Peter One is Back on the Stage (and Loves It)
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Loading... - Samantha Essal
- 14 Jun 2023
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Peter One rose to prominence as one half of a country music duo from Ivory Coast, along with Jess Sah Bi. Their acclaimed album, "Our Garden Needs Its Flowers," was released in 1985. After relocating to the United States in 1995 and spending time in New York and Delaware, Peter eventually settled in Nashville, working as a nurse. In 2018, the renowned American label Awesome Tapes From Africa reissued "Our Garden Needs Its Flowers," reigniting Peter's passion for music. Last month, he released his solo debut album, "Come Back To Me," under the major label Verve Records. To commemorate this milestone, Peter engaged in a Zoom conversation with his producer, Matt Ross-Spang, known for his collaborations with Margo Price and Jason Isbell.
Peter One: I'm curious to know, what was your initial reaction when you learned that you would be working on music by an African artist?
Matt Ross-Spang: Well, our mutual friend Jay Steele shared a link about you, and honestly, no story could adequately prepare me for your music or your persona. Jay mentioned a few things, but when I actually listened to your music and saw you, I was truly blown away. The sheer power of your music and your spirit cannot be justly described; it needs to be experienced firsthand. So, it was incredibly exciting for me because I always seek opportunities to step outside the conventional boundaries. When Jay first reached out, I was thrilled, and my excitement only grew after meeting you and listening to more of your music.
One aspect that particularly intrigued me was your ability to record a lot of your music at home. You have these musical ideas in your mind, but you also possess the skills to capture and bring them to life. That's always exciting for me because it's akin to the dynamics of rock climbing: one person climbs the rock, while the other person holds the rope. I was glad to be the one holding the rope for you as you scaled those musical heights.
Peter: [Laughs.] Had you been familiar with African music before we crossed paths? Did you have any reference artists in mind?
Matt: It's funny you ask that because, before meeting you, I had delved into Zamrock—a genre from Zambia that was influenced by Jimi Hendrix. Africa is such a vast continent, so you encounter a wide range of sounds and genres wherever you go. Zamrock, with bands like Amanaz and WITCH, fascinated me, but those records leaned more towards rock and psychedelia compared to your work on "Our Garden Needs Its Flowers." Your music, with its folk-country essence, brought something new and fresh to the table. Moreover, the infusion of the French language in the records from the Ivory Coast added a unique element. In a way, it reminded me of Memphis, where different musical influences converged, such as gospel, country, blues, Native American music, and African rhythms, ultimately giving birth to rock and roll. Discovering that aspect was truly wonderful since I wasn't as familiar with it before.
Peter: I asked you this question because when Jay told me about you, I wanted to listen to some of your work. He provided me with links, so I explored the music you produced and even read about the artists you worked with. I realized that you were precisely the kind of producer I wanted to collaborate with. You weren't the first recommendation—I think you were the third or fourth.
Peter: I asked you this question because when Jay told me about you, I wanted to listen to some of your work. He provided me with links, so I explored the music you produced and even read about the artists you worked with. I realized that you were precisely the kind of producer I wanted to collaborate with. You weren't the first recommendation—I think you were the third or fourth. I can't recall their names now, but the first one was based in California, and I listened to some of his productions. They were good, but they didn't resonate with me the way your work did. When I heard the albums you produced for Margo Price and Jason Isbell, I knew I had found the right person. Your ability to capture the essence of the artists and create a sound that feels genuine and heartfelt is remarkable.
Matt: Thank you for your kind words, Peter. It means a lot to hear that my work resonated with you. I believe that as a producer, my role is to bring out the best in an artist and help them tell their story in the most authentic way possible. It's about understanding their vision, their emotions, and translating that into the music. When I heard your music, it spoke to me on a deep level, and I felt an immediate connection. I knew that I wanted to be a part of your musical journey and help you bring your songs to life in a way that honors your unique style and heritage.
Peter: I appreciate your approach to production, Matt. It's clear that you value the artist's perspective and strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment. That's exactly what I was looking for—a producer who would not only understand my music but also respect its roots and cultural significance. Your experience and expertise are evident in the work you've done with other artists, and I have no doubt that our collaboration will result in something truly special.
Matt: Thank you, Peter. I'm honored to be working with you, and I'm excited about the creative journey ahead. I believe that music has the power to transcend borders and connect people from different backgrounds, and our collaboration is a testament to that. Together, we'll create something beautiful and meaningful that resonates with audiences around the world.
Peter: I couldn't agree more, Matt. Our collaboration represents the unity and diversity of music, and I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with you. Let's create something that not only showcases our individual talents but also celebrates the rich tapestry of African music and its influence on the world stage. I can't wait to see what we can achieve together.
Matt: Likewise, Peter. Let's make music that moves people, that tells a story, and that leaves a lasting impact. I'm grateful for this opportunity, and I can't wait to dive into the creative process with you. Together, we'll make magic.
And so, Peter and Matt set off on their musical collaboration, fueled by mutual respect, admiration, and a shared vision. With their combined talents and passion, they aimed to create music that would touch hearts, bridge cultures, and leave a lasting legacy in the world of music.
