Peter118 founder Peter Field talks about being a Christian Punker
Interview took place February 01, 2018
By Daniel Locke
Originally a member in the secular punk band Senseless, receiving positive reviews from Kerrang! and Rock Sound along the way, Peter Field found a new song to sing in 2005 when he became a Christian.
Dedicating his life to sharing the Gospel through the Punk sub-culture, he founded Ambassadors Of Shalom, a Christian band who signed to California-based Thumper Punk Records in 2012.
Now focusing his efforts on his solo project, Peter118 released “Radio”, an extremely catchy pop-punk track, which made waves not only in the UK, but also in Japan and the US. Peter118 will be releasing a new single and music video in October 2014 and has a mini-album planned for early 2015.
In this exciting new chapter, Peter118 is taking his exciting brand of pop-punk
all over the world.
Lead guitar/vocals-Pete Drums-Sam Bass/vocals-Janine Vocals/guitars-Alisha
How did you get the band together? How did you meet your wife, Janine?
Peter118 all started when I used to take my acoustic guitar into bars and clubs. I did this for 3 years, but in 2014 I wrote a song called ‘Radio’ which was playlisted on Japan’s largest FM station, Inter FM to 60 million people. I then recruited drummer Sam Critchley, who I met at an acoustic gig in a museum. 2 years later I moved to Walsall, UK, where I met Janine. At the time, my bass player Andrew Derbidge was moving to London. Janine stepped in and learnt how to play the bass in two weeks so that we could play the next gig we had lined up.
How did you learn how to play bass in a week?
Well it was actually 2 weeks before her first gig, a youth event in Walsall. Me and Janine sat down every night going through the songs.
How long have you been married?
We got married in August 2016, so nearly 2 years.
Why did you became a Christian in 2005?
Well in 2005, God started speaking to me about grace, and I then joined a church and committed myself to Jesus.
Which denomination of the Christian faith?
Pentecostal
Why did you pick the name Peter 118?
The Band sneaker
Peter118 comes from Psalm 118 – I play for God and not for man. I don’t look for man’s approval of what I do, only God’s.
You are from Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom. What is the music scene there like?
Stoke on Trent has good history in rock and Punk. Home to Lemmy form Motörhead, Slash from Guns and roses, Discharge (punk legends), Section 5, Skeptix and Broken Bones, We have had a strong punk scene with bands playing from all over the country. Just this week, I saw a post stating that Larz Fredrickson from Rancid turned up at a local punk show in a working man’s club and started playing guitar for a band.
You describe your music as Christian punk. Tell me what that is and what other bands are also Christian punk?
It’s punk music with a positive message, and is Christ centered. Jesus is the focus and not the music. Other bands that play Christian punk are Flatfoot 56, MXPX, with a large scene in California. Bands like CPR and Saul of Tarsus play Christian punk shows in the OC.
Tell me about the development of your musical style?
I mix the style of 90’s punk music with the 70’s punk attitude and rawness. It’s like mixing Green day with Sham 69, which equals Peter118. We are also influenced by pop punk.
Tell me about the making of your first release- Make It or Break It (March 2015, Thumper Punk & InPresence)?
‘Make it or Break It’ was my first release, with the success of the airplay we had with ‘Radio’, I thought i’d do an EP and see what happens. Keeping it raw and punk rock.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
90’s punk, Green Day, Rancid, Offspring.
Who influences you and why?
Green day is a big musical influence as I grew up listening to them and I love punk. Jesus is a big influence in my life as Jesus offers love and compassion to people, I need to be more like this. We are made to show love and compassion.
Has your band been cover by any Christian magazine yet?
No, not yet. I think we might be too ‘edgy’ for them!
How was your US tour? Were you able to share the Gospel while touring?
Selfie
Our USA Tour was amazing. We met so many people, playing in people’s houses, pubs and the Thumper Punk night. In December, I did a gig in LA and shared my testimony with someone about how Jesus healed me from tinnitus.
Which bands have you open for?
Edward Tudor Pole – he played in Tenpole Tudor and the Sex Pistols. Last year we supported 80s Christian rock band ‘Bloodgood’ and this April we will be supporting ‘One Bad Pig’ in Sweden at the Rainbow Rock Festival. .
What happen the release “Radio”? It was getting press?
