For our 13th Clapper Sounds Interview, we are highlighting an Australian singer and Clapper creator: Pete O’Brien!
Pete O’Brien, also known as @Aussie_Music, is a rock and country musician from Australia. Pete has a powerful voice and natural talent for storytelling. During our interview, we talked a lot about his diverse influences growing up, the beauty of social media, and pushing through the ups and downs that take building a music career.
I think music is part of my DNA. -Pete O’Brien
Clapper Sounds is meant to be an intimate musical experience, and we want that mission to translate into our written interviews too. As you read about @PeteO’Brian, play their music in the background and really get to know this artist’s unique sound.
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Let’s start from the beginning. What is your first memory of being involved with music? How did you start your artist journey?
My big brother used to play in a band. He would go out and do shows. I always wanted to be like him. I was 8 years of age at that time. He was definitely my idol. At the age of 10, I started singing on the streets. When I was in my 20s, I started doing proper shows and became more professional. I think music is part of my DNA.
How would you describe your musical style? Who are your biggest inspirations?
My music genre and style are very wide because I’ve had a lot of influences. I sort of think of my music as more country/rock. With my albums, I do have a big diversity of styles. My idol when I was growing up, other than my brother, was Paul Stanley from Kiss. I was into that 80’s rock and then I got into country because of the story-telling. Some people say I am country or blues. It’s very crossed-genre.
What is your songwriting process like?
What I do is that if I have a tune in my head, I will record it on my phone. Or if I am driving and I’ve got a lyric in my head, I will pull over and write it down. On my phone I got all these files of little recordings, sometimes just humming a little melody. Then I put them all together and a song is formed. I always put a hidden message into my songs. That message could be about anything. I can never plan my songs because sometimes what you start with might not be what you end up with.
What are your thoughts on content creation as an artist? How do you feel about artists having to balance their social media presence and still be committed to their art?
I think times have changed. The internet is a beautiful thing and social media is great. If you are going to do this professionally and do it properly, you do need a social media balance. This is one of the big reasons why I came to Clapper; to build up my social media balance. I’ve got songs that are charting in Australia at the moment. When I promote my songs I’ll say this is my social media link and that’s important to do. You got to do all the back work and all the work behind the scenes. I think is very important.
Do you have any side hustles other than music?
I’ve got a very quick answer for that: No. Music is my life at the moment.
Deciding to be an artist can have its ups and downs. What advice would you give to that young artist who is just getting into music and whose dream is to be a musician?
My advice would always be to keep an eye on the dream. If you want to be a very successful musician you’ve got to keep an eye on your goals. If you want to be famous and rich, keep your mind on that. Nothing is easy in life, it’s going to be hard. You’ll get people that will knock you down, but when you get people that love you and your music, that’s the best feeling ever. Playing a song in front of an audience that you wrote in your bedroom is the best feeling. Always listen to other people who have been through it. A little advice for the older musicians, you’re never too old to rock ‘n roll.
Make sure to check our recorded live session on our account Clapper Sounds and in our reels on Instagram. Enjoy the Clapper Sounds live session of the week!