Pete Strobl, originally from Salzburg, Austria, developed his love for music at an early age. As a teen-ager in Southern California he was not only a gifted athlete but, like many of his contemporaries, played in his first rock band. Seeing bands like The Doors, The Who and Buffalo Springfield during the late sixties, he also developed a deep love for classical music and opera. Serious studies followed and today Pete often draws upon classical influences when working with contemporary artists whether playing bass, arranging or producing.
Pete has an extensive background in the technique of singing. His studies included harmony, ear-training, counterpoint and analysis. He also studied renaissance music performance with Nikolaus Harnoncourt, performing with the Concentus Musicus in both Vienna and Venice. He began teaching and conducting while still in college, but his desire to perform led him to go on the road with a power trio that played funk and R&B with a heavy metal attitude.
Pete took every available gig imaginable, appearing with Paul Williams, Linda Hopkins, Papa John Creach and many others, while writing arrangements, producing tracks, teaching voice and coaching recording artists in the studio. Pete expanded his bass technique by studying string bass and jazz theory with Monty Budwig before serving a six year stint as musical director for the Gary Puckett band.
From 1990 until 2005 he served as resident musician, instrument repair tech and studio manager for the legendary Shangri-La studios in Malibu, California, which he was instrumental in transforming into a resonant boutique recording studio utilized by legendary artists Mark Knopfler, Joe Walsh, Chaka Khan, Tom Jones and Grammy award-winning blues artist Keb’ Mo’.
Most recently, Pete has produced two albums for the Sellaband internet record label. “Out Of Confusion” by retro rock band ConFused5 from Pete’s hometown of Salzburg, Austria was released summer of 2008. “The Running Time” by the Viennese country-rock band SolidTube was released in May, 2008. Both albums have received critical acclaim and are available online at Sellaband.
Pete will be teaching a guest workshop at the prestigious Mozarteum music conservatory in the summer of 2008. entitled Traditional Vocal Technique in Pop/Rock Interpretation. Some considerations will be American English, Problem Consonants, Vibrato vs Tremolo, and Song Interpretation.