Gigslutz Interview. Kate Tittley Speaks to PETE MACLEOD

Pete MacLeod is one of the handful of select artists signed to Alan MacGee’s 359Music label. He’s been about for a while though, releasing music through his own label both here and in the States, gigging along side. With new album Rolling Stone coming out, Gigslutz caught up with him to muse over life, music, past and present in a very deep and meaningful way…and to ask his fantasy backing band line up, obvs. So go forth dear reader, and learn a little a something about the very awesome Pete MacLeod…

Good Morning Starshine! From what I’ve read you’ve constantly got an album or a tour going on, a proper hard grafting musician! So what’s happening right now?

Thank-you and good morning to yourself! I’m just focusing on opportunities that my music creates really, that could be writing, recording or touring. In terms of immediate future I have two launch party shows coming up to promote my new album ‘Rolling Stone’. They will be in Glasgow and London in early November, after that I’m supporting Shed Seven at the Barrowlands in Glasgow in December.

You’ve been around for a wee while now releasing tracks independently and doing pretty well with it. Why now to sign up to a label? Albeit a very cool and sexy label!

Thanks again. Well to be honest the reason is Alan McGee. And it’s not to be the next ‘whoever’ either. It’s purely down to being the next me. Which I so happen to be good at more than anyone else. I can only try to improve myself as a person and a musician. I feel that’s my responsibility in life in general. I think that’s why Alan signs individuals y’know…and after that it becomes successful. At the very least on a personal level in terms of allowing artists to express themselves from a decent platform of exposure.

359 to me has a really awesome roster of artists all playing guitar heavy songs. What are your thoughts on the other acts on 359, and do you feel as a kind of seasoned pro you can help pass on handy bits of wisdom to them?

I like them all. I actually like and respect most people who think for themselves y’know. And anyone who puts out their own music is exactly an artistic example for that. They may get what I mean with that? That shouldn’t be looked at to be faulted, it should be looked at as a story or experience from another person living in this world we share. We only live a short time here.

It seems that you can be kind of ‘musicians’ musician’, with your music being really well received and liked by those working in the industry, which is pretty good! Why do you think that is?

I think if that’s true then it may be because music is universal and no-one owns the right of music in general. That should be encouraged and I believe technology has helped this nowadays. So perhaps it’s due to a higher percentage of people/musicians having a go at expressing themselves and they may appreciate what I do? Pretty close to what I was talking about in your earlier question eh…

So you spent a lot of time in California, how did that come about? And why did you come back to Scotland?

Short and sweet answer is I got married in Vegas to my American girlfriend at the time and then we had a child together. I lived and worked there and the marriage was sliding. My Father was diagnosed with cancer around the same time. It just felt right to come home. I visit my Son when I can and miss him dearly each day and my Father who lost his brave battle with cancer.

What do you think influences your sound more, the beachy West Coast tones or the Scottish folksy vibe? Or something altogether completely different?

I don’t know man…I don’t think about it that much. I just go with the heart and write as I please. If I like what I hear then I spend time on it. If others like it then I’m humbled. We have so many choices in life to do so many things with our time other than listen to someone else’s music. If that’s what you hear when you listen to my output then that’s not such a bad thing is it?

And what about the writing? Having listened to a few tracks they’re peppered with California references…So how has what you write about evolved from when you started out up to now?

I guess I write about my experiences and California was and still is one of them. I like sunshine but I like moonlight too. I also like the fog’s mystery and the fact that yesterday is history. I just come out with it how I feel really. My guitar gives me a voice and melody so I just go along with it as it makes me happy and some others too. If it didn’t I would stop.

Ok, a little lighter. Your fantasy super-group backing band? Go!

Eh…fuck, let’s see…using the same kinda set up I have just now it would be…Johnny Marr on guitar, Steve White on drums and Horace Panter on bass. Both Horace and Steve are on my album. 🙂

Worst thing to happen to you on tour over the course of your career?

Would have to be when my guitar fell out of my mates car and got smashed. I played the gig with it in LA…it wasn’t easy but hey fuck it, People had paid to see me. We got through it together. Was a great night! Result.

And finally, what’s left on the list? The big aspiration?

I don’t know because I don’t have a list…I’m living in the moment. At the most my mind may go to is three months ahead and that’s about it.Big Aspiration? To be successful at being loving, happy and generous.

It there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for reading, Peace&Love Px

Thank you very much 🙂 x

PETE WILL BE PERFORMING AT BRIXTON JAMM ON 8TH NOVEMBER TO LAUNCH HIS ALBUM, ‘ROLLING STONE’

www.petemacleod.net

www.twitter.com/petemacleod

www.facebook.com/petemacleod

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Kate Tittley

When not making cocktails for Manchester's finest, Le Titts is most likely to be found the other side of the bar in a cloud of smoke and wine musing loudly over her fantasy band line up, love of the album format and why nothing is better than The Stone Roses. And then spilling the wine...Loving the ride with GigSlutz.