BT Fasmer (*) of NewAgeMusic.nu has interviewed Peter Buffett about his current projects.

* Jazz bassist Dave Holland once said that the whole point in developing your own style is to find your own voice. And you, after many years as an instrumental artist, literally started singing. Please describe this experience. Do you feel that your music became more personal after this?

Peter Buffett: First of all, I couldn’t agree more. Finding your voice – or as Joseph Campbell said follow your bliss - is critical whether it’s in music or any other pursuit. And, yes, that came about literally for me in recent years. I tried to write songs with lyrics when I was young and in retrospect realized that they were mediocre because I hadn’t had enough life experience to really say anything of substance!

Now, many years later, I have a lot more to say and the music has most definitely become more personal as I’m able to put my thoughts and feelings into words. It was an amazing experience for me. While I still write instrumental music when I score to picture, I can’t imagine life without putting words to my music now.

* As a New Age music fan, I never imagined you as a singer-songwriter. But after Gold Star (2006), Staring at the Sun (2007) and Imaginary Kingdom (2008 ), I find myself wanting more. How have your fans responded to this change of style?

Peter: It’s been interesting. A few miss the instrumental work – but for the most part, everyone has come along for the ride. And vocal music certainly attracts more interest. That was always a frustration of mine. Some people just couldn’t relate to the instrumental work. I knew what emotions I put into that music, but many people need a vocal and a lyric to really relate. Which is certainly understandable. But until I found my voice, I knew I wasn’t reaching everyone I was hoping to. I’m glad to hear you want more!!

* Is it different to stand on the stage with Pop/Rock material than New Age music? Is there another kind of connection with the audience?

Peter: Yes! And I’m still getting used to that. To actually open your mouth and sing is a VERY different experience. And, honestly, I don’t really think of myself as a singer any more than I consider myself a pianist. I realize that may sound strange, but I do the things I do to get what’s inside out. So I execute the tasks as needed (sounds a little odd – but what I mean is, I’m not particularly great at playing – but I know what to do to produce the sound I want). So to be in front of an audience and sing something I’ve crafted in the studio by myself is very different… I’m slowly getting used to it!

* Many were surprised when jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette recently won a Grammy for best New Age Album for his release Peace Time (see for instance this article) Is the future of New Age music in the hands of established Jazz, Classical and Pop artists? Or do the thousands of small, Internet-based artists stand a chance in the serious music business?

Peter: I think the future is in the small artists. There is great music being made on a scale unheard of before – because the technology is in the hands of everyone. This makes for a lot of not so great music too! As soon as things like recommendation engines and other tools that help separate the signal from the noise really get refined, we will start to hear some amazing music coming out of the bedroom studios of the world.

* What is your current music project?

Peter: Aside from my most recent release, Imaginary Kingdom, I am collaborating with Akon (now that’s a crazy pairing!) on a song about human trafficking that we will perform in the General Assembly of the UN later this month. That track will be released on March 25th.

* Thank you for the interview, Peter! I urge everyone to check out Istheresomethingicando.com, and support your project.

Read Peter Buffett’s discography here. Also be sure to take a look at his website.