Name: PeterO
Hometown: Belfast
Genre: Alternative Rock /Singer-Songwriter
◀ Q & A ▶
▶ Tell us about your artist name
In my first job there were three different people called Peter, including me. Since my second name is ‘O’Callaghan’, I soon became known as ‘Peter O’, and the name has always stuck with me!
▶ When did you start playing music and how would you describe your sound?
I started learning guitar when I was 11 and took drum lessons shortly after. Ever since then, I’ve loved writing songs and I’ve been doing it ever since. I end up writing acoustic songs, rock songs, and anything in-between!
▶ What releases have you put out so far?
I released my first EP ‘Comfort Zone’ in 2013, which was an acoustic EP that I played all the parts on. I’ve just released my second EP ‘Twelve Step Program’ which is an Alternative Rock EP, and I was super lucky to have the talents of Matty Killen from R51 on drums and Sean McCann from Civil Simian on bass. The first single is called ‘I’ve Been Meaning To Tell You’ and is also out now. Both of these EPs were recorded, mixed and mastered by the incredibly talented Justin O’Neil who guided the whole process from beginning to end.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
I’ll never forget the first live show I ever played back when the middle section of Lavery’s was still called ‘The Bunker’. I played as a duo with my compadre Ruari McCloskey (also from Civil Simian) shortly after leaving school, in which we played covers of the likes of Oasis, Coldplay and Duke Special, and I even snuck in an Avril Lavigne song for good measure.
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a low point of the journey so far?
During my GCSEs I developed major anxiety which got so bad that I couldn’t even leave my house. I was home schooled for a year and missed out on my friendships, which was a really low point in my life. Luckily I managed to overcome my anxiety, and writing music during this period was a helpful form of therapy for me and helped me get through some really hard times.
A highlight of the journey was the first time that one of my songs was played on the radio. ‘Train of Thought’ from my first EP was played on BBC Radio Ulster, and not only hearing my music being played but also hearing the presenters discuss the track was completely surreal to me!
▶ If you weren’t a musician(s) how would you spend your spare time?
Eating far too much hummus and watching The Office.
▶ If you were to go on a world tour and you could pick any 3 acts come along, who would they be?
Jack Johnson for a mellow opener, John Mayer for a classy middle, and Foo Fighters to light the fireworks at the end.
▶ What would be the 3 strangest things on your rider if you were able to make any demand?
– A mug that can keep tea warm for longer than five minutes
– A copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Paperback)
– I once heard that Van Halen would always request a bowl of M&Ms, but with all of the brown ones removed. That way, he would know if the promoter had actually read through their entire rider. Personally, I’d be happy with any kind of M&Ms, as long as they aren’t the peanut ones – if I bite into one of those, then I’m out!
▶ Is there a particular aim or goal which you hope to achieve through music?
Honestly, I just love writing songs, and if people like listening to them then that’s even better. As long as I can keep making music, playing for lovely people, and collaborating with enthusiastic musicians, then I’ll have achieved all of my goals.
▶ Who has been your biggest inspiration as musicians?
The first band I properly fell in love with was the Foo Fighters, just after they released their third album. As I grew up I fell in love with Dave Grohl – not only is he a phenomenal musician, but he’s also absolutely hilarious and has the nickname of the ‘nicest man in rock and roll’. Everything about the way that he writes music, how he interacts with other people, and just his general approaches to life, have definitely influenced me as a musician and as a human being.
▶ Are there any other Northern Irish musicians we should check out?
The Emerald Armada are at the top of the NI scene at the moment, and R51 have been getting loads of well deserved attention recently – both bands that you need to check out if you haven’t already. Civil Simian are a band that have been going from strength to strength and are an absolutely amazing live act, you’d be doing yourself a massive favour by sticking their next gig into your calendar!
▶ What is next for you?
I’ve been used to writing music as a solo act, and so I’d love to meet with like-minded musicians and create some material as part of a group. I’ve already got ideas for EP number three, so once the dust has settled on ‘Twelve Step Program’ I’ll no doubt start preparations for the next round of recordings!
◀ LISTEN ▶
Facebook ▶ /PeterO
Twitter ▶ @PeterO