Pete Nischt
Encyclopedia
Pete Nischt is an American
singer/songwriter and guitarist currently residing in Akron, Ohio
. His music ranges from folk rock
and pop rock
to baroque pop
and chamber pop. In interviews he cites his biggest influences as Ryan Adams
, Mark Kozelek
, Damien Rice
, Rufus Wainwright
, and Sufjan Stevens
.
and attended Highland High School (Medina, Ohio) where he stood out as a musician on the trumpet and guitar. After briefly considering a major in Jazz Studies on the trumpet after high school, he relocated to Akron, Ohio
in 2005 to attend the University of Akron
, study Accounting, and concentrate on songwriting. He played his first solo show in August 2005 at an open-mic night. Over the next year, he made a name for himself playing with childhood friend Kate Voegele
and others around Ohio and the Midwest.
In January 2006, Pete was discovered by Ace Enders (The Early November
, I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business
, Ace Enders and a Million Different People) at a show. Shortly afterwards, Enders, along with his wife Jenn and bandmate Jeff Kummer, started a record label called Regular Music. Pete was the first artist signed to the label and did not return to school the following year, leaving behind scholarship money and a 3.8 grade point average.
The label rereleased an acoustic EP of Pete’s, entitled Sandbox: The Free EP, and later released his full-length debut, Life is Strange (produced by Chris Badami
). Life is Strange was a very eclectic CD, encompassing several genres of music, and highlighting Pete’s talent for songwriting. The debut was well-received and sold briefly across North America and Europe. Pete toured for the label until shortly after the release of Life is Strange. He then returned to school in August 2007 after trouble developed with Regular Music. Although Pete kept a fairly regular touring schedule around the midwest and east coast after they parted, both sides have kept quiet about the incident.
, Kate Voegele
, The Verve Pipe
, Ace Enders and a Million Different People, Paper Rival
, Augustana
, Roark
, Richard Julian of The Little Willies
and many others.
A 2007 fall tour with The Early November
and Steel Train
was also scheduled, but was later canceled due to problems within The Early November
, who broke up shortly thereafter.
and The Dear Hunter
), Nischt and their keys player, Andy Dolson.
, and also took classes at the Berklee College of Music
in Boston
and the Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship
in Bangalore
, India
while pursuing his undergraduate degree. In 2008 he was one of 25 admitted into New York University
’s Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, but had to turn down his acceptance due to the high cost of attending the school and living in Manhattan
. He is currently pursuing a law degree at the University of Akron School of Law
while continuing to perform and release records.
. He is a relative of Frank Seiberling
, founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
and builder of Stan Hywet Hall, a Tudor Revival mansion, now a national historic landmark and historic house museum in Akron. This also makes him a relative of Congressman John F. Seiberling
, a Democrat
who served the 14th district in the Ninety-second and seven succeeding Congresses. After his time in Congress, Seiberling also served as faculty at the University of Akron School of Law
, where Pete is currently a student.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer/songwriter and guitarist currently residing in Akron, Ohio
Akron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
. His music ranges from folk rock
Folk rock
Folk rock is a musical genre combining elements of folk music and rock music. In its earliest and narrowest sense, the term referred to a genre that arose in the United States and the UK around the mid-1960s...
and pop rock
Pop rock
Pop rock is a music genre which mixes a catchy pop style and light lyrics in its guitar-based rock songs. There are varying definitions of the term, ranging from a slower and mellower form of rock music to a subgenre of pop music...
to baroque pop
Baroque pop
Baroque pop, Baroque rock, or English baroque, often used interchangeably with chamber pop/rock, is a pop and rock music subgenre which originated in the mid-1960s in the United Kingdom and United States...
and chamber pop. In interviews he cites his biggest influences as Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams
David Ryan Adams is an American alt-country/rock singer-songwriter, from Jacksonville, North Carolina. Initially part of the group Whiskeytown, Adams left the band and released his first solo album Heartbreaker in 2000...
, Mark Kozelek
Mark Kozelek
Mark Kozelek is an American singer/songwriter Producer and frontman of Sun Kil Moon and Red House Painters.-History:...
, Damien Rice
Damien Rice
Damien Rice is an Irish singer-songwriter, musician and record producer who plays guitar, piano, clarinet and percussion....
, Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright
Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright is an American-Canadian singer-songwriter. He has recorded six albums of original music, EPs, and tracks on compilations and film soundtracks.-Early years:...
