Exclusive Interview with 'PETER GURAL'

Peter Gural writes music for outsiders on the inside. He was raised as a non-athletic nature boy from a Philadelphia suburb. Due to substance abuse, he lost himself in his teen and early 20s.
After receiving treatment and recovering, he came to the conclusion that his main objective is to locate the child he lost in the past.

Since then, his mission has been to use his music to guide the lost back to their homes. He composes guitar-based pop music, or “Soft Indie,” as he likes to refer to it, with influences ranging from Elliott Smith to Mac Demarco and classic rock. Check out his latest single ‘Best I’ve Ever Had’ and the exclusive interview:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?

PETER GURAL: I grew up an unathletic nature boy from a suburb right outside of Philadelphia. I got into music based on what my mom played in the car when I was a kid – whether it was the Beatles, RHCP or Coldplay, that’s what became the foundation for my music taste. When I was about ten I picked up a guitar my brother got for a gift and never used – from there I fell in love with writing songs.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

PETER GURAL: Big shout out to my guitar teacher Chet — he exposed me to a lot of good music and helped guide my ear to what it is today. I took lessens with him until high school but taught myself along the way with the tools I was given.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘PETER GURAL’?

PETER GURAL: Its hard to say but I’d say my top 3 at the start were The Beatles, Coldplay and John Mayer. From there I’ve evolved but those artists will always hold a special place in my heart. I chose “Peter Gural” because it was chosen for me (aka my birth name)

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

PETER GURAL: I’d say my lyrics are pretty literal but are often bridged by crypticness. It’s kind of like a cohesive stream of consciousness if that makes sense. I have a love of jazz harmony so in terms of the chord changes I like to keep it unexpected but simple enough that the average listener can digest it. Something I strive for is having a big arc to my melody — an idol that does this particularly well is Paul McCartney. I’d describe my music as Indie Coffee House.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as Indie Rock ?
**PETER GURAL**: It’s interesting — the first song I posted on soundcloud leans more towards hip hop, kind of along the lines of Mac Miller. It’s so funny listening back because I’ve done a complete 180. I’m grateful to have grown as an artist with influences so diverse. It’s made my artist DNA that much stronger. In short I found myself by losing myself.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?

PETER GURAL:

I think music is a very powerful tool that can be used as the voice of social change. For me, I admire music like that but it’s not the point of what I make. I make music for the lost to find their way back home. Growing up I struggled with substance abuse and subsequently my mental health. I went through some tough times and music remained a constant through it all. I want people to be able to listen to the words I’m singing and find solace in the fact they’re not alone in this world. I want my music to act like a drug… that’s good for you.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

PETER GURAL:

I had the experience of putting out an album and realizing that my sound wasn’t cohesive as I thought it was. While perfectionism can eat you alive, this experience gave me a great reference point for everything I wanted to grow away from. These days I would say yes but if you asked me a few years ago I don’t think I could say the same. Thats the beauty of growth!

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

PETER GURAL: I usually start with a musical idea first – whether its a melodic motif or a chord progression that really tugs at my heart. When it comes to writing I find that I create my best work by myself. On the production side of things I love collaborating with producers to either add elements to the track or hear what I may be missing.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

PETER GURAL: I’d say the hardest thing was going to treatment for my substance abuse and mental health. At the time it didn’t feel like I really had a choice in the matter – I reached out for help because I feared for my life but once I did it was really scary. I spent over a year in treatment facilities away from the life that I knew and that was painful. I had to unlearn unhealthy patterns that had been a part of my life since I was 13. It felt all consuming at the time but looking I’m so grateful that I learned how to live my life differently. Felt like I matured 10 years in 1. Grateful for the friends and family that stuck by me through it all.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

PETER GURAL: I’d say continuing to get closer and closer to the vision I’ve had since I was a kid. With each single I’ve released since my first album “Dog Takes Nap” I feel like I’m settling more into who I am as an artist. I’m currently working on an album right now that feels really special. I feel as though I’ve come into myself as a person and the music reflects that. Very excited to share this music with the world.