Jerry Peerson

I'm just one guy writing, playing the instruments, and recording compositions in my little spare room recording studio. I choose to do this mostly for reference, so I don't forget a newly written song, but also to sell demos at shows. For over 10 years I have been engineering my music at home, but have also recorded in a handful of professional studios, like Temple Sound, Gordon Sound and the Seattle Art Institute. While I really like someone else setting things up and pressing record, I guess I have always loved the freedom of doing everything myself and in the comfort of my own home (not to mention the money I've saved).

Of course, I've done the band thing and for the most part enjoyed it. From the early Bremerton, WA days when I was in the "Junk Puppets" fronted by the now "famous" hipster Ben Gibbard ( Death Cab for Cutie/Postal Service ), to the bands I led like Channel 9, Backseat Driver, and Fifty-50; winners of the 1st annual Battle of the Bands at the "widely" acclaimed ,Manette Saloon (we also placed 3rd at a battle of the bands hosted in North Seattle), most of the time we were able to play at the least twice a week headlining some shows and also opening for the local favorites MXPX and their side projects. About a year ago I formed a full band and played a few shows, but due to scheduling and differing dedication levels I’ve decided to reform the band with a few new additions.

Music has always been a priority, but the problem was where my focus lied. I now realize that I need to focus on my songwriting without compromise, because writing and singing is where my true passion lies. So I fully intend to embark on a Singer/Songwriter kick that will hopefully last longer than ever I imagined.

As far as song styling is concerned, I write what comes naturally. Not to fit in to any genre or latest fad. There will be times when I go from a classically based waltz like "Fidele Amour" to a very high energy rock song like "Windowpane". The last song I wrote and recorded is a folk/old school Paul Simon kind of thing. Being eclectic is what I love and seek when it comes to music. I will never say to myself "Oh I can't do that" or "I don't think this style of song will go over well..." Screw that! The most important thing about music is the passion and the genuineness of it all, regardless of the genre. I know that this may separate the true fans from the scenester types, but I'll take 10 true fans over 100 fans that are just along for the FAD ride.

I have played an array of different venues. Recently I performed at Zoka Coffee house, El Diablo Cafe, The Jewel Box Theatre, Costco Home Corporate Holiday Party at Maydenbauer Center, Derby, The Manette Saloon, twice at the Finger Fest on the Columbia in Richland, WA, Kitsap Pride festival, the Caffe Bella, the Rainbow, and most recently played 7 shows in 3 days at a festival in Tokyo Japan.

My influences are great and many from the late Elliott smith-R.I.P.-, Radiohead, the Strokes, Ella Fitzgerald, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Arcade Fire, Sufjan Stevens, Sam Roberts, Beethoven, Mozart, Cole Porter, The Decemberists, Sondre Lerche, Ryan Adams, Ben Kweller, the Cure, the Smiths, Morrissey, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and Digweed, The Beatles, Paul Simon, Jon Brion, Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, Eric Satie, the Posies, David Garza, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Ben Gibbard (cant help it), Elvis Costello, Sarah Vaughn... and many, many more.

In the last couple months I have started work with 4 different projects. #1-I am playing guitar, keyboards and backing vocals in a band named “Altspeak”. This coming month we are to be playing in small venues around the Seattle area. #2- My own band centered around my songwriting. We are still filling the lineup and as soon as things are settled we will begin playing shows. #3- I am collaborating with an accomplished engineer/producer. An EP of our combined efforts will be done in the near future. #4- I am starting to write a score for an upcoming full length independent film. There will be a variety of new and old Jerry Peerson songs included in the film. So needless to say I have been very busy musically.

Thank you for taking the time to check this out. I hope to hear from you soon with any questions, comments or feedback.

Sincerely,
Jerry Peerson

www.jerrypeerson.com
www.soundclick.com/kidjlp
www.myspace.com/jerrypeerson