i know i've talked quite a bit about what all this new severely over-processed music has done to the music industry, and while i can hardly say that i don't enjoy a good dub beat any less than the next guy it's certainly nice to take a step back every once and a while. enter Peter Broderick, a 24 year old musician and composer from oregon. he began his music career by essentially learning to play any instrument he could get his hands on. while he's spent a few years doing work with groups of other artists (Zooey Deschanel, Dolorean, Laura Gibson) shorting after his tour in 2007 with Efterklang, he began to record his own solo music, the most recent album being How They Are. albeit a little strange (as most great musicians are) i really appreciate that Broderick isn't afraid to explore empty space within his music. i think layered silence in music is fascinating because the anticipation grabs your attention and forces you to listen more than any catchy beat could ever do. while he remains an incredibly talented individual (i'm not kidding. he's able to play the guitar and piano at the same time...i'd like to see you try that) he isn't afraid to keep things simple and honest and allows the listener to really focus on one element at a time.
You will like him if you like: James Taylor, Damien Rice, Nils Frahm, Iron and Wine
Why he's important: his willingness to explore silence and how that can function within music is something that i don't see being done anywhere else to any great effect (i really hope he continues to explore this further). on top of having a beautiful voice, Broderick also has strong musical composing chops. i think a lot of listeners need to be reminded of composing as art form separate from most other popular music and as something that hasn't died with beethoven but is still in fact very valid and current and worthy of our generation of listeners appreciation.
Songs to listen to: "Sideline", "Guilt's Tune", "With the Notes in my Ears", "And It's Alright", "With a Key"
- J
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