An Interview with Jimmy Peck

Jimmy Peck is someone who has been in the Kansas City music scene for years through his honest, powerful performances as a solo acoustic musician. He also has a heavy metal band called The Broken Kingdom, who finds their homelands in KC, St. Louis and Chicago.

In recent news, Jimmy Peck has announced that he will be opening for Blind Melon with a solo acoustic set on May 10 at the Voodoo Lounge, alongside The Stacys and Beyond The Grey.

This year, Peck released his debut solo single “Society.”

I interviewed Peck about his music and what is next for him as a musician:

London Penny: How did you get into music?

Jimmy Peck: I grew up with a love for music and a desire to emulate my favorite musicians. I gravitated to the guitar and finally got my hands on one around age 12/13 and started learning by listening to albums and reading tablature. Quickly after, some friends and I formed a band, focusing on writing original music and I've continued doing so, whether in a band, or as a solo artist ever since.

LP: Who are you influenced by? Can be musical or life or both. 

JP: In regards to art/music, short answer would be that I'm inspired and influenced by anyone who is genuinely passionate about what they create and does it because they want or need to, rather than seeking notoriety or to follow a trend.

In regards to personal life and how I try to carry and conduct myself as a person, I would have to say that both of my Grandfathers, my Dad and Stepdad are all great examples of hard working, straightforward, and integral people that have shaped my outlook on how to approach life. Equally, the same can be said of the matriarchal figures in my life. EG: Grandmothers, Mom, and Step-Mom.

LP: Tell me about your song “Society.” What made you want to write it?/what was the song writing and recording process like? 

JP: I had my family in mind while writing that, specifically my Dad. I remember the writing process being relatively quick. A good friend and fellow songwriter had a hand in helping form the structure. The original version had a third verse, which was great, but ultimately it was sacrificed to help streamline the song. Recording was very laid back; Andrew Nagorski recorded and engineered it in his home studio. I just played the song a few times and he used the best take.

LP: How would you describe yourself as a musician? 

JP: I'd say I take an artistic approach to music. Being self taught, feeling is a huge part of my writing style. I'm not super knowledgeable of music theory or the technical side of things. If it feels and sounds good, I try not to overthink it. Not to say that theory isn't important, it's just not a huge part of my workflow.

LP: What’s next for your music?

JP: Currently, I'm focused on recording and playing out as much as I can to connect with bigger audiences.