World Music News

Bio : Peter Buffett: Imaginary Kingdom

Saturday April 25th, 2009

Emmy Award-winning musician Peter Buffett has an acclaimed career that spans more than 28 years as a professional songwriter, producer, artist, performer, recording engineer, independent label owner and composer for film and television.

Beyond music, social action and philanthropy are very important to Buffett.  His tireless work with numerous non-profit organizations and charities have made him into a well-known activist for social concerns and these messages are played out through his music.

Peter's latest release, Imaginary Kingdom, was released on September 23rd, 2008 through his own imprint BeSide Records.  His third solo vocal album, this record cements his reputation as a recording artist with something to say.  Imaginary Kingdom was recorded and mixed in Buffett's home studio in New York City, and proves to be an intensely personal journey of self-expression.  His lyrics resonate his passion for social change and are accompanied with backgrounds of a chilling piano, intense percussion and graceful bass lines. Combining elements of soft and progressive rock with a contemporary vocal sound, the album reflects the unique pop sensibilities of Beck and Teenage Fan Club, the weightless harmonies of Elliott Smith and Matthew Sweet, and the dreamy pop/rock tromp of Guster or Death Cab For Cutie. 

Buffett recently performed the first single from Imaginary Kingdom, "Can We Love?" in New Orleans at the 10th anniversary of Eve Ensler's V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls.  To this day, Buffett is the only man to ever perform on stage at a V-Day festival. "I hope that by the end of this song all the men in the room are singing along with me," Buffett said about his monumental performance.  "I sing this song as the voice of a child who didn't understand the hatred in Selma that he saw on television and the voice of a man who doesn't understand the violence in the Congo that he reads about in the newspaper."

Buffett recently performed the first single from Imaginary Kingdom, "Can We Love?" in New Orleans at the 10th anniversary of Eve Ensler's V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls.  To this day, Buffett is the only man to ever perform on stage at a V-Day festival. "I hope that by the end of this song all the men in the room are singing along with me," Buffett said about his monumental performance.  "I sing this song as the voice of a child who didn't understand the hatred in Selma that he saw on television and the voice of a man who doesn't understand the violence in the Congo that he reads about in the newspaper."

Currently, Peter is collaborating both musically and professionally with Grammy-nominated and international recording artist Akon. Buffett wrote the song "Anything" (which appeared on his 2007 album Staring at the Sun) after visiting post-war Liberia and Sierra Leone. Akon, an avid supporter of aid organizations benefiting his home of Senegal, viewed the video Buffett created after his trip and was immediately inspired to contribute.  He worked with Buffett to produce and sing on a new remix of the track.  In June 2008, Peter and Akon launched the website IsThereSomethingICanDo.com to promote social action through social networking.

Peter Buffett launched his new 'Concert and Conversation' series tour in the Fall of 2008, which kicked off with a special event at The Paley Center for Media (formerly The Museum of Television & Radio) in Los Angeles in October. The 'Concert and Conversation' series presents an entertaining and informative look at the things Peter was taught, the lessons he's learned, and their effect in creating the man he's become. It spotlights Peter's extensive background in music, punctuated with stories about his philanthropic and life experiences as the son of one of the most noteworthy investors of our time. Peter performs selections from Imaginary Kingdom, and shares exclusive videos of his work and philanthropic activities in an informal setting. Buffett continues to take this show on the road for the remainder of 2008 and into 2009, to concert and lecture halls including Berklee College of Music, Syracuse University and Columbia University.

Biography © Two Sheps

> For more infomation, contact Peter's record Label, Two Sheps That Pass at www.twoshepsthatpass.com

> Or visit Peter's website at www.peterbuffett.com

Video : Anything - Peter Buffett featuring Akon

About Akon:

The son of accomplished jazz musician Mor Thiam, Akon was introduced to varied musical styles early on, and his three full-length albums for Universal, 'Trouble,' 'Konvicted,' and 'Freedom' are a hybrid of rap and silky R&B vocals. His multifaceted sensibilities and popular club anthems have launched him to international success, with four 2008 GRAMMY nominations and over 8 million records sold.