Pete Schmidt
10.14.03

I had the opportunity to hang out with Pete Schmidt and learn all about his new solo career. Although he says there aren't really that many changes, Schmidt is definitely maturing as a musician, and he gave us an update from life on the road.

So, you're solo...and never been better!! How has your solo career thus far been going?

Fantastic. Being solo allows an artist to pretty much do whatever he wants on stage. And everything else for that matter. I never feel like I'm butting heads with anybody anymore, or asking permission to do something. I feel like I'm going to ride this solo thing out as long as I can.

I'm glad to hear you're lovin' it. So what inspired your solo career?

It's not so much as what inspired me...it's just that it's more convenient and more realistic to be a singer/songwriter traveling solo than it is as a full-band. I feel like I have a lot more to grow and mature in this industry and before I bring other people in with me I want to really find my own niche in this genre.

Definitely. So how many songs have you written now that you're on your own? How do they differ from the older songs we all know and love?

Being solo hasn't really sped or slowed anything down in terms of my songwriting. I think the challenge these days is remembering the old songs. I find myself listening to tapes trying to remember how to play something. So right now I'm basically concentrating on remembering what the audience likes. For example, a song I wrote about two years ago is now being requested in venues and I can't even remember how to play it. It's almost funny because I asked a fan for a tape of it at a show and I had to sit down and listen to it to figure out how to play it again. It was like learning a cover of myself.

But I am tending to write more of a 'rock' feel than a 'singer/songwriter' feel. And being on the road traveling constantly and meeting other artists has definitely inspired me to write even more and step my writing up to another level. So I guess being solo has affected my writing a little bit in the sense that I'm writing better.

Tell us a little about your upcoming release in 2004. Will it be full length? Are there any notable people in the music industry helping you with it? Are you sticking with the same management company? Any of your older songs going to be redone? Will you be using other musicians as back up?

Can I pick 'C- All of the above?' The one thing that I'm really going to answer to this question is - YES, I am going to try to get as many artists as I can to contribute to this CD. I won't say who but I will say yes there will be.

That's cool with me! So tell us about the songwriting process as you perform it. What inspires you? Are your songs a reflection of personal experiences? Do the tunes come first, or the lyrics?

The both come at the same time. Songs are more of a feeling to me than a complicated arrangement. They just kind of spill out of my mouth. Everything inspires me. I feel like past and present experiences, interactions with people, conflicts, and drama inspires me the most. Even though I'm not a big drama person.

As an artist, how do you see yourself changing, or do you see yourself more as evolving?

I feel as if being a songwriter you tend to evolve more than change. Because you are always going to keep that certain uniqueness about you and all you're really doing is maturing with it. I find myself learning very cool and different things as time goes on and I guess I try to incorporate that into my style.

So what's in your CD player now?

The new Outkast, Matt Wertz and Hoobastank.

An eclectic collection! If you could put any indie artist on national airwaves right now, who would it be and why?

I can't really put one specific artist. I feel like anyone that has been on the road busting their ass doing what they love should have the opportunity to be played on the radio.

So tell me something off base and funky about this Pete Schmidt character...and give us some insight into your life besides music. What else do you enjoy?

I love golf. I love going to my local bar in town. I love my dog. I'm a big dog guy. I pretty much love doing what everyone else likes doing at 22. Hanging out with friends. Enjoying the moment while it's here. In terms of being funky- I like to think I am a very weird person. I'd have to say my whole life is funky. Oh yeah, I'm getting back in skateboarding.

Wow that's pretty cool. And you're making a documentary? Tell us all about it!!

I'll let you know when it's done...

Pete you are a man of few words...when they're not set to music! Okay, but I'll hold you to that – we want the skinny on the documentary! So, how has touring been going? Any upcoming hot spots? Who are you planning on sharing the stage with?

Touring has been going great. I love getting out there and meeting people, experiencing all the difference places and exploring this crazy world we live in. Hot Spots..let's see...I'll be in NYC at the Bitter End this month. I also have a gig coming up in Indianapolis at the House Cafe in November. The response there has been great.

With all these changes, how have your fans been?

They've been very supportive. I've always really toured solo so I feel like there really hasn't been that big of a change. It hasn't been that drastic. The biggest change of this whole solo thing is the name and changing everything on the web site. But overall the fans are great. Sometimes it's just as fun to hang out with them after I perform because we really get to know each other.

What's next for you?

For right now, it's just tour tour tour. Every day is different. Things are always being added to the list of things to do so I guess for now just keep checking the tour schedule. But the dirt part...I can't tell you that I'm breaking up with J-Lo anytime soon. I think she's a keeper.

Okay, Ben...speaking of celebrities, that brings me to the "current events" question. What do you think about the Terminator in office?

I don't really get involved in politics that much. But if he can get the job done, more power to him.

Pete, I had a blast hanging out in the "penis sticker room" with you and watching you play. Thanks for your time and keep us posted!

Interviewed by Kristen Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com