5Q: Neal Peterson's music is the 'Lost' of indie rock

One-time Duluthian Neal Peterson won’t rest until global domination is his. That statement may seem a little over the top — especially considering how not diabolical said musician is — but, man, just listen to that smart new record of his.

The former Curious Yello member recently returned to the scene with “Chaos Theory, Explained,” a slick EP that effortlessly advances the quirky indie rock aim of 2007’s “Riot in Luxury.” Impressed as we were, we thought we’d find out a little more about it:

Budgeteer: I quite enjoyed the highly refined sound of the new album. Have you been listening to any artists in particular who inspired this enhanced musical palette?

Peterson: I’ve always been a big fan of bands who integrate electronic elements into their music, like Radiohead, the Postal Service, Sublime, etc. I would add that, despite being brought up on rock and roll and primarily listening to rock music now, I also keep a large stash of hip-hop, electronica, etc.

But as good as the songs on “Chaos Theory, Explained” are, the EP is also a complete package because of its stellar artwork. Do you use your design prowess during the day to make a living?

I do! I am privileged to be working with two institutions that truly influence my art and music. During the day, I work as a graphic designer for the Minnesota Orchestra and, in the evening, I instruct graphic design classes at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by world-class musicians and artists every day.

I’m the first to admit that I’m a little dense, but ... what exactly is the significance of the knife drawer referenced throughout “Kill or Cure”?

I’ve had this conversation several times before, as my lyrics are sometimes a bit shrouded in symbolism. Unfortunately, it’s out of my control.

I should specify that, although the EP may seem to have some dark overtones, the entire album — at least from my perspective — is meant to be positive.

“The Knife Drawer” could represent a few different things, including our existence on earth and our hope to resolve all the ills.

Growing up in North Dakota, I was surrounded by missile silos. In the early writing stages of the CD, I had an idea about a vigilante of sorts who would take control of all the nuclear warheads in North Dakota. This fictional character would use them to destroy the planet as a way to end all the suffering — hence the image of the abandoned missile silo on the cover and a picture of that same silo from the inside on the interior of the sleeve.

Why a “knife drawer”? In a general sense, a knife drawer contains the tools necessary for creating pain and suffering or something beautiful and precise.

I appreciate when artists release unforgettable EPs over not-fully-realized LPs. So, in honor of this preference, in your eyes what is the ultimate EP out there?

I agree. I love the idea of an EP as an experiment. I think that many artists — or record labels — often forget that, sometimes, less is more. I can’t offer an “ultimate” EP, but one of my favorites as of late has been Matt Pond PA’s “Winter Songs.”

What’s the most annoying and/or awful thing any audience member has ever done during one of your shows?

I’ve always had luck with good audiences. But, my band in college, Curious Yello, was playing a battle of the bands at a biker bar in Fargo once and a mulleted gentleman shouted “You suck!” between songs.

Of course, in hindsight, I can now take this as a compliment.

[File Photo submitted by Neal Peterson]

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Anyway, a couple months ago, my brother-in-law, Cale, asked me if I had seen the music video for Boom Boom Pow. I hadn't, but upon review, Cale was right: The imagery is somewhat uncanny. I wasn't even going to comment on this until I heard Fergie sing (and I quote): "I'm so 3008. You so 2000 and late." Despite the grammatical errors, we can see that her flux capacitor is a bit off (see diagram below):

Oh, well. The Peas are great, and I wish them the best of luck. Maybe they'll let me open for them sometime or maybe they'd like me to design their next album cover. It's all for the best, I suppose. After all, it's just like my song (Revolution No. 13) from Riot in Luxury says: "We're victims of headphones"...

Press (Forum left, HPR right):

From the Fargo Forum: The man may be the same, but his songs have changed. That's what you need to know before checking out former Fargoan Neal Peterson's new disc "Chaos Theory, Explained." Gone are the stripped-down acoustic stylings of his first releases, replaced with electric beats and other amped-up sounds. What remains is the singer/guitarist's knack for mining hooks and catchy melodies.

From the High Plains Reader: BEST BETS! Neal Peterson is a North Dakota native who has walked the stretches of life and found success ... His latest album, "Chaos Theory, Explained," is the pinnacle of his solo work thus far, delving into intense subject matters: life, the universe and everything really. The sound that accompanies it is as abstract and multifaceted as the musician, who is also an award-winning artist and graphic designer. ... Most certainly a show worth seeing.

Aug 14, 2009 - 04:01:14 CD

Harmony can mean bringing two or more parties together, despite their separations, and blending them together into a sum that exceeds their parts.

Sometimes, that separation can be a great distance, like the length of a trip from Minneapolis to Bismarck.

That's the length of the journey Neal Peterson, a musician with North Dakota roots now making his way in the Twin Cities, will make in time for Saturday's Harmony Festival, which kicks off at 11 a.m. at Municipal Ballpark on South Washington Street.

Peterson will play his set at 4:30 p.m. on the BNCStage. Fourteen acts are scheduled throughout the day across two stages, including Gypsyfoot, Trifecta, Ben Suchy, The Levee and Luke Graner. Admission will be $10 at the gate.

This will be Peterson's first time performing at the annual Harmony Festival. "I was invited by my good friend, Luke Graner," Peterson said. The two played together in the band Curious Yello for several years across North Dakota and Minnesota. "Between that and Luke living in Bismarck, I always seem to get to town to play a show every now and then."

Peterson was born in Bottineau and grew up in Minot. He says he believes that growing up in our state can be beneficial to any developing artist.

"It's amazing how western North Dakota is such an isolated area, yet it fosters immense creativity in so many that come from it," he said.

Peterson will be rolling into town fresh on the heels of releasing his new EP, "Chaos Theory, Explained." He describes the new album as "an experiment."

"What's exciting about this CD is that it's a pretty radical departure from my previous acoustically driven albums," he said. "The music is built upon synthetic beats, but it still retains a solid rock feel by the integration of guitars and melodic vocals."

"I've decided that life is too short to repeat a chorus, and the songwriting reflects that—it moves fast. It's the type of disc you listen to twice when you need to get something done."

The CD will be available for purchase online at Peterson's Web site, www.nealpeterson.com, or through iTunes within a couple of weeks. However, anyone interested can get their hands on a disc at Harmony Festival through a pretty special deal.

Instead of selling the CD there, he will be asking people to "pay it forward," and giving the money they would have spent on to the charity of their choice, in exchange for the disc. "I've been recommending the Humane Society for those who don't have a preference,"he said.

"After all," he said in closing, "I'm working on a revolution."

Found some photos from the recording sessions back in March. Sort of one-man-we-are-the-world with whiskey and romanesque statues.