Biography
Drawing from an eclectic mix that includes Roots Manuva, Paul Simon, and Al Green, gravelly voiced singer/songwriter Pete Lawrie has characterized his music as "Southern blues country rock skiffle hip tronica." Although born in Liverpool, Lawrie spent his formative years in Wales within a household of professional oboists; both of his parents performed with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and his grandfather featured on the Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever." At age 15 he set aside his skills on trumpet and piano in favor of a pair of record decks, only to realize later that he could blend those worlds and begin crafting original hip-hop-country-soul songs. After completing a film studies degree at university he worked a succession of unrewarding jobs, then formed the Lawries alongside drummer Elliot Wall and bassist Mike Shankleman—two musicians with whom he still shares stages. Despite support from Radio 1’s Rob da Bank the group never landed a record contract. As a solo artist, however, Lawrie signed in 2008 with Field Recordings, the Island imprint run by Faithless’ Rollo Armstrong, and issued the well-received EPs How Could I Complain?, In the End, and All That We Keep. Following support dates with Paolo Nutini, appearances at Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight Festival, and the creation of a hip-hop covers side project called River Kids with Tennessee soul vocalist Lauren Pritchard, he gained his first national airplay in 2011 when Radio 2 added the single “Fell into the River” to its playlist.