Happenstance and chance encounters can sometimes lead to amazing things. For Austin-based, Fort Worth, Texas-born Peter More, it has lead to the creation of some truly engrossing, and intoxicating sounds. More’s musical journey and the happenstance and chance encounters in his life have lead him to forming a band from all over the world with a wildly eclectic musical background. It also lead him to meeting iconic rock legend Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, who ended up producing his music.
We caught up with More to discuss working with Fagen, his new EP Shoulder, and more as he gets ready to perform at Jams on the Sand tonight in Asbury Park, NJ.
How do you feel your new EP, Shoulder, stands out from your full length record?
I’m not sure if it stands out from the album since it was all recorded within the same project, but I always felt those three songs on the EP fit together stylistically for whatever reason.
Your band is made of an eclectic group of musicians who come from all over the world. Can you talk about how the band came together, and how has working with these artists impacted your artistic vision (lyrically and/or sonically) since you began working with them?
Playing with musicians from different parts of the world constantly has an impact – from what they contribute stylistically on each song, to what they’re playing in the car as we drive around. Being from four different countries, it’s cool watching the songs take shape with each member’s input, taste, background, etc. That collaborative aspect has always been one of my favorite parts about playing music. We’ve also been best friends for awhile so there’s a creative trust that develops over time where everyone can be candid with one another.
If someone is coming out to Jams on the Sand and is seeing you for the first time, what song would you recommend they check out of yours to fully understand what Peter More is all about…and why?
I’d say maybe either “Caddis Moon” or “In The Basement.” It’s tough because our music doesn’t fit one sound, it varies stylistically but I think there’s something in there for everyone.
You’ll be playing literally in front of the Atlantic Ocean at JOTS — a fairly unique setting — what are some of the more unique/different venues you’ve played in over the years?
Praia do Espelho in Bahia, Brazil comes to mind. It’s renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and we played seven hours straight for a big party while they danced alongside a Capoeira performance in the sand. Recently we also played in Havana, Cuba for the biennale 500th anniversary of Havana at La Fabrica de Arte, which immediately became one of our favorite venues to date.
Donald Fagen of Steely Dan produced your record. In your bio it says you had a “chance encounter” with Fagen — can you talk about this encounter, and how it happened that ended up producing your album, which is something he rarely does outside of Steely Dan records?
The chance encounter was randomly meeting Donald and his wife Libby Titus in the middle of Mexico. They walked into our bassist Diego’s gallery in San Miguel de Allende looking for art and they asked to hear some of our music. Diego sent them a song and they wrote back that they loved it and invited us to jam with Donald on New Year’s Eve a few nights later. The project all grew out of that chance encounter at the gallery.
What did he bring to your record as a producer?
Donald brought his ears most of all. He played keys on most of the songs and sang some backup vocals as well – but more than anything he just wanted to get the best out of every track and arrangement, harmony, etc. He’s a master in the studio and cares a lot about it.
And what was the most important thing — whether it be personal or professional — that you learned from him?
What to listen for when you’re tracking and playing live. Also, some good jokes.
What’s a definitive goal you have for the band in 2019?
Outside of touring, recording more music and hopefully putting a couple tracks out before the end of the year.
And what one thing are you most excited for, as a musician, this year?
Playing with the guys that I get to play with.
