A Chat with Pete Cautious (22.09.20)
Coming out of Chicago, Pete Cautious is an eclectic multi-instrumentalist with a powerful, punchy sound. We had a chance to speak with Pete about his new EP Florida Man, discovering new music and last meals.
OSR: What is the backstory to your upcoming LP Florida Man?
Pete Cautious: With Florida Man, I wanted to make a record that says something, you know. My first LP was oblique to a fault and I wanted to go a different route this time. I kind of landed on writing about this anti-hero, a person who is guided by the lizard brain. Like most songwriters, it’s an emotional experience first for me, but I found it easy to keep that filter on as a starting point. I mean, who hasn’t messed up, right? We’ve all acted on impulses other than pure ones and it’s important to recognise that. So, yeah, songs about gambling, drug use, prostitution, all the good stuff.
OSR: What was the writing and recording process for Florida Man?
Pete Cautious: I record and mix my records in a music rehearsal space in Chicago. I’ve been doing it for a long time this way and I find I get better performances if I’m not in a “proper” studio finishing a whole record in two weeks. So, where there is a lack of sonic fidelity, there is heart at least, which is more than I can say for a lot of what’s out there these days. I really tried my best on these parts as I play all the instruments as well. Hopefully, audiences will hear that.
OSR: What has been your greatest professional achievement?
Pete Cautious: *laughs* I wish I had something to add here. Not for lack of trying, but mostly I toil away in obscurity. I should make an EDM record next time.
OSR: Describe Florida Man in one sentence.
Pete Cautious: Florida Man is an unpretentious opera celebrating and lamenting our inner lizard, it will make you laugh right before punching you in the heart.
OSR: If you could change one thing about Florida Man what would it be?
Pete Cautious: Every record is a learning experience and I’m pretty close to this one, so it’s hard to say right now. I’m sure it would do better with a broader audience if it was professionally mixed or something, but that doesn’t mean that I should have done that, you know.
OSR: What would be your last meal?
Pete Cautious: Chicago style hot dog with my love!
OSR: Where do you want to be this time next year?
Pete Cautious: Well, I want to be anywhere but here next year! I can’t wait to play shows again, see live music, all that.
OSR: What do you think is the best way for people to discover new music?
Pete Cautious: Go see local bands live. A record only tells half the story, but the live show is where it comes to life.
OSR: Do you have a message for all of our readers?
Pete Cautious: If you can’t forgive others for the small things you won’t be able to forgive yourself for the big things. Talk to the lizard inside.
Thanks to Pete Cautious for speaking with us. For more from him check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
