Peter Wolf Crier Interview: SXSW 2010

In 2008, after a short conversation and a brain storming session between Peter Pisano and Brian Moen, the duo of Peter Wolf Crier was born. In 2009, the collaboration between the two spawned 'Inter-be.' The self-produced project was then released by the duo. With vintage equipment the two set out to make some "noise" -- and their noise is drawing in fans and creating a buzz in Minnesota. Spinner recently spoke with frontman Peter Pisano about what is currently going on with Peter Wolf Crier, and about the two gigs they have planned for SXSW.

How would you describe your sound?

I would say we are alternative rock. A little "sentimental music that can get mean." I am not sure you can actually put our sound into a box. Different cuts on the CD reflect different sounds.

How did the band form?

I was looking for a place to record my songs and I met with Brian. We hit it off and, within two sentences, I knew that this was a good fit and we started working together at that point.

What are your musical influences?

Most definitely The Beatles and Wilco.

How did you come up with your band name?

We messed around with a lot of names but after recording a few tracks and hearing what direction our music was going in, Peter Wolf Crier just fit. Peter and the Wolf and Cried Wolf also had something to do with it.

What is your biggest vice?

The TV show 'Lost.'

What's in your Festival Survival kit?

Cell phone, cigarettes, Laptop, V Neck Tee shirts, and a Sweater I could wear a few times.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Elizabeth Hurley.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

In one word -- noise.

Beatles or Stones?

The Beatles of course. There is some Stones stuff I love, but it has to be the Beatles.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced on the road?

In Philly, I saw a really cool husband and wife singing into a two-sided microphone. It was the most intimate performance I have ever seen. Also, in New York, I almost fell off the top of a building and that was scary.

What is the first instrument you learned to play and how old were you?

Guitar and I was 12 or 13.

What inspires you to write and musically?

Other artist's music inspires me and helps me step into the place where I write.

Acoustic or electric? Which sound do you like better?

I like to write with acoustic, and I actually wrote the song for 'Inter-be' on a nylon string guitar.

When you write what is your method? Lyrics or melody first?

I normally start off with a melody in the head, and then the lyrics kind of just flow out and fit the melody.

Do you have a favorite or special place where you write?

In my bedroom.

Do you get more satisfaction writing alone or with co-writers?

I like to write alone until I get the basics down, and then I like to bring in another ear.

In general what was your favorite decade in music?

That would be the 1960's.

Do you have any musicians in your family other than you?

My Dad played some guitar. My Dad's cousin was a musician. The Gibson I play was my Dad's guitar. I learned to appreciate music from my Dad. I remember riding in the car and listening to the Beatles with him.

Tell us about your current project?

Our CD 'Inter-Be' was released in 2009 -- available on digital download. We are getting some CD's pressed now.

Is there a song out there that you consider the perfect song?

The closest thing I would consider a pop masterpiece would be Brian Wilson's 'Surf's Up.'

If you had it to do over again would you choose the same musical path?

I will always be involved in music in some way.


Paige Turner is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.