Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Peter Cincotti

88 keys, a bench and a mic.

A few weeks ago, I didn’t know who Peter Cincotti was. But when I heard he was coming to Palm Desert, performing at McCallum Theatre, I did some digging. Wow… This kid is good!

Cincotti is a singer/songwriter and has been playing the piano since he was 3. He released his debut artist album, produced by Phil Ramone, in 2003. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard jazz chart, making Cincotti the youngest musician to do so. He has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world (Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Radio City Music Hall,) and his work has appeared in movies like Spiderman-2 and on hit TV shows like Good Day New York. Peter’s show is this Friday, and I can’t wait to see him perform. Oh, and he recently got engaged. Congratulations, Peter. I will see him on Friday, but in the meantime, it is my pleasure to introduce you to this up-and-coming musician, Peter Cincotti.

I hope you had a great Christmas! Did you do anything fun to celebrate? You know, besides releasing a new single!
I was so happy to be back home this Christmas. We have been on the road quite a bit this year so it was great to just take it easy and spend time with friends and family. And yes the new Christmas song kept me busy up until then!

Speaking of your new single, tell me more about “Because It’s Christmas”.
It was a last minute decision to release it this year but some songs come out quickly like that so I figured, why not? It was a mad rush to record and produce but sometimes those tight deadlines could be helpful. I was so happy to see the reactions from the public – it was by far the most successful single we released this year and I’m very grateful to everyone who made it part of their holiday playlist.

You are coming to Palm Desert later this week. That show is actually what inspired this interview. What can fans expect from seeing you live?
I’m very excited about returning to the McCallum Theatre. I played there when I first started out and it’s a beautiful one of a kind venue. I am bringing my full band of drums bass and trumpet and keyboards this time and we’ll playing song from all my albums as well as some new tracks from my upcoming album Killer On The Keys which I am very excited to share with the Palm Desert audience.

As a songwriter, what is your process? Do you sit down and write songs or do ideas just come to you in your sleep?
It’s a mix of both but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten out of bed in the middle of the night and went to the piano. Sometimes the songs themselves are in my dreams believe it or not. Sometimes notes, sometimes words, sometimes whole entire sections of a song. Other times, I sit down and make a point to work on a song and find the inspiration. You can always wait for the mood to strike you.

You have a mailing list on your website. What sort of content are you sending out and how often are you emailing folks?
We email our subscribers with any new updates on touring, singles, albums or press appearances, etc. Anything of note but only when there’s something to say!

I LOVE your new album cover! What is the significance of the bracelet on your left arm?
Thank you! That was my father’s ID bracelet when he was a kid. He gave it to me before he passed away and I’ve worn it ever since.

When working on an album, how do you know how many and what songs to include?
At the end of each album I am usually depleted creatively, but then the tank fills back up again – thankfully. Sometime during that period I usually get a clear and decisive vision of what the next album needs to be. Having said that, the goal usually remains the same, but the songs and sound of it is always a discovery. It’s living and breathing until the time you have to release it. And even then, I rarely feel it’s finished but you have to let go at some point.

Where did the name Killer On The Keys come from? Heck, based on what I’m hearing/seeing, that may be your nickname!
Killer On The Keys honors all the piano “killers” I’ve admired through the years, which is what this album is all about, which is why it’s the title. Combining influences from Jerry Lee Lewis, to Billy Joel, to Nat King Cole and John Lennon, even Lady Gaga and Leon Russel, and so many more… I wanted this album to defy stylistic boundaries and make the piano itself the genre.

You are active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram… YouTube. Who is managing all that and where are you coming up with ideas for fresh material?
I try to keep the personal connection between me and my fans so most of it is just me. I have a team that helps where necessary and we co-host posts with venues when there are shows to promote.

Do you ever make a mistake on stage? When you do, how do you course correct and keep going?
All the time! The only course correction is to play it again like you meant it!

You’ve been doing this for a long time… Having released a lot of music. How has your sound changed since your debut artist album? 2003 was a long time ago!
My sound has changed and evolved quite a bit through the years. I’ve always tried to protect that from what the business side of music demands. Sometimes they coincide sometimes they don’t, but I decided a long time ago to let the music lead. As far as the way the music evolved, listening to the albums themselves is the only way to describe it!

Let’s say I want to learn how to play the piano. How long does it take, what does it cost and where do you suggest I get started?
Geez. That’s a question I’m not sure I can answer! I would always say to start by listening to what you love. I was never a great sight reader so for me I learned the most by listening and watching, but it’s different with everyone.

What are you listening to? I am curious who inspires someone as creative as you.
I listen to all kinds of music. It depends on what I’m looking for. Sometimes I like the production of a song, but not the song itself. And visa versa. Who knows, everything from Ray Charles to Cardi B.

What is the process when you cover a song like “Sway”? Do you need permission for something like that? That song has 5.2 million Spotify streams right now. Impressive!
That song was on my first record and they handled all the permissions and registration when you cover a song. There are different royalty streams, some go to the writers, some to the artist, some to the label. It’s a whole universe and the rules are changing as we speak!

I can order a signed copy of Long Way From Home. Tell me more about that release and the 8 page booklet.
This was a very meaningful record for me because it was the first record I wrote, arranged and produced myself. After working with legends like Phil Ramone and David Foster I learned a lot about the record making process and Long Way From Home was a sort of “transition” album for me. The 8 page booklet includes all the lyrics, photos, and credits of all the talented musicians and sound engineers who were a part of it.

I see you got engaged… Congratulations!!! How did you meet your bride to be?
Thank you! We first met in Istanbul 15 years ago!

What’s next for Peter Cincotti?
I’m very excited for the full album of Killer On The Keys to come out this year! And we will be touring all over the world, my website will have all the new dates as they posted. After the last few years it is such a pleasure to be performing live again in front of audiences and I’m very much looking forward to sharing my music with everyone at the McCallum on Friday night!

Thank you for doing this. I enjoyed learning more about you. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you and I hope to see you at the show!

Connect with Peter Cincotti:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube