Meet Jacob Peter: Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacob Peter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacob, how do you think about risk?
Risk is the cornerstone of success. Unless you are extremely lucky, financially or otherwise, risk is built into getting anything worthwhile off the ground. Most people that I know in LA (myself included) have left our hometowns in an attempt to “make it”, whatever that means nowadays. And while it’s been extremely difficult at times, emotionally and monetarily, it’s without a doubt the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve been able to grow so much in a very short amount of time, meet other amazing artists, and play music that I would never have had the opportunity to play had I stayed in my hometown. As an artist, risk is also built into personal expression. There is no way to truly express yourself without risking something in the process. Will people like this? If people hate this, what will that do to my emotional state? What does my art say about me as a person? Will any of this even work out? Beyond that, taking risks in your art is usually the thing that propels it above the rest. Radiohead’s “Kid A” is album centered around risk. Imagine being the top rock band in the world and then putting out a proto-electronic album. Suffice to say, it worked out. So my advice is to take the risk. Because without it, the only “r” word you’ll feel is regret. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Most records I’ve released, I’ve played all the instruments and recorded them myself! And while I’m getting away from that (with the help of some amazing musicians I’ve met in LA), I do feel like that helps me write songs. I can more clearly see the finish line because I can try things out and really take time to see any idea through. But it’s also a very isolating experience and in opposition to what I enjoy the most, which is playing music with other people. I face the same challenges as every artist faces… which is “how am I going to make enough money to survive???” But other than that, I feel very lucky that I have something to do with my time that consistently feels fresh and fun and keeps me inspired! With that, the main lesson I’ve taken away from music is just to do what you love to do as much as you can!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Night and Market Song is my go to spot in the city. It’s casual but the food is amazing so it feels like a great welcome to LA. I like driving through the hills.. there’s something magical about LA at night that seems to be hard to find anywhere. It’s as if you can get the smallest glimpse at what “Old Hollywood” must have felt like. So quiet and isolated up there! Other than that, I would take them to see as many shows as I can at various clubs around the city (ETA, Largo, 1642 are a few of the best ones!).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to all of my friends, past and present, whose lives inspire to make the best of my own life.

Website: https://jacobpeter.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobpetermusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacobPeterMusic/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jacobpetermusic

Image Credits
Shauna Presto Telly Galanopoulos Will Fox