Even the simplest artists start somewhere. Petesimple came from Houston Texas. It all started with Marching band and beatboxing, but not at the same time. Petesimple has been touring both in the United States and Overseas. As of late Pete has been staying close to home in H-town raising two cats and washing many many dishes. Finding time to take a moment towards their new album, Petesimple is in the studio with lots of musical ideas.
On first look at the Petesimple band we have simply Pete Lippincott singing his little-big heart out to the world. Just north of his acoustic guitar you'll find a silky baritone voice rattling the melodious treble into your squeezable heart. Along with Sam Ortallono for an undercurrent of wonderbread bass playing. You know the kind that is always there in the breadbox and creates a solid foundation after time well minus the mold. That is right, Sam-O is a wonderbread brick as if he were with a cement filled bass line creating the soul of Petesimple. Another solid fixture is Richard Cholakian on Drums. In fact it really doesn't matter where Rich keeps time you can't stand not to listen to his bumping jazz infested beat making. Last but certainly not least the cream of the woodwinds, Mr. Kevin Needham blowing his sweet melodies driving a Cole Train-esk tide into your skull and exchanging licks with the awesome grassroots picker Wayne Wilkerson. Taking its cues from the Dave Matthews Band, with a pepper-pinch of Edwin McCain and the soliloque of songwritings child, a cross between Bob Schneider and Jason Mraz, Petesimple will make your ears ring with the pounding of joyous sweat that Rock Brings, but the Folk music atmosphere will train your soul to read the stars above your beautiful life and sigh relief that you really love good music.
Press Clippings
...the band draws on a variety of influences, from Dave Matthews to Jump Little Children to Jupiter Coyote to create its eclectic sound. Says front man Lippincott, "I want people to come and see us for who we are and what we have to offer music."
...the band draws on a variety of influences, from Dave Matthews to Jump Little Children to Jupiter Coyote to create its eclectic sound. Says front man Lippincott, "I want people to come and see us for who we are and what we have to offer music."
Complete Interview with Sara Cress from the Houston Chronicle (below)
Hey Pete,
You've been such a helpful guy when it comes to everything I ask, I thought I'd give you a little space in the blog to promote your CD release party. Here are the questions:
1. What's the story behind the CD's title?
Well, I was driving to a gig in Houston one day and I saw a license plate that had "FREAKY" on it. Then that night I went to the book store to read a bit and I came across a graphic novel that was about a vampire that had relationship problems with a character that looked like a tree. All of this and I'm a bit of a Harry Potter nut I stewed into the name "Freaky Timber Witch".
2. What's the story behind the band name?
My Band name came from my love of the internet. I wanted to buy a real easy name to remember and could easily be typed. Petesimple.com is a lot easier then PeteLippincott.com because most people cannot spell my last name so I came up with it from a Webmaster standpoint which is also my day gig at www.luggageandleather.com
3. Tell us about the new CD. Why should people give it a listen?
This is the 1st project that I had a helping hand from some wonderful key players and producers. All of my players are accomplished musicians. I try to surround myself with better players so we can accomplish something that has merit in the players crowd. My producer Michael Mikulka is coming from 25 years of great works out of California. His list of accolades are too long print but I would love to plug his studio site www.luckyrunstudio.com Then there is Bob Boyd from www.ambientdigital.com His mastering skills are top notch, most recently he Mastered Our Lady Peace "A decade" which has hit after hit. He knows what to look for when it comes to sound. Finally, I try to write songs that have meaning to the listener. I know not everyone thinks the same way and all songs seem to come out differently depending on the situation being this way half of this album was written as a conversation with you the listener and in real time. No pre-written chords or words just me to you. The Art work was hand painted and you don't see that very often these days. Katy Horan was commissioned for the cover art and is a wonderful artist from NY. You can find more of her stuff at www.katyart.com .You'll love the album and hate it and I cannot wait to hear from you why you do.
4. I know you've been around the scene for a couple of years. What advice would you give someone just starting out with a guitar, a handful of songs and not much else?
Keep playing! I go to as many open mics as possible and meet as many people as I can, play with as many musicians as you can. The best way to learn is to immerse yourself in it. It's very much like a language in that music is ever changing. The only way to keep up with your passion is to learn something new about it everyday. I've always had music in my life no matter what the cost and probably always will, but for someone starting out I want to say this to you, I will never play that song as well as you did and I will always respect that because your idea of music is your own and sharing that with an audience, in my mind, is the coolest way to communicate. If I do end up playing your song my goal is to make it my own and entertain you with it.
5. Next five songs on your MP3 player of choice? Or what disc is in your car?
1 Jimi thing (live 12/19/98), Dave Matthews, Band Live in Chicago
2 The hand of God, Bonnie Whitmore, Picking Up Pieces
3 Wildflowers, Tom Petty, Wildflowers
4 Purple Wings, Spencer Band, Walking Out on the Monster
5 Slow Dancing in a Burning Room, John Mayer, Continuum
Couple more things: is there a cover for the show? And can you send me a photo to run with the post?
No cover, Donations Accepted but I'd rather you bring your friends out.
Sure, I'll attach a photo to this email along with the poster for the show. If you need a higher Res let me know I can send it again.
the CD release is tomorrow I hope any of this can make it to press before then.
Thanks for supporting local music Sara!
you rock
~pete