In 2014 ‘Radio’ was played by DJ Mike Rogers on Inter FM in Japan to 60 million people, he then sent it to DJ Rodney Bingenheimer at KROQ in LA. Radio was put on the covermount cd in the UK by Viva Le Rock Magazine. This was available in all major wholesale stores in the UK.
Any plans for kids and how will you work them into your career plans? How is it raising children and being in a rock band?
I need to speak to Janine about this question! However there is an order I plan to follow: Jesus first, then my wife and family, then band and ministry.
Which is the most amazing place you have played?
Harvey’s House of Rebellion in USA. An old punk guy called Harvey turned his house into a music venue. And built a stage in his front room, with TV screens in the back room so people can watch via TV. Our live album was recorded there.
What instruments do you play?
Guitar, bass, and drums.
What is your favorite instrument to play make, model and year?
Squire Affinity Tele MN Butterscotch Blonde, it sounds so smooth!
Coachella or Lollapalooza? Why?
I’ve not been to either! They need to come to the UK
It should be Noted: The first Lollapalooza Festival was held in Europe, in the German capital of Berlin. It was September 12–13, 2015. The festival founder Perry Farrell stated that, “Berlin’s energy, vibrant art, fashion and music scenes are a mirror reflection of what Lollapalooza is all about.The 2016 edition of the festival took place in the Treptower Park in Berlin, 10–11 September. It drew 70,000 visitors each day.
Lollapalooza also was held in Paris, France. The lineup for Lollapalooza Paris 2017 included a lineup featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Weeknd as headliners. Following that, the lineup includes the likes of Imagine Dragons, Lana Del Rey, DJ Snake, London Grammar, Alt-J, The Roots, Marshmello, Liam Gallagher, Martin Solveig, Skepta, Glass Animals, Milky Chance, Don Diablo, Oliver Heldens, Crystal Fighters, Jauz, Alan Walker, and many more.
Wasting is very catchy? Did you record the video in an indoor skate park?
‘Wasting’ is a short punk rock song that I wrote in my bedroom. 2 weeks later, we recorded the track and got in on our EP ‘In Stereo’. The video was recorded at Unit1 Skate Park in my hometown of Stoke-on-Trent.
Do you have plans to release another EP or LP in 2018?
In 2018 we will be releasing a live album though Raven Faith, plus our back catalogue on a deluxe double CD.
What type of clubs do you like to play in (size)?
I much prefer smaller intimate shows, which is why I liked the USA house gigs. I would love to play some shows like that over here in the UK.
What music fests would you like to play in?
Rebellion Punk Fest, it is Europe’s largest punk festival and takes place in Blackpool, England over 4 days.
What is your feeling of Van Warped Tour since 2018, is the last year for it? You have done it a few times?
I’m not sure, Vans Warped Tour does not come to England, so we never played it. It certainly is a wonderful festival with a great history.
What is the biggest crowd you have played?
Peter118 Live
150 people at Creation Fest.
Have you look into SXSW?
SXSW has such a fantastic reputation, and is certainly a festival we would love an opportunity to play at!
Tell me about any endorsements you have and may how do got them?
I currently do not have any endorsement deals, although we are open to offers.
How would you explain your live performance?
Raw, authentic punk rock, full of energy.
Peter118 are NOW signed to Raven Faith Records, owned by Kelly Turney the bass player for Punk band The Brick. How did they find you? And how are they treating you?
I have known Raven Faith for a while now, as they released my previous band AOS a few years ago when Raven faith was run by a different guy. So far, so good, they are helping us with the live album release and double cd, we are definitely looking forward to working with them.
If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?
Radio – Catchy and Raw
Need You More – More pop punk, a real ‘single’
Wasting – Fast and powerful punk track
Who is your favorite female singer and why?
Gwen Stefani. She is the embodiment of punk rock. I believe she has also recently become a Christian.
Who is your favorite guitar player male and female? And why?
Brian May from Queen. He is a real legend, pure talent and love that he builds his own guitars. I also love Brody Dalle, she is so cool and has that real punk attitude.
What was your first concert and your last concert?
Peter118’s first concert was in a pub, an acoustic gig. Our last concert was at Staffordshire University.
How do you see your band in the next 5 years?
Developing and growing, not only as musicians but also as people who serve God.
Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?
Not really, Punk all the way for me!
What is on your bucket list?
Record a 12 track album, go to Japan, then have kids.
What is on your phone for music now?
Rancid – I wanna Riot
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