Interview: Pete RG

Pete RG is one of those few blessed individuals that boasts a truly distinctive rich baritone voice. It is an instrument that he carefully positions at the centre of his stunning debut album, Tender Souls.

Currently on tour in the UK supporting Candlebox, he calls in at Sheffield's Plug on January 20. We caught up with him to find out what song makes him...

Smile

"On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson. The lyrics, "the life I love is making music with my friends," says it all for me. Being a touring musician is a very blue-collar life. It's tough. It's not for the faint of heart. But, there's nothing like the camaraderie of life on the road. I know I'll be an old man thankful for all the adventure.

Contemplate

"Ghost Town" by First Aid Kit. The words "I swear I can be better" live with me every day. I hope they always do. Challenging. Brina and I were fortunate to see FAK perform at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. Absolutely amazing.

Cry

"The First Day Of My Life" by Bright Eyes. The lyrics to this song are so good and they're performed with so much heart. It's a once in a lifetime song. It kills me every time. My heart rises and falls. Kudos to you, Conor Oberst. Thank-you.

Want to work out

"Young Men Dead" by the Black Angels. It's the intro song for our European tour. I get so bleeping psyched when the band kicks in. My head instantly starts rocking. The sound of that snare drum makes me wanna pump some iron. Rock!

Reminisce

This one's a tie between "All My Days" by Alexi Murdoch and "Northern Sky" by Nick Drake. I discovered these songs at a time of great change in my life. I played them both over and over. They helped me persevere. When I hear them and reflect back on that time, I'm thankful.

Relax

"Stardust" by Nat King Cole. Without a doubt, he's the greatest singer, ever. His voice sends chills down my spine every time I hear one of his songs. Brina and i play this song almost every night to help us unwind. It never fails. It's perfect. It's genius.

Feel Determined

"Backstreets" by Bruce Springsteen. The energy behind his vocal is so amazing. Untouchable. He could be singing about ice cream and walnut toppings for all I care and he'd still get me pumped. I want to conquer the world every time I hear that song.

Dance

"Tainted Love" by Soft Cell. It always make me want to dance '80's style. Swing my arms wide, open mouth, smiling. You know you've done it. It's a rite of passage."