What'd I Say: Hittin’ it Big

Fergie, Ray LaMontagne, Blues Traveler — and Pete Kilpatrick

By Amy Martin

2007-12-04

Pete Kilpatrick, a local pop-rock star, is best compared to college-rockers like John Johnson, Ben Harper and Dave Matthews. Originally from Boston, Pete moved to York when he was 13 and started playing guitar his senior year in high school (just seven years ago). Just a few years later he began writing songs and is inspired by “relationships and just life in general” and his musician friends. Pete’s first album, “Half Way Home,” was released in 2003 and followed by “Yesterday Love” in 2005 and “Louder than the Storm” (produced by Jon Wyman) in 2006. All can be purchased online at www.petekilpatrick.com.
Before he’s too famous to play small venues, fall in love with Pete’s music at the WCYY Holiday Bizarre this Dec. 15 at the Big Easy in Portland. The show starts at 9 pm and features 16 other local bands.

When did you start playing gigs? When did you start with the band?
I began playing solo shows in 2002. I did guitar tech and tour manager type stuff for Jeremiah Freed, and they used to have me open shows for them solo. I started playing with the band in 2003. We opened tons and tons of shows for Rocktopus (now As Fast As).

How has your sound evolved over your first three albums? Some songs are slow, acoustic and some are rocked out. Do you lean toward one side or prefer to incorporate both?
I’ve always been a fan of quieter acoustic singer/songwriter stuff, but I also love rock and roll, too. That’s why I think we have such a broad audience because there’s something for everyone with our music. I think the sound has just kinda naturally evolved after playing so many shows and going through more experiences.

You’ve been on tour with Zox, Dashboard Confessional, Fergie, Rhianna, Guster, Gavin DeGraw, Ray LaMontagne, Blues Traveler and others. How did you land these gigs?
I’ve been super, super lucky with the booking aspect. I handled all my own booking for the first five years of playing, and the trick is to just be super persistant no matter what. I always make sure I have a couple CDs with me at all times, and I just lucked out with meeting these bigger acts and having them like the stuff enough to have us open for them!

What was it like being on tour with national musicians? Was it just you or the whole band that went?
It’s kind of a mix. I just got back from tour last night with Zox and it was a solo tour. I opened for Rusted Root and G Love solo, but other than that the band usually plays. I like to bring the rock when we’re in front of bigger crowds.

What is in the future for the Pete Kilpatrick band? Another CD? More tours?
Well, we just signed a development deal with a branch of Epic Records called Original Signal. Another album is in the works, and we’re setting up a college tour for February and March. Things are going well.