Pete Lawrie
When Pete Lawrie says that "I don't see myself as a guitar-wielding troubadour type," that's because he's a multi-skilled musician who knows how to adapt to the challenges of the digital age.
As his debut album 'A Little Brighter' demonstrates, Lawrie's music draws from rock, folk, soul and hip-hop, creating evocative, melodic songs from a blend of "real" instruments, loops and samples. Pulling it all together is his husky but soulful voice, which sometimes gets compared to the likes of Ray Lamontagne or Paolo Nutini. Whatever, it's the perfect instrument for introspective ballads, while also being poised to unleash a powerful rock'n'roll blast at an instant's notice.
"I've always listened to singer-songwriters, but I really love hip-hop as well," says Lawrie. "I love everything from DJ Shadow and Four Tet to Roots Manuva or even Jay-Z, but I grew up listening to my mum's Motown records and soul music too. My dad's thing was Paul Simon and Elton John so all that's in there too. There's probably not much hip-hop left on my album, but you can hear the influences."
He has opened for Paolo Nutini at the Royal Albert Hall and played well-received sets at this year's Isle of Wight and Glastonbury shindigs. His album is about to burst upon the world, and Pete Lawrie is ready.
"For years I wanted to be a footballer," he recalls. "It was only ever a footballer, film star or rock star for me." Most likely to be the last one, the way things are going.
- For music and further information on the band please check:
- www.petelawrie.com
