Interview with Jeremy Peter Allen

First of all, can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your music?

I'm Jeremy Peter Allen, my music is an emotional, singer-songwriter vibe with a rock bent.

How has your music career changed in the past five years? 

I moved to London from Brisbane about 4 years ago, after a long run as the front man of a band called The Smart. We had had a fair amount of success in Australia, with some hit songs on Australian radio, successful tours, even opened for Bon Jovi. But as I grew older and more bitter with the world, I got tired of writing 3 minute songs about girls and shit. I wanted to write music dealing with my real experiences of the world, stuff that'd make me cry on stage. The result is a string of songs dealing with issues like people with disabilities; the blatant, illogical unfairness of life; my insane proclivity to procrastinate and ignore the world that I end up floating through life in a blur of mediocrity etc... you know, the lighter themes. I'm currently recording my debut solo album, due to be released early next year.

Where is your favourite place to write new songs?

Sitting outside somewhere with a nice view whilst smoking a big dirty Nicaraguan cigar.

If you could invite 3 of your biggest musical inspirations for cocktails, who would they be and why?

Leonard Cohen, the man is my favourite lyricist of all time; he captured in one line what countless philosophers spent their whole lives attempting to articulate: 'There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.' I'm thinking about getting it tattooed on my arse.
Bill Hicks, his screaming rant about the mediocrity and banality of modern pop music that ends with him fantasising about shooting New Kids on the Block in the head with a shotgun whilst yelling 'PLAY FROM YOUR FUCKING HEART!' is possibly the greatest stand-up comedy bit of all time. His comedy specials were the biggest catalyst in my maturing as a songwriter.
Kanye, because I think his batshit craziness is all an elaborate ruse to promote the Kanye brand, and it's working. I want to find out the truth, I've got a bet to win with a mate of mine.

If your sound was a flavour what would that be?

Jesus, I don't know, a dark and stormy cocktail? Whatever that flavour is haha...