Scots singer hits right note with switch to LA
Pete Macleod
by Deborah Anderson
A SCOTS singer has swapped Coatbridge for Los Angeles and is living the American dream.
While Pete Macleod isn't quite rubbing shoulders with Madonna, he has certainly shared the limelight with her.
He features in the new issue of Q Magazine which has the Pop Queen on the cover and has been given the prestigious accolade of one of the top 50 artists to download.
The recognition has now prompted the singer/songwriter to give a little back to his fans.
Pete, who now lives and works in LA has taken the radical step of making his downloads free, giving fans across the globe the chance to see why Q Magazine rated his track Panic' so highly.
Pete, whose debut album was released last year, was thrilled to make the list which also includes The Last Shadow Puppets, Madonna, Radiohead and Portishead.
He said: "Appearing in Q Magazine is amazing - Madonna may be on the cover, but don't they always say it's what's inside that counts?
"Scots have a reputation for being mean with their money, but deep down we're a pretty generous bunch, and I couldn't think of a better way to prove that than to make every single one of my tracks available for free download.
"It's also my way of saying thanks to my fans for all the support they've given me over the years."
He is due to play LA's Hotel Cafe at the end of this month - a music venue showcasing the biggest singer/songwriter talent that Hollywood has to offer.
His material has already caught the eye of music visionary Alan McGee, who discovered Oasis.
Writing on the singer's website, he said: "Pete is a great songwriter I have met over here in LA. He's in my top friends (myspace) and his song Panic which is an amazing tune is my profile song. Download Panic - it costs nothing and is a tune worth having on your i-pod."
Last year Pete followed up a UK tour support stint by releasing his debut album and single.
He used the knowledge he gained from playing alongside Ocean Colour Scene and playing at venues from King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, the ABC and T in the Park to write and produce This is Modern Soul.
His single Modern Soul, prompted critics and music industry insiders to sing its praises. His own musical influences include Buddy Holly, The Beatles, John Lennon, and Simon and Garfunkel.
Pete, who has also played at the infamous Viper Room in Los Angeles, said: "I called the album This is Modern Soul because I was influenced by Mod and Rock music, and I've put my influences together.
"I suppose you could say that I've created my own genre."
To hear more of Pete's music log on to www.petemacleod.net
Publication date 10/04/08
Deborah Anderson - Evening Times (Apr 10, 2008)