Getting to Know… Peter Lawson

Reading Time: 3 min read

In the 440^th Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from prog-rock musician, Peter Lawson.

“I think my music is pretty original.” Right on, Peter Lawson, right on! Regarding his goals, Lawson asserts, “Just to get the opportunity to be heard.” We get the inside scoop on his genesis, musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump into Getting to Know… Peter Lawson: Interview No. 440!

For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes you distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

I think my music is pretty original and all my output (including my latest album, The Witchfinder) has had a particular theme running throughout.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did you get started, and what were some of your goals or visions early?

I started making solo albums in 2019, following the cessation of gigging due to the pandemic. I formed a duet, Venus Loon with German drummer, Wolfgang Ostermann (of Frequency Drift and others) in 2022.

Let’s talk more about goals. Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

Just to get the opportunity to be heard; I aspired to get signed by a label and that came about earlier this year with OOB Records. I was massively inspired to make new stuff when Wolfgang Ostermann initially suggested a collaboration.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Whom would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

Can (Tago Mago in particular), Cardiacs (I just plain love them, although wouldn’t dare to try and emulate their genius!), Amon Duul II, T.Rex, ‘70s prog bands (particularly Gentle Giant, Hawkwind, Van der Graff Generator, etc.) and Black Sabbath 🙂

Ah, the fun stuff. What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance? Feel free to be creative.

I’ve fallen off stage more than once, chased by “Teds” after a punk gig, had a bunch of bananas thrown at me on stage (who takes a bunch of bananas to a gig?), had a paper bag (which was on my head during a gig) set on fire (don’t ask) and many other mostly stupid things. Nowadays, it’s just me and my laptop!

To this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

“Hats off to Havoc” from the Venus Loon album Havoc and I’m pretty pleased with my new album, The Witchfinder.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about Peter Lawson? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I’m a Registered Nurse (retired), a former competing weight lifter and I’m good at origami!

What are you currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure.

I’ve just started work on another Venus Loon album (again in collaboration with Wolfgang Ostermann), although I imagine it won’t see the light of day for the next year or so!

https://oob-records.com/artist/peter-lawson/

https://oob-records.com/shop/

https://www.facebook.com/VENUSLOONpeterdlawsonmusic

https://open.spotify.com/album/4mABRV5PfoQFIDBIYcQN7P

https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-witchfinder/1774018118

Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward.

signing off