CHIRP: Chicago Independent Radio Project

Posted by Jenna M. on June 4, 2008 around 9am

Peter Andreadis is a multi-talented Chicago-area musician and person. He resides in the Lincoln Square area where he finds occasional inspiration for and distraction from his various musical and professional pursuits. As a member of the local hot-rock band, Baby Teeth (www.babyteethmusic.com), he drums like he means it. In his role as auteur of all things All City Affairs (his “solo” project), he writes songs, gathers talented musicians and produces a wide array of music, which is corralled at www.allcityaffairsmusic.com. He started a music blog a few months back at www.acawriteoff.wordpress.com where he treads in “covers” country. Having been a fan of many of these pursuits for a number of years, I was pleased to conduct the following “email interview” with him.

What sort of formal, if any, musical training have you had?

I took guitar lessons starting when I was 11 and that was the first musical instrument I picked up. I started singing in choir around that time too, cause that was in middle school. Then, in college I had ear training, piano, choir, and music theory in addition to sound recording classes. I got my degree in sound.

Where did you grow up and how do you think it affects the musical choices you make now?

I went to grade school and high school near Kalamazoo, MI. There were some really great bands playing when I was a teenager. In Michigan you can get into bars when you’re 18, but you can’t drink. I was just there to be inspired and see what it was like to have a tight band.

What inspired you to start the blog and do covers instead of originals since you’re also a songwriter?

Last year I got stuck in writer’s block and decided the best thing I could do was to keep recording at home, but work on other people’s songs. I thought it would be a good way to unlock some creativity. I put together a few covers like “The Book of Right On” by Joanna Newsom and “Ram On” by Paul McCartney. They came out good and I had fun doing them. Now I have a new All City Affairs album completed. I’m getting the artwork done now and doing the covers blog to keep a presence on the internet. It’s fun.

How do you decide who you want to cover each week? Have these ideas been brewing for ages before they make it to a recording device?

Part of the decision is “do I think I can sing the lead part?” If I don’t think it’s suited for my voice I’ll scrap it. I’ve scrapped a number of tunes. I try and cover artists who I look up to and admire. One aspect of selection is “do I think I can do something creative in my own way?” I want people to hear my ACA sound when they hear someone else’s song. I hope that comes across, cause ultimately I’m promoting myself as a musician and producer.

About how much time does each post take to produce?

It usually takes me a couple of days. I try to work in blocks of at least 3 hours. Anything less than that and you can’t really get the juices flowing.

On what devices/with what toys do you produce them?

I record on Pro Tools at home. I play guitar, keys, bass, percussion and do a lot of programming on Reason and my new MPC1000.

How many active musical groups/endeavors are you a part of these days and could you give me a little info about each, including a website?

I’m doing All City Affairs and Baby Teeth. I play drums in Baby Teeth and we’re fairly busy at the moment working up new material for album number three. We’re located on the web at www.babyteethmusic.com. There is also a Baby Teeth mp3 blog at www.52teeth.wordpress.com. The ACA website is www.allcityaffairsmusic.com and the Write Off covers blog is at www.acawriteoff.wordpress.com.

Do you co-write songs with others or keep your songwriting skills to your own project, All City Affairs?

I write all my own tunes, but have collaborated with different musicians along the way. I’ve worked with Blue Hawaii from Icy Demons, Dylan Ryan from Bronze, Abraham from Baby Teeth, Andra Kulans from The 1900’s and a bunch more. I like to do most of the arranging and part writing, and obviously performing a lot of these parts at home while recording. But occasionally there’s something missing and the right person needs to be called.

Everyone obviously approaches writing differently, but do you sit down with the intent to write a song and do it or is your process generally a spontaneous one?

It’s not very spontaneous I have to admit. I’m so busy that I have to budget ahead of time to get work done. I force myself to sit down at the appropriate time and get to it. If I don’t have the creative “spark” that day, then so be it. I met a poet at DePaul University once who told me he wrote everyday whether he was inspired or not and some days he’d fix one word and nothing else. I’ve adopted that philosophy in the past couple years. It’s a machine and you have to keep it oiled or it gets rusty.

Are there any little things you do to “get inspired” if you have the time to write but not the words?

Generally when I work I get pretty caffeinated. Espresso and cappuccino. If I get a good buzz on, I usually can come up with something. Words always come last. Rhythm and melody first. Sometimes just a drum beat.

What are you listening to these days…what 2 or 3 CDs are in your player rotation?

I’m listening to the new Autechre album which is amazing. In Baltimore I bought a new posthumous J.Dilla album called “Jay Love Japan” that has some great beats on it. The Grinderman album that came out last year has been getting a lot of spins in my car lately too.

What do you do for $$ when not making music?

I do sound at the Old Town School of Folk Music and at Empty Bottle. I also did 3 separate tours mixing live for The Sea and Cake last year and I had a ball with them. Plus, I teach some kids guitar lessons after school.

What do you do for fun when not making music?

Play tennis and watch “LOST”.

And, a fun ending to a fun interview: What is your favorite Chicago bar?

My favorite Chicago bar has got to be the Hideout. Not only is it a great venue, but the bartenders are always nice and quick. I can’t say I’ve ever had a bad time there.

diner?

My favorite diner is probably Augie’s on Clark in Andersonville although it’s closed down now. I used to meet a friend of mine there almost every week for a while. Old fashioned classy/trashy interior and massive menu.

fine-dining establishment?

I don’t do much fine dining, so I can’t say I have a lock on the best place, but I had a great meal at Tallulah which is a new restaurant in Lincoln Square where I live. Pretty shi-shi atmosphere and great food.

taqueria?

My favorite taqueria has to be Los Nopales at 4544 N. Western Ave.
Forget about it.

milkshake?

The best ice cream joint in my opinion is Sweet Occasions. There’s one on Damen in Lincoln Square that’s pretty small, but there’s also a nice big one on Clark St. in Andersonville.

burger?

The best burger has got to go to Kuma’s Corner. Better to go during the afternoon if you can. It gets crazy busy at night, especially Thurs-Sun. My favorite burgers on their menu are the “Metallica” and the “Led Zeppelin.”

music venue?

Favorite music venue goes to Pritzker Pavillion probably. Amazing sound system, great atmosphere, and super cool architecture by Frank Gehry.

pizza?

My vote for favorite pizza goes to Crust. All organic, fresh, and delicious. Plus, they have a great organic beer called Cru d’Or by North Coast brewing company.

Interview conducted by Jenna Murfin, freelancer of many things including writing, Chirping, baking and pie-eating.