Welcome to the world of Peter Reeves, the ultimate multitasker who goes from driving locomotives by day to serenading audiences with his soulful country tunes by night. Hailing from the picturesque region of Victoria, Australia, Peter is the epitome of a true blue Aussie artist with a heart as big as the Outback.
With over 500 songs in his repertoire, Peter is not your average country singer. Each song is a story, a piece of his life woven into heartfelt lyrics and melodies that resonate with audiences far and wide. From tales of love and heartbreak to odes to the Australian landscape, Peter’s music is a journey through his life experiences, his triumphs and struggles, his joys and sorrows.
What first got you into music?
I first started really getting into music when I started watching Countdown on the TV as a youngster, it was originally the glam rock movement that really got my attention. I knew then that I wanted to be a performer but more importantly I wanted to entertain people.
When did you start writing music?
I started writing my own music approximately 20 years ago. After being a music fanatic for most of my life, I always had ideas of songs and words I wanted to say. But for so long I was a family man and made sure I was working hard in order to provide for my young family, so my music wasn’t my number one priority at the time. When the time was right, I finally put pen to paper and began writing music, since then I have now handwritten over 500 songs.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
The best part about being an artist is performing live. Something I pride myself on is that I have always had great people skills and know how to engage an audience and that really comes out in my gigs. I aim to bring people together and make them happy with my music and encourage them to come along for the ride with me.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as Country Rock, but the songs that I have written are lyrically about everyday life, that people from all music genres and walks of life can relate to and understand. When writing my songs, I aim to write songs that I can picture everyone being able to get up and sing along to.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
I love to interact with my audience and encourage total audience participation. So when you listen to my music, I hope that you feel like belting out the lyrics and want to sing along with me.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
One of my heroes in the music industry would have to be John mellencamp. What I love about John and what inspires me about him is that the songs he writes he tells a story that is paired with a catchy tune. He is also a fantastic entertainer and I would have to say he put on probably the greatest concert I have ever seen.
What is next for you?
I have been performing other people’s songs and covers live now for over 30 years and have loved every minute of it. But now I am wanting to take the next step and go out and perform my own music, some of which I wrote quite a few years ago. In my song writing I have always had something to say, but now I’m ready to be heard.
What are your plans for any future releases?
I would like to produce a new album every 12-18 months. I have a huge back catalogue of songs I have written and now I am very eager to work hard and release them as frequently as possible.
What are your ambitions as a songwriter and musician from here?
I want to promote myself as much as I can and for as many people as possible to hear my music. I then want to take my music to the people and perform live across the country, in any venue, big or small.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
I think I am obligated to choose Keanu Reeves to play Peter Reeves.
What makes you nostalgic?
Music has such a big impact on my life, that when I think back to some of the greatest moments in music history, I can always remember the exact day, month and year that it happened in and will always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on that day.
Are you a valuable asset on a Pub Quiz team?
Yes, as I have an incredible memory and an encyclopedia of knowledge of multiple subjects. My specialty is times and dates of particular events and am known for always dropping strange and random fun facts.
What was the last thing you dressed up as for fancy dress?
Angus Young from AC/DC. My kids bought me a red Gibson SG guitar for my birthday a couple of years ago, so I thought it was only right that I bought an angus young school boy uniform costume.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Go for it. Do it now, not later. And always remember to reach for the sky, not the ceiling because if you only reach for the ceiling, that’s as far as you will go.
“Beer O’Clock” is the first single from his upcoming full-length album. He is supported by a stellar backing band including Nashville guitarist Rick Plant (Sherry Rich) and Douglas Lee Robertson (Ice-Cream Hands) on bass and drummer Geoff Barnes (P76). As Peter explains, the song is not so much about drinking but more about downtime, taking a break from your busy life and being with your loved ones.
The album was produced and recorded at Mountain Sound Studio at Hanging Rock by John Baxter (Prettymess, Five Mile Sniper) and is due out late 2024 on Small Sanctuary Records. Scheduled for release mid 2024, both on a limited run of discs and the usual streaming services, Beer O’Clock is bristling with fun, irreverent Aussie humour and an edginess that is refreshing. Peter is planning to take the band on a national tour late 2024.
Follow Peter Reeves on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PeterReevesMusic
