PETE NORTHCOTE WINNER OF THE 2007 MUSICOZ BEST INSTRUMENTAL AWARD
"I started playing at age 9. I took lessons for 6mths and at the same took tennis lessons. I was eventually told by my parents to choose one or the other. I took guitar, my brother (Tony) took tennis.
I kept playing and eventually went to Brandmans Music Studios in Rockdale where I began lessons with Vince Lombardo, who was ultimately the most important influence in my career. He introduced me to many styles of music and ever got me as a Junior Teacher. I used to win "Best Guitar Student" there every year. (It must have been the cakes my mum made for them)!
Throughout high school, I started playing in bands and then wedding receptions, (mostly as a bass player). After leaving school I worked in many music shops as a teacher, while constantly playing in cover bands and reception bands. It snowballed from there. One thing led to another and I started working in touring bands like Richard Clapton, Dragon, Darryl Braithwaite, Rick Price, Margaret Urlich, The Monkeys Tom Jones, Shania Twain, The Bushwakers, Bo Diddly, Ross Wilson, Stevie Wright, Angry Anderson and John Farhnam etc etc.
In '86, I started doing sessions. I continue to do them today simply because I love the total focus and it allows me to be creative every day. Some of the artists i have recorded for are: Anthony Callea, Australian Idol cast albums, Bob Down, Danielle Spencer, Daryl Braithwaite, Doc Neeson, Dragon, Grace Knight, Guy Sebastian, Hi5, Human Nature, Jenny Morris, Jimmy Barnes, John Schuman, Julie Anthony, Louise Perryman, Margaret Urlich, Mark Hunter, Max Sharam, Neil Murray, Paul Kelly, Peter Coombe, Shanon Noll, Sharon O'Neil, Simon Philips, Yothu Yindi. I love playing live and I know I'll never stop doing gigs. I so enjoy the small pub gigs I do. I get to play my butt off. And thats what its all about!
My influences are as diverse as my styles. From Hendrix to all the "Steves" (Via, Luke, Morse, Hackett, Howe, etc) Zappa, Landau, Nuno."
I continue to do sessions. I write record and produce a few selected acts at my studio (pictures in the photo section or at www.peternorthcote.com) and have a residency at the BRIDGE HOTEL in Rozelle every Sunday at 3.30 to 7pm. It's an amazing band that rocks hard and we just LOVE the gig. Hope to see you at one soon. Please come and say Hi...
Pete
