Peter and the Wolves are a rocking Alberta band that will bring their music, their moves, and their costumes to a special Halloween show at The Ironwood Stage & Grill on October 31. We asked Peter Cormier about the band’s music, and the costume he likes to wear for Halloween gigs.
How did Peter and the Wolves form as a band, and how long have you been playing together?
This band has seen a lot of different members over the years since I started it. I started playing shows when I was at Bowness High School, and since I graduated in 2011, the band’s been going steady. The current line-up of the band almost always has Meg Thompson on sax and vocals, and we have a few different rhythm section players around Canada to help make travel gigs more realistic.
You’re known for rockabilly originals. What’s your songwriting process?
My goal with this band is to make everyone want to dance. I’ll picture a full dance floor and try to write something for them. It’s that simple danceable rhythm you find in rock and roll, whether it swings or it drives straight, and it can take you over, no matter what generation you come from. It still works. So usually when I write songs, I want the beat to come first, the melody to be simple, and the words to be fun, so maybe you’ll sing along.
Which bands and artists have influenced you the most?
My favourite singer is Little Richard. He’s an architect of rock and roll and his voice is absolutely magnificent. The instrumentation of rockin’ with sax leads has always been a sound I wanted. Some of my other favourite artists are Gene Vincent & the Blue Caps, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, and The Shakin’ Pyramids.
You’ve got a Halloween show at the Ironwood Stage & Grill in Calgary. What do you like about playing Halloween gigs, and will you be in costume?
We love playing at the Ironwood, and I really love Halloween shows because something happens to people when they dress up in a costume. It feels like when you’re not your ordinary self, you just get a little looser. So it’s great for dancing, and I think it just feels good. I often go as Dracula because with the fangs in, I can still sing and drink. But I haven’t officially decided what I’m wearing this year. I’ve worn a costume every Halloween ever.
How has CKUA supported your music, and the Alberta music scene?
I’m very grateful to live in Alberta, where CKUA is such a prominent part of our lives. My songs get played on a few different shows, and it’s the best motivation to get new material out. I’ve learned about great bands by listening to the station, and I like to think about the impression you can leave on anyone by just tuning in.
“Wolfman Rock” by Peter and the Wolves:
