Drama King is out now!
Image: Supplied.
Last week, Perth-based artist Peter Bibby released his new studio album Drama King, via Spinning Top Records. We caught up with the musician to chat about the release, his artistry, going on tour and so much more!
Congratulations on the release of your fourth studio album, Drama King. You’ve been releasing solo music since 2018, how do you think your artistry has evolved into what you’ve presented on this new body of work?
Thanks. I’ve actually been releasing music since 2012 with bands Frozen Ocean and Fucking Teeth, the solo Peter Bibby thing started up around 2015 with the first release in 2018. I think I have developed a better sense of composition, I feel like I have less to prove. I’ve also abandoned the need to replicate albums live, making the most of what’s available in the studio to make the best sounding record regardless of how it will come across in a live performance.
The album documents this personal evolution, maturing from the partying days of life into a more structured phase. Could you unpack the themes and concepts explored across the album and the importance to you with documenting them within your music?
A lot happened between the release of my last album Marge and the recording of Drama King. COVID 19 saw the disintegration of life as we knew it and as a result a lot of relationships deteriorated, new ones were formed, my job of seven years at Mojos Bar evaporated and I returned to the construction industry. My partner fell ill with bowel cancer sparking a newfound dedication to health and responsibility. All of these things and more are touched on in the record, and I would say it is of a more therapeutic nature rather than a need to share.
How did you craft the overall sonic realm the album exists within?
The sonic realm already existed, I just added to it using ideas, musical instruments and studio equipment.
When it came to working on Drama King, did you find you had a distinct creative process or did it take on its own free form?
There was a fairly distinct process. We recorded all of the drums first, and then layered up from there. There were no rules, if I felt like working on something, we worked on it. If I felt like playing guitar, we did that. Once we had all the drums sorted we just ‘went with the flow’ so to speak.
It was your first time working with a producer, Dan Luscombe. What prompted you to open up your world to collaborating and working with Dan and how do you think he helped shape what we hear today?
I was keen to have someone involved in the recording process who was not involved in the writing process. An outside perspective. I think it brought a lot more clarity to the songs and definitely an enhanced musical approach. Dan’s musicianship and ideas are different to my own so we ended up with this beautiful mashup of minds.
You also worked with White Denim’s Josh Block, who mixed the album in LA. What do you think he brought to the project?
Josh did an amazing job mixing the record. He brought fresh ears and an amazing skill set coupled with incredible audio gear. He took an already great sounding record and made it sound even better.
Which three songs from Drama King would you play to someone who has never heard your music before, that you think may make them an instant fan, and why?
The Arsehole, Fun Guy and Companion Pony. I think these songs display a few different facets of my songwriting style, from the up tempo, reflective vibe, aggressive punk style and more gentle storytelling.
Is there a particular line, lyric or musical motif from the album you find that gets stuck in your head? Or perhaps one you’re most proud of?
“You can’t teach an old dog cunt new tricks”. This is quite clearly an incredible line and one which I hope speaks to not only the Australian masses, but those of other cultural backgrounds too.
You’ll be heading on a national headline tour next month, what is in store for audiences attending this run of shows?
The best goddamn night of their lives! I’ll be playing the new album plus a selection of old favourites with my new band, the Big Horse Band who are the best band I’ve ever had and are sure to impress even the toughest of critics.
How important is live music to you, not only in terms of showcasing your art but also making an in-person connection with the audiences who do resonate with your music?
Live music is increasingly important in this age of streaming and the Spotify-pushed mentality that music is worthless. It reminds the listener that music is made by humans, and is so much more than a vast library available at your fingertips for a small monthly fee. Besides that there is the joy and fun that is shared at a gig, you can talk to each other, dance with each other, laugh with each other. I would say on a scale of 1 - 10 that I would give live music a 10 for importance.
Biggest influences?
Life.
Dream collaboration?
Shannon Shaw
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Too many to name
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Honest Heartfelt Filth
Best song of 2024 so far?
Musically I’m still in 1998
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Forrest Gump
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Who?
What was the first song you loved to sing?
Bob Dylan - Idiot Wind
A song you would love to cover on tour?
The Motels - Total Control
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Blaze Foley - Sittin’ By The Road
First concert you went to?
Big Day Out in the year 2000
Best concert you have been to?
Dirty Three
First album you ever bought?
Grinspoon - Guide To Better Living
Would you rather be a Spice Girl or a Backstreet Boy?
Spice Girl
DEPENDING ON PREVIOUS ANSWER:
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
OR
What would your street name be?
Herbs and Spice
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
Wave Rock in approximately 2016 or 17
Go-to karaoke song?
Somebody To Love - Jefferson Airplane
Guilty music pleasure?
Lobsta B
If you could tour with any artist, who would it be?
Snoop Dogg
An artist you would love to see cover one of your songs?
Snoop Dogg
Dream location/venue to play?
Upon a Wallenius Wilhelm cargo ship, the crowd is on the port or in small watercraft, or swimming, amazing.
There’s about six minutes until the world ends, what is the last song you’re going to listen to?
Tchaikovsky - Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Flowers
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry?
Beethoven.
What advice would your current self give your future self, for a year from now?
Quit the internet
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
When I first saw the Spice Girls on TV and knew I just had to be one of them.
Drama King is out now!
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