By BD Marie Hughes

Solo artist, Neal Reed, traveled to his TIMA Showcase for “Best Live” in the Indie/Pop/Rock category from his home town of Orillia, ON.  His lengthy commute to The Central in Toronto didn’t put a dent into his no-holds-barred performance on August 19.  The crowd was introduced to this artist as Peter Turns Pirate, an experimental / alternative / electro fusion musician.  Within an instant, everyone was mesmerized.  His performance was nothing short of spectacular!  And definitely memorable!

Neal has been evolving Peter Turns Pirate since 2004.  He creates his music using synthesizers, drum programmers, keyboards, effects pedals and more.  Fixated on the live performance, Peter Turns Pirate pulls out all the stops using lights, smoke, and theatrics.  On June 5, Neal played the Maclaren Art Centre in Barrie, ON and, on August 15, he played Wasaga Beach Music Hall.  Listen in on our chat post TIMA show.

BD:  When did you decide to do music?

Neal:  It was never really a decision that I had to make.  The music more or less found me.  I was asked to sing in a band early on.  I believe the reason that I was asked was because I was a risk taker.  I have drastically evolved since then but I am still the same risk taker especially when it comes to creating an epic live performance.

BD:  What has the feedback been?

Neal:  The feedback I receive is very positive.  I have never experienced negative feedback in person although I feel it is out there sometimes.  I thrive on feedback whether it be negative or positive and especially both.  It keeps you in line.  I have heard the phrase, “I was blown away by your set,” too many times to count.  There is usually a buzz in the room after I play.  It’s because I am not a typical artist and people expect me to be something different.  I am such a surprise.  When people hear that I am a solo artist, they assume a guy with an acoustic guitar.  What they get is the complete opposite.

BD:  What is some of the toughest criticism you’ve had to overcome?

Neal:  I really have not experienced a lot of criticism and I guess I should feel lucky.  There is one thing that I am paranoid about and that is that people will think that, as one person, I won’t be able to pull off the show experience of a full band.  People sometimes wander up to my set pre-show and say, “Oh, it’s just you.”  They don’t mean it as criticism but I use it to give the best possible performance.

BD:  What are your influences, music or otherwise, and do you have any pre-show rituals?

Neal:  My influences come in the form of any and many great live performers.  I would have to attribute my main inspiration and unique stage presence to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.  When people hear that they think that I am joking as our genres and audiences may be quite different.  He is the greatest performer the world has ever seen and I could only hope to be as great an innovator to the entertainment world as he was.  My other musical influences include Trent Reznor, Freddie Mercury and Skinny Puppy.  I also take inspiration from my everyday life where I am faced with a variety of emotions and situations.

The most important ritual that I perform pre-show is my vocal warm-up.  This warm-up is performed an hour before each set and makes me feel more confident.  I also stretch way too much and drink gallons of water on the day of my shows.

BD:  What has been your most memorable show?  Why?

Neal:  My most memorable show is honestly each one whether they are memorable for good or bad.  I always record each performance to be critiqued and enjoyed over and over again until there is a new show to dwell on.  Although, I did once slip on a puddle of water I had created on stage.  I fell flat on my back.  I made it work.  It was probably the only time I have been embarrassed on stage.

BD:  Where do you have to be mentally, emotionally, physically to create your music?

Neal:  Mentally I like to be frustrated to create music.  Frustration builds up emotion.  This emotion needs to be released and music is my outlet.    Physically, I need to be in pretty good shape in order to perform the way I do.  My shows are very high intensity with rapid movement and live singing throughout the mix.  Dancing is a large part of my show that may not be noticed until you step back and look at the bigger picture.  I can’t stop moving once the set starts.  I am a slave to the rhythm.

BD:  You use a lot of equipment to create your sound.  What’s your perfect jam space?

Neal:  My perfect jam space would include cob webs, dim and strobe lighting, a smoke machine, a Michael Jackson poster on the wall and a scented candle.

BD:  What advice would you give to up and coming artists and bands?

Neal:  I need advice!  (we both laugh)  But, in all seriousness, I would say that one of the most important things is to have like-minded musicians and friends around you for support.  You can’t follow the leader.  You need to create something new and innovative.  But it’s risky.  That’s why a lot of bands have the exact same formula.

BD:  What life advice would you give them?  What have you learned?  About yourself?  About life?

Neal:  I would say, “Know who you are and what you want first and foremost before jumping in head first.”  There are some people out there who aren’t cut out for this “unglamorous” lifestyle.  You have to sacrifice a lot and put so much on hold.

I have come to realize that I can be very selfish.  I think it stems from being a solo artist and always having to think only of myself and put myself first.  The downfall is that there is no one else to pick up the slack.  It all rests on my shoulders, good or bad.

Life is very hard and unpredictable although most of time it is a very beautiful thing that we are so fortunate to experience.

BD:  A music industry insider has recently made the statement that artists are in partnership with their audience and that the long-term, more affordable route is where it’s at – as opposed to a top 40 track and instant tour.  Basically, don’t go for world domination.  Go for a little piece of the whole rock.  What are your feelings on this?

Neal:  I completely agree with this statement and it has been my philosophy for quite some time.  It is far better to have a smaller following of die-hard fans who truly appreciate you and your art rather than millions of people thinking that you’re just “alright”.  My goals as a musician have always been to be the “hidden gem” that people stumble upon and appreciate on their own rather than the band you grow to eventually like.  It’s because it is thrown in your face over and over.

BD:  What’s next?

Neal:  I am currently writing and recording new songs for a full length album.  I am also seeking labels, managers and distribution companies to further my career.  The writing process never stops.  The live performance never stops.  And Peter Turns Pirate will never stop.  (smiling)

www.myspace.com/peterturnspirate