I’M HOME!
After 5 years away I was finally able to get back to the UK, and what a trip it was! In a little over 2 weeks I managed to experience more than a week of a late summer, I got to see many beloved friends, an to just soak up the atmosphere of England, the place I've been longing to get back to so desperately. I recorded in the studio and I was part of the INCREDIBLE Energise 30 party where I got to perform on stage with Sean, where I sang “Simone” for the first time, and it was where I got to reunite with my gorgeous label mates. Most importantly I got to meet the amazing people who enjoy my music. You cheered for me when I was on stage; you lined up to meet me and you shared stories of what my music means to you. As an artist I couldn’t really ask for any more than that.
I do have a music update which I feel is time to share, and believe me when I say that finding the right words hasn’t been easy and has had many drafts…. but here goes. As some of you know my next album “Touch” will be released in 2024, and it’s one that I am so very proud of. It’s a huge milestone for me as it represents my 30th anniversary in the music business and it also represents change. For the past few months I’ve been speaking openly with Gary & Dave at Energise about where I see both my musical and personal future going, and whilst together in the UK we discussed and confirmed that “Touch” will be my final studio album, concluding my time with the label. We are going out on a wonderful high, and together we have achieved so much over what will be 14 years next year.
Gary & Dave are very supportive of my decision. They have been and remain friends, and while the conversation was not an easy one to begin, it was one I need to have. Simply put – I’ve been putting 150% of myself into recording albums since 2010, allowing little time for anything else. It was so much so that I was “switched on” as the artist every second of my life. Over the past few years that has changed, and I now feel it’s time to move on and discover what else is out there for me. The time spent on making albums has been so rewarding as an artist and something I’m so proud of, but it’s also something I’ve found increasingly challenging both mentally and emotionally.
Music will always be a part of my life, and as I step away my plan is to discover what's next for me, to make time for things I’ve not had time for, and to step away from the music business after “Touch” and its singles are released. This is something which I know may disappoint people – and I am sorry if I am letting you down. However I would be letting myself down by not following my gut telling me that it’s time. I remain a passionate music fan, and I may release the occasional song here and there.
When I joined Energise in 2010 I could never have imagined the amazing things that followed. They have made it possible for me to work with my musical heroes, they’ve always given me full artistic control, and they have been wonderful friends to me. Without Energise I would not be the artist I’ve become. They are hugely passionate about making music and they genuinely love the artists they work with. I’m so very lucky to be part of ‘the family’. Thank you boys – I am forever grateful.
Most importantly – I want to thank you, the listener. Thank you for sharing my love of music, and for showing love and support for me! Energise gave me the opportunity, but you kept the opportunities alive. Your loyalty has always been seen, and it's been my absolute privilege to receive that from you.
I’ll be sharing release details about “Touch” and its singles early in 2024, and can tell you that the lead single will be released on March 7th (exactly 30 years after my first single in 1994).
Thank you and much love,
Pete