Questions w/ Eric Peters (part two)

Here is part two of “Questions” w/ Eric Peters. Be sure to visit the links below to learn more about Eric, and to order your copy of his brand new album, “Chrome”, which is out today! I’ve had my copy for just under 24 hours now, and I’ve listened all the way through three times. It’s fantastic! Also, keep an eye out for Eric on The Chrome Tour this fall/winter. Enjoy part two and, in case you missed it, be sure to check out part one.

StSL – I know you’re a proponent of physically packaged music versus digital, especially where “Chrome” is concerned. Tell us about that and how the artwork on this album compliments the music itself.

EP – Maybe I'm one of the few who enjoys reading liner notes. I like to know who played what, who produced, who mixed and mastered, those sort of details that the general public probably doesn't care about. Artwork is the physical summation of what's inside. Like it or not, most folks judge a book (album) by its cover. An album cover is an artist's first - and sometimes last - chance to make a decent first impression. I'm not saying that artwork/graphic design is the end all, but like any art could and should do, it examines the horizon of Story, and, when it is done well, embraces and develops the narrative of the songs within. David Van Buskirk, who did the artwork for Chrome, was brilliant in his visual interpretation and examination of the album's theme, a quote from a Frederick Buechner book, The Sacred Journey: "The story of any one of us is in some measure the story of us all."

StSL – A song of yours that I really enjoy is “Radiate”. Can you share a bit about the story behind that song?

EP – That's a song on Scarce (2006) that I started writing a few years prior to making the record. It was a song that I knew I liked, but wasn't sure if anyone else would like, including the producer. I look back on it, and I recognize the beginnings of my career disappointments in several of the verses. The chorus was a plea to radiate, to be light in the world, to be the hands and words of mercy in the Kingdom. In all you do, in all you say, radiate God's goodness. That was the image I was trying to convey. Hope in the midst of trial.

StSL – Let’s step away from music for a second. What’s your favorite movie quote?

EP – Comedy: "Is this some radical new therapy?" (What About Bob?). Non-comedy: "Remember that hope is a good thing, and a good thing never dies." (The Shawshank Redemption)

StSL – Earlier this year you released what you call your “first epic adventure space novella”. Tell us about “Revenge of the Birds”.

EP – I've been reading at my shows from a book I wrote in the fifth grade for a few years now. I decided to have a few printed up for those interested in reading it to their kids and for a little something extra, "lagniappe" as we call it in south Louisiana. It is an exact replica of the one I wrote, illustrated and bound myself - using my mom's tacky leftover '70's contact paper - those many years ago in grade-school. I call it an epic adventure space novella. At five pages long one can only imagine the depths of character development within. Dostoevsky, this is not.

The story takes place on the planet Thornybirds. Our hero is Geolly Chester along with his wily band of brave space travelers. I'm fairly positive it infringes on any number of cinematic copyrights, including Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

StSL – I’ve had the chance to talk to a few of the folks from the Square Peg Alliance, of which you’re a member also. Can you share one of your favorite experiences having been a part of that group?

EP – We all piled into a 15-passenger van earlier this summer and played a pair of shows in St. Louis and at Cornerstone Festival in the middle-of-nowhere Illinois. Honestly, I felt like I had free tickets each night to hear some of the best songs and songwriters in existence. Their music is so rich, full of gorgeous melodies, and brutally honest in story and delivery. I love these eight individuals, and would do anything to see them succeed. Though coordinating so many different schedules is difficult, we all agreed that we want to try and do a weekend of shows together at least once a year.

StSL – A stranger comes up to you and says, “Play me the best song ever written.” What do you play?

EP – I might pick something off a David Mead album, Indiana or Mine And Yours. The song "Beauty" has stayed with me for many years, as has "Standing Here In Front Of Me". Then again, "Bus Stop" by The Hollies is fantastic. So short and so sweet. I still love listening to The Who album, Quadrophenia. Magnificent.

Eric's Official Site
Square Peg Alliance Official Site

Thanks so much to Eric Peters! Be sure to check back here on Thursday (8/27) when Ben Shive (producer of "Chrome") becomes "Artist of the Week", and again in two weeks when "Questions" returns with Eric's fellow Square Peg Alliance member, Jill Phillips.