Published on October 16th, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby
0Mr. Pete: Navy Vet Turned Soulful Artist on “The Art of Pete”
In an exclusive interview, I sat down with soulful artist and Navy veteran Mr. Pete to discuss his EP “The Art of Pete” available now, blending church influences with Southern sound, and key takeaways from Track Society Track Meet 2024 in Houston, TX at Avant Media Institute. Watch the full interview below.
Mr. Pete on His EP “The Art of Pete”, Musical Journey, and Lessons Learned from Track Meet 2024
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Pete, a Navy veteran and soulful artist with deep roots in gospel and Southern blues. We dug into his new EP The Art of Pete, his unique blend of church influences and Southern sound, and the invaluable lessons he picked up at the Track Society Track Meet 2024 as part of its masterclass. The full video interview can be seen after this recap, so be sure to catch the full conversation below.
Discovering Music During the Pandemic
Mr. Pete’s journey into music began in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic stopped everything. He returned to San Diego from Japan and, with extra time on his hands, visited a Navy friend’s home studio. “Once I got in there, it just stuck,” he recalled, marking the start of his passion for creating music.
Blending Church Roots and Southern Influence
Growing up with a pastor father, Mr. Pete’s church background plays a big role in his music. His soulful, bluesy sound is deeply influenced by gospel, and he’s honed his craft playing the organ and drums in church. “Church is second nature to me,” he said, explaining how those early experiences have shaped his sound. His music blends gospel with Southern grit, which makes his voice stand out.
The Creative Process: A Perfectionist at Work
When I asked about his creative process, Pete said he doesn’t force songs. Instead, he waits until the vibe is right and lets the words flow naturally. For him, the fun comes at the end, when he hears the final product after it’s mixed and mastered. “I’m so focused on getting everything right during the process, I don’t enjoy it until it’s all finished,” he admitted. Like many artists, Pete is a perfectionist, often stepping away from tracks to return with fresh ears.
A Fan Favorite: Unexpected Recognition
One of the most touching stories Pete shared was about an unexpected fan encounter. While visiting a tattoo shop in Shreveport, Louisiana, a local artist recognized his music. “It was my first time meeting someone who knew my work that I didn’t know personally,” Pete said, smiling at the memory. The experience energized him, and he admitted it motivated him to get back into the studio.
Lessons from Track Meet 2024: Applying New Knowledge
Reflecting on his experience at Track Meet 2024, Mr. Pete called it the most impactful event of his career so far. “It was the best event I’ve attended as an artist,” he said. From financial literacy to marketing and songwriting, the summit provided him with the tools he needed to elevate his approach to music.
The songwriting session, in particular, stood out to him. Since Track Meet, he’s collaborated with two artists he met there and has begun applying new techniques to his work. “I realized my voice is an instrument, and I’m learning to use it more creatively,” he explained.
Looking Forward: “The Art of Pete” and What’s Next
As we discussed his upcoming EP, “The Art of Pete”, Mr. Pete emphasized the diversity in the four tracks. “Each track is so different from the other,” he said. The EP offers a glimpse into his wide range of musical talent, giving listeners a full introduction to his style. Although he’s not performing live at the moment, Pete is gearing up to bring his music to the stage soon.
Final Thoughts: Mr. Pete’s Dedication to His Craft
Mr. Pete is not only dedicated to his music but also to supporting other independent artists. He’s eager to share the lessons he’s learned along the way to help others avoid the same mistakes and succeed in their careers.
His upcoming EP “The Art of Pete” is sure to make waves, and with his mix of soulful depth and Southern influence, Mr. Pete is an artist to watch. You can catch our full conversation below for more insights into his journey, his creative process, and what’s next for this rising star.
Catch the Full Interview Below
Tweet