Pete Um


Pete Um is a solo artist from Cambridge in the UK, who takes the concept of experimental music to a new plane. His tracks are recorded directly to a computer, a 4 track or reel to reel tapes. Pete uses his computer as an 8 track machine adding his own inimitable instrument playing in real time and subsequent effects. The real work then begins as he spends many hours editing the finished article. His music is distinguished not only by his experimentation, but by a superb stage performance and tracks which are rarely more than a minute in length.

Pete Um

Pete Um

The music can seem introspective and perhaps this is driven by the desire that Pete Um has to keep writing about the world he sees around him. As he said in an exchange of emails I had with him, ‘…there doesn’t seem to be a massive appetite for the Um sound in the wider populace whereas I seem to have an endless fascination with my own stuff…’. I can assure Pete, I too find it fascinating and for those who can move their headspace to the world of Pete Um, this is readily accessible and hugely creative music. The vignettes are superbly crafted and concisely cut to the core of the sentiment. In the minute the track plays, far more is injected than I have heard on many LPs.

His prolific output explores a huge range of subjects, with the music delivered in the understated style that is the signature of Pete Um. In live performance his self deprecating, humour brings everything to life (review of Pete Um at The Portland Arms).

myspace page

This is a performer who will probably never gain the recognition he deserves and it is a great pleasure to have been able to see him live and have the chance to write about him. This is exactly the type of hard working, creative musician that makes writing the indie bands blog such a pleasure.

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