With his blend of fuzzed up nuggets and hypnotic slide guitar blues, Pete Kosonovich is the perfect remedy for fans of straight up, no-nonsense rock 'n' roll.
Born in Belgrade, the singer-songwriter moved to England at a young age and discovered his talent as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist early on.
For the past few years, he's been quietly developing an underground following for his energetic shows with his band The Pale Blue Eyes, picking up recognition along the way from music heavyweights like Liam Gallagher and The Kinks legend Dave Davies – the latter who spoke of his love for Pete's 'sincere and honest' vocals.
With comparisons to everyone from king of the Delta blues, Son House, to The Brian Jonestown Massacre via Bob Dylan, there's no doubting Pete's 60s-leaning sound: it's upfront, unapologetic and proudly wears its influences on its sleeve.
The title track from the new EP I Wanna Be Your Lover Babe is a Buddy Holly-tinged ride of wild and dirty guitars, battle-cries of 'c'mon!' and pulsating bass, while Winter Train slows the pace with a mesmerising slide guitar intro that gives way to a lovelorn blues number, with Pete lamenting 'she wasn't there.'
Currently gearing up for a new album with The Pale Blue Eyes, Pete and the band bring their rock 'n' roll boogie to the Invaders of the Future stage at Bestival this Sunday (10 September).
Ahead of the slot, we grabbed 30 secs to find out the story behind Pete's magnetic sound...
What was the first song you developed an obsession for?
When I was 15, my aunt bought me Singles Collection: The London Years compilation CD by The Rolling Stones which was a real turning point for me. So one of the main tunes on that album – probably their version of Little Red Rooster.
What’s the first gig you went to?
Supergrass on their 'Supergrass is 10' tour on which my favourite band of the naughties, 22-20s supported them.
What’s the first instrument you ever got hold of?
My dad's piano.
What is your worst musical habit?
Cranking my amp as loud as possible.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Keep doing your thing, make great music and never give up doing what you love doing.
Where do you discover new music?
YouTube these days.
What’s your favourite venue?
The one I'm playing at next.
Who is your current favourite band/artist?
Currently it's Lee Hazlewood and all his solo albums.
What inspirations outside of music impact your songwriting?
Events that happen in my everyday life.
What track of yours best represents your sound?
Currently it's I Wanna Be Your Lover Babe.
What’s next for you?
New all-solo album is finished and is due to come out later this year and a new album with my band, The Pale Blue Eyes, is due to be recorded and released next year.
Upcoming shows:
Sep 07 - Bestival, Dorset
Sep 17 - Nambucca, London
Born in Belgrade, the singer-songwriter moved to England at a young age and discovered his talent as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist early on.
For the past few years, he's been quietly developing an underground following for his energetic shows with his band The Pale Blue Eyes, picking up recognition along the way from music heavyweights like Liam Gallagher and The Kinks legend Dave Davies – the latter who spoke of his love for Pete's 'sincere and honest' vocals.
With comparisons to everyone from king of the Delta blues, Son House, to The Brian Jonestown Massacre via Bob Dylan, there's no doubting Pete's 60s-leaning sound: it's upfront, unapologetic and proudly wears its influences on its sleeve.
The title track from the new EP I Wanna Be Your Lover Babe is a Buddy Holly-tinged ride of wild and dirty guitars, battle-cries of 'c'mon!' and pulsating bass, while Winter Train slows the pace with a mesmerising slide guitar intro that gives way to a lovelorn blues number, with Pete lamenting 'she wasn't there.'
Currently gearing up for a new album with The Pale Blue Eyes, Pete and the band bring their rock 'n' roll boogie to the Invaders of the Future stage at Bestival this Sunday (10 September).
Ahead of the slot, we grabbed 30 secs to find out the story behind Pete's magnetic sound...
What was the first song you developed an obsession for?
When I was 15, my aunt bought me Singles Collection: The London Years compilation CD by The Rolling Stones which was a real turning point for me. So one of the main tunes on that album – probably their version of Little Red Rooster.
What’s the first gig you went to?
Supergrass on their 'Supergrass is 10' tour on which my favourite band of the naughties, 22-20s supported them.
What’s the first instrument you ever got hold of?
My dad's piano.
What is your worst musical habit?
Cranking my amp as loud as possible.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Keep doing your thing, make great music and never give up doing what you love doing.
Where do you discover new music?
YouTube these days.
What’s your favourite venue?
The one I'm playing at next.
Who is your current favourite band/artist?
Currently it's Lee Hazlewood and all his solo albums.
What inspirations outside of music impact your songwriting?
Events that happen in my everyday life.
What track of yours best represents your sound?
Currently it's I Wanna Be Your Lover Babe.
What’s next for you?
New all-solo album is finished and is due to come out later this year and a new album with my band, The Pale Blue Eyes, is due to be recorded and released next year.
Upcoming shows:
Sep 07 - Bestival, Dorset
Sep 17 - Nambucca, London