, and Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens is an American singer-songwriter and musician born in Detroit, Michigan. Stevens first began releasing his music on Asthmatic Kitty, a label co-founded with his stepfather, beginning with the 1999 release, A Sun Came...
.
History
Pete Nischt grew up in Medina, OhioMedina, Ohio
In the city the population was spread out with 29.9% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 33.8% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 92.1 males...
and attended Highland High School (Medina, Ohio) where he stood out as a musician on the trumpet and guitar. After briefly considering a major in Jazz Studies on the trumpet after high school, he relocated to Akron, Ohio
Akron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
in 2005 to attend the University of Akron
University of Akron
The University of Akron is a coeducational public research university located in Akron, Ohio, United States. The university is part of the University System of Ohio. It was founded in 1870 as a small college affiliated with the Universalist Church. In 1913 ownership was transferred to the City of...
, study Accounting, and concentrate on songwriting. He played his first solo show in August 2005 at an open-mic night. Over the next year, he made a name for himself playing with childhood friend Kate Voegele
Kate Voegele
Kate Elizabeth Voegele is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress. She is signed to Interscope Records. She is also known for her part as Mia Catalano in the CW TV series One Tree Hill.-Career:...
and others around Ohio and the Midwest.
In January 2006, Pete was discovered by Ace Enders (The Early November
The Early November
The Early November is an American rock band from Hammonton, New Jersey. The group formed in 1999 and signed with Drive-Thru Records in 2002. , they have released two EPs , as well as two full-length albums...
, I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business
I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business
I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business is an acoustic/alternative rock band, the side project of Arthur "Ace" Enders, lead singer and guitarist of The Early November. Though the self-titled album was originally the only planned official release under the name I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's...
, Ace Enders and a Million Different People) at a show. Shortly afterwards, Enders, along with his wife Jenn and bandmate Jeff Kummer, started a record label called Regular Music. Pete was the first artist signed to the label and did not return to school the following year, leaving behind scholarship money and a 3.8 grade point average.
The label rereleased an acoustic EP of Pete’s, entitled Sandbox: The Free EP, and later released his full-length debut, Life is Strange (produced by Chris Badami
Chris Badami
Chris Badami is an American musician, music producer and sound engineer.Badami has recorded and produced hundreds of acts since the early 1990s. Chris got his start in the music industry as an active player and studio musician in the New York/New Jersey area. While performing in recording studios,...
). Life is Strange was a very eclectic CD, encompassing several genres of music, and highlighting Pete’s talent for songwriting. The debut was well-received and sold briefly across North America and Europe. Pete toured for the label until shortly after the release of Life is Strange. He then returned to school in August 2007 after trouble developed with Regular Music. Although Pete kept a fairly regular touring schedule around the midwest and east coast after they parted, both sides have kept quiet about the incident.
Touring
From 2005 to the present, Pete has shared the stage with many artists on national tours, regional tours, and one-off shows including Blessid Union of SoulsBlessid Union of Souls
Blessid Union of Souls is an American rock band from Morrow, Ohio that was formed in 1990 by friends Jeff Pence and Eliot Sloan....
, Kate Voegele
Kate Voegele
Kate Elizabeth Voegele is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress. She is signed to Interscope Records. She is also known for her part as Mia Catalano in the CW TV series One Tree Hill.-Career:...
, The Verve Pipe
The Verve Pipe
The Verve Pipe is an American rock band from East Lansing, Michigan. It was formed in 1992 by Brian and Brad Vander Ark, Brian Stout and Donny Brown.-History:...
, Ace Enders and a Million Different People, Paper Rival
Paper Rival
Paper Rival was an indie rock band formed in late 2005 from Nashville, Tennessee. Originally known as Keating, the band changed its name to Paper Rival in 2007 after a tour in Canada where the band was mistaken for a Canadian band who already possessed the name...
, Augustana
Augustana (band)
Augustana is an American rock band from San Diego, California who are signed to the Epic Records record label. They are best known for their singles, "Boston" and "Sweet and Low."-Beginning years:...
, Roark
Roark
-People:* Charles Thomas Irvine Roark, British polo player* Roark Critchlow , Canadian actor* James Roark , pseudonym of James Barnas, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated photographer...
, Richard Julian of The Little Willies
The Little Willies
The Little Willies is a band formed in 2003. It features Norah Jones on piano and vocals, Richard Julian on vocals, Jim Campilongo on guitar, Lee Alexander on bass, and Dan Rieser on drums....
and many others.
