definitely more thrilling than recording.
But I think recording in the studio will always be my happy place. That’s what keeps me motivated.
If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
I would have loved to work with Amy Winehouse, great songwriter and singer. My other musical heroes – Morrissey I imagine would be difficult to work with, and I’d be too intimidated to suggest any ideas to Brian Wilson.
There are a couple of musicians I’d like to collaborate with on the local scene, but I haven’t told them yet, so I’m not going to show my hand here!
Give our listeners some music recommendations that we should check out!
Laura Rivers – That’s All Right (Hakan Hellstrom edit) – Sweet edit adding strings to a beautiful song and vocal.
Gwen Guthrie – Padlock – great song from the queen of underground disco in the 80s
Ernest St Laurent – The Moon Is Gone – this guy had a hit with a house track called Clumsy Lobster which is where I first heard of him around 2001, but this is a sweet pop song.
Al Bowlly & The Ray Noble Orchestra – The Very Thought of You – I love Al Bowlly and Ray Noble and they are the biggest 1930s influence on my current album.
Faithful Johannes – Dust – local musician in North East England, I love this track and I’m looking forward to hearing what he does next.
What’s in store for you for the rest of the year?
I’m playing at Lindisfarne Festival on the Thursday night in September, so head down and check it out.
Other than that I’m working on more recordings, and looking to book some more gigs as soon as possible. I’ve got several songs in the works for what should be my next album.
And, I just want to see my friends and family, watch some bands, drink some beers in the sun and go on holiday. Should be bliss.
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