dude york

What is your name and role within Dude York?

My name is Peter Richards and I play guitar and sing in Dude York.

How did you start?

I began piano lessons when I was four years old. When I turned twelve at the beginning of 9th grade I was allowed to start playing other instruments so i switched to the bass guitar, and then two years later started playing the guitar.

Where are you based?

I live in Seattle, but i would say I’m based all over.  Based culture is very important to the members of Dude York and not just because Lil B and Claire England share birthdays!

Please give an example of your music writing process?

I like as much auxiliary stimulation as possible when I’m writing music.  I usually have something playing on Netflix, a podcast playing on my phone, some comics displayed on my kindle supplemented by physical issues, a record playing on the turntable, etc.  i do my best work when I am in sensory overload.  Whatever sticks out above the clashing din of media might turn out to be a strong idea on its own.  It’s a variation on the technique laid out by Stephin Merritt in the documentary about him and Claudia Gonson Strange Powers.

What are you working on right now?

We are going to start on a really fun project in July that I wish I could say more about! Ya’ll are going to love it!

What is your gear setup?

Always changing! to quote U2, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.” I have a fulltone GT 500 and i love its distortion and overdrive sounds.  I use a line6 DL 4 for making loops on stage, and sometimes use the boss DD-7 to add loops when its not adding delay.  I was in Baltimore at a dinner party once and a 94 year-old woman asked me “why someone would play acoustic INSTEAD of electric” and I told her “I don’t know, I play electric” and three months after a delightful 45 minutes of conversation she sent me a hand made electric guitar that she had made! it’s definitely one of the most special objects i own! I also play a 1974 Gretch Corvette i really enjoy and just bought a Fender Duo Sonic that I can’t wait to get my hands on!

What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?

I love spending time with my friends, goofing around and being serious.  I love comic books and movies and consume both vigorously.  It affects my music like it affects my life, in often unexpected ways!

How would you describe your music genre?

I don’t think we have a music genre aside from Rock ‘n’ Roll.  When people ask me what Dude York sounds like I tell them that we are right between Black Sabbath, Blink 182, and The Cure.

Do you know any music theory?

Just enough to be dangerous!

What are your plans for the future?

Hopefully we are going to be on tour a lot! There are so many amazing bands and we want to play with all of them! Also, I want to record two albums before winter 2018.

How did you get into music?

I have always been into music, so the initial memory is hazy.  Maybe watching my older sister play piano was the beginning.  Maybe it was going to Seattle all ages haven The Vera Project for the first time.

What are you listening to at the moment?

i’ve been rocking out recently to the new carly rae jepsen and TOPS.  it’s a canadian summer! also: the new chastity belt album is finally out!

Who are your top 5 influences and icons?

Bree from Tacocat is both an influence and an icon.  Travis Scott is a true icon. Longmont Potion Castle, Tom Sharpling and John Wurster are three of our favorite comedians to listen to on tour and deserve mention in this category.

When are you playing next?

At the Holland Project in Reno, tomorrow (June 7th)!

Please feel free to include any extra info.

we are leaving for tour today, 6/6, with The Anniversary so please come and see us if we are playing in your city!

TOUR DATES

https://www.facebook.com/dudeyorkamerica/

https://twitter.com/DudeYork

https://www.instagram.com/dudeyork/

http://dude-york.com