'Mic Chec' Interview with Peter Shilling
Today we’re chatting with Sydney-based guitarist Peter whose unique blend of blues, jazz, and folk influences captivates and inspires - read on to hear more on his story!
Can you tell us a bit about your performance background and how you got started in the industry?
While still in school I was playing in country pubs, and when asked to play AC/DC we rose to the challenge! I’ve driven around NSW in a van, making just enough cash to get to the next job.
These days it’s a bit more subdued, a little more elegant playing acoustic guitar / blues / pop and jazz.
“Peter’s first love is the acoustic guitar, and his mastery of the instrument is on full display during his live shows. He utilises live guitar looping to provide self-accompaniment, adding another layer of depth to his playing.
With years of experience under his belt, Peter is able to effortlessly switch between genres, adapting his style to fit each song while still maintaining his signature sound.”
How do you approach your creative process, from ideation to completion?
I play a lot, I drive my family nuts always walking around with a guitar strapped to me.
Ideas come at the weirdest times, while helping my kids clean their teeth! I often get an idea and then quickly record it on my phone. There’s a lot of unfinished ideas on my phone right now!
How do you stay motivated and inspired to create and develop new work? How do you balance the creative and business sides of the performance industry?
I’m really obsessed with guitar and music, it’s getting worse I think! I don’t have a problem being motivated. I do have to keep focused though to get things done. More and more lately I try to push the technology away (guitarists are infamous for spending loads of time with some new piece of gear) and focus on developing my playing.
I don’t get much time on the business side of things, I’m a bit of a whirlwind, I’ll setup for 1/2 a day and do as much as I can, reaching out to agents, other contacts etc..
What has been your biggest career highlight so far? Can you talk about a project or album that you're currently working on and what we can expect from it?
In 2021, in the midst of the COVID pandemic I released my first solo album, and recently I have been working on some new instrumental tunes for a music production library (TV and film).
It’s been hard to keep focused and get this finished but I’m almost there. The process is a bit more clinical than when working on a normal album. The end goal here is to see some of my music used in a TV or film production.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to break out?
Keep going. It’s tough to get to play music, you just have to never give up.
Wanna hear more? Find Peter on Spotify or Instagram - or get in touch to find out how to book him for your next event!