A breezy new single has been released by Pete Beat, and with it the North East-based planted himself onto my radar. Since I had no idea who I was dealing with, it was the perfect time to get to know Pete a little better! We talk inspiration, future plans and more new music!
Hi! Who is Pete Beat?
Hello, I am a musician from Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England.
What inspired you to write ‘Homesick Night’?
I went on a train journey to Manchester last year, on a dull rainy Tuesday, and it reminded me of feeling homesick when I was studying in Manchester.
What did you do in 2020 and how did you stay inspired?
I wrote and recorded a lot of music, though not dramatically more than I normally do anyway. I don’t seem to need to do anything to stay inspired, except wait for the next idea. If it never comes, that’s a problem, but so far it always has.
What can we expect from the new album?
Better production and songwriting than my previous releases, and there’s a variety of stuff on there, from 1930s inspired tracks through to more electronic dance music, a bit of indie, a bit of disco.
Who are your biggest musical influences and why?
Musically – the Beach Boys, their best stuff is just sublimely comforting in its beautiful harmonies. Lyrically – The Smiths, an influence which is heavily on display in Homesick Night. Morrissey is a great poet, though I don’t agree with everything he says.
What do you think defines your music?
I think I try to avoid well trodden genres, and prefer to mix up a lot of different styles into something new. The fun thing about not sticking to genres is you don’t get proficient at just one style, which gives you the tools to make unusual music.
What are your thoughts on the local music scene and the progress it’s made the past year and how could it possibly improve more?
Well there’s been little live music to speak of over the last year, which has been tough, I do love a day out at a music festival in Ouseburn, I’m really looking forward to the first one! There are a lot of talented musicians in the area, with some real potential to be very successful. I’m not sure I can offer any advice on how to improve it, I still haven’t figured out how to do it myself!
What are three of your goals for the near future, say the upcoming two years?
Play a gig in a pub with a couple of beers.
Release another album (I have a good few new songs written already).
Do some travelling, New York is next on my list.
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