A 2007 fall tour with The Early November
The Early November
The Early November is an American rock band from Hammonton, New Jersey. The group formed in 1999 and signed with Drive-Thru Records in 2002. , they have released two EPs , as well as two full-length albums...
and Steel Train
Steel Train
Steel Train is an indie rock band from New Jersey. They have toured with Tegan and Sara, Girl in a Coma, Ben Folds, The Fray, Silversun Pickups, Hanson, The Format, Gomez, O.A.R., Barenaked Ladies, Fun and others...
was also scheduled, but was later canceled due to problems within The Early November
The Early November
The Early November is an American rock band from Hammonton, New Jersey. The group formed in 1999 and signed with Drive-Thru Records in 2002. , they have released two EPs , as well as two full-length albums...
, who broke up shortly thereafter.
Current projects
Pete is reported to be in the middle of recording a follow up to his 2007 full-length with his band under the name "Pete Nischt and the Motions." The record is being co-produced by Motions guitar player, Rob Parr (touring musician, As Tall As LionsAs Tall as Lions
As Tall as Lions was an Indie Rock band from Long Island, New York.- History :High school friends Dan Nigro , Saen Fitzgerald , Brian Fortune and Cliff Sarcona founded the band in December 2001 as they were looking to continue the momentum of a previous project.- Blood and Aphorisms :"Blood and...
and The Dear Hunter
The Dear Hunter
The Dear Hunter is an indie rock band originating in Providence, Rhode Island. It began as a side project of Casey Crescenzo, formerly of post-hardcore band The Receiving End of Sirens...
), Nischt and their keys player, Andy Dolson.
Education
Pete has noted several times in interviews his dedication to education. He received his undergraduate degree in International Business at the University of AkronUniversity of Akron
The University of Akron is a coeducational public research university located in Akron, Ohio, United States. The university is part of the University System of Ohio. It was founded in 1870 as a small college affiliated with the Universalist Church. In 1913 ownership was transferred to the City of...
, and also took classes at the Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip...
in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
and the Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship is a business school located in Electronic City area of Bangalore, India. It has a fully residential campus with access to seamless learning facilities, and is situated in the heart of the Silicon Valley of India. XIME is the only Institute in...
in Bangalore
Bangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
while pursuing his undergraduate degree. In 2008 he was one of 25 admitted into New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
’s Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, but had to turn down his acceptance due to the high cost of attending the school and living in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
. He is currently pursuing a law degree at the University of Akron School of Law
University of Akron School of Law
The University of Akron School of Law is the law school at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, USA. Offering both the J.D. and LL.M. degrees, it was founded in 1921 as the Akron School of Law and merged with the University of Akron in 1959, becoming fully accredited by the American Bar...
while continuing to perform and release records.
Discography
- Sandbox: The Free EP (August, 2006)
- Life is Strange (August 14, 2007)
- Sandbox: The Free EP (Digital rerelease including b-sides) (July 20, 2010)
- Life is Strange (Digital Rerelease) (August 17, 2010)
Trivia
Pete has a number of unique connections to the city of Akron, OhioAkron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
. He is a relative of Frank Seiberling
Frank Seiberling
Franklin Augustus Seiberling was an American inventor and founder. He is most famous for founding the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and the Seiberling Rubber Company...
, founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was founded in 1898 by Frank Seiberling. Goodyear manufactures tires for automobiles, commercial trucks, light trucks, SUVs, race cars, airplanes, farm equipment and heavy earth-mover machinery....
and builder of Stan Hywet Hall, a Tudor Revival mansion, now a national historic landmark and historic house museum in Akron. This also makes him a relative of Congressman John F. Seiberling
John F. Seiberling
John Frederick Seiberling, Jr. was a United States Representative from Ohio. In 1974, he helped to establish what later became the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and served on the House Judiciary Committee that held the impeachment hearings against President Richard Nixon.-Biography:Born in Akron,...
, a Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
who served the 14th district in the Ninety-second and seven succeeding Congresses. After his time in Congress, Seiberling also served as faculty at the University of Akron School of Law
University of Akron School of Law
The University of Akron School of Law is the law school at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, USA. Offering both the J.D. and LL.M. degrees, it was founded in 1921 as the Akron School of Law and merged with the University of Akron in 1959, becoming fully accredited by the American Bar...
, where Pete is currently a student.