Being an artist is tough for many reasons. Having to put elements together to make something that sounds good, is tough in itself but it takes even more to make something people can feel. To make a true connection with people it’s a must that the music has a touch of soul to it. That special feel in the music that makes people relate and take on the emotion. Recording Academy Member, Bob Pepek is a wiz at this. A multi-talented creative who does it all, with his latest release “Silver Lining” showing the true power of a well written record. He was able to find time from his busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Below is the interview.
Who is Bob Pepek the artist?
Bob Pepek is a singer/songwriter from the quiet suburban town of Enfield CT.
Who are some of your influences and how do you incorporate that in your music?
Some of my musical influences include Andrew McMahon, Ben Rector, and Jon McLaughlin. Much of my inspiration comes from piano-rock artist, even though I’m a guitarist, my music is very piano-forward. I’ve always had a deep love for the full scale and versatility of piano so when writing music I don’t settle on simply acoustic guitar and vocals, I envision the full production and track what I hear in my head.
What was your favorite part of creating your new song “Silver Lining”?
One of my favorite parts of Silver Lining was the implementation and usage of the slide guitar. I wanted the song to have a touch of Country, as I’ve been recording and working out of Nashville a lot, but I didn’t want to go “full throttle – Country”. We gave the song just a kiss of Country by putting a short 10-second slide guitar part during the turn around section.
What is the biggest thing you want people to take away from your music?
One of the most important take-aways from my music is that there is light at the end of every tunnel. Silver Lining is about my recent struggle with depression, however a good friend of mine gave me some great advice that really resonated with me. She told me to “Find your Silver Lining every single day, it doesn’t matter how insignificant it is…. It doesn’t matter if you find a dollar bill on the ground or hit all green lights on your way to work.”
Secondly, my last album, Pratfalls and Curtain Calls, was thusly named for the “Good and Bad” that came from the production of the album; the BAD, I traveled to Nashville to meet a “booking agency” that took interest in me, which turned out to be a scam and took me for over $3000. Also, during my week long stay in Nashville tracking my (then) 5-track EP someone stole my debit card, which stranded me for a month and a half with no access to my bank account. The GOOD; While in Nashville, I met my producer who went on to produce my album, and my extended stay gave me more time to focus on the production of the album, so my 5 track EP turned into a 10 track full length album!
What advice would you give an inspiring artist?
network, Network, NETWORK! Get out there, shake hands and be personable! You never know who you’re going to meet or make a first impression on.
What’s next for Bob Pepek?
I’m hoping to get started on another album in the next couple months. I’m likely going to aim for something a little more stripped down, acoustic and intimate.
Check out Bob Pepek “Silver Lining” below and follow him on Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram. Stay Global my Friends!
