530 tube preamp, CryBaby DCR-2SR rack wah, Alesis Quadraverb Digital Effects Processor, BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer, Crate SPA-200 power amp, and Fender Stereo Ready 4X12 cabs. Official website: www.RocktropolisMusic.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/Rocktropolis Pete is truly a talented and innovative guitarist. His hard work and dedication to excellence is appearent in his craft. We at Detroit Live as well as Pete’s fans are looking forward to seeing what this guitar virtuoso has in store for us in 2014:
so far. 2013 was my first time for a nomination in the Detroit Music Awards. I ended up with 3 nominations in all. It was very flattering to know that I had that much support from such a strong music community. It is so hard to be accepted into the market, as I said, and I feel very thankful for everyone who supported me and the music I write. DL: How do you feel music has evolved or changed over the years? Your music definitely has the modern edge But what are your thoughts about the past, present and future of music? Pete: I don’t think music has changed as much as the ones who are writing it. That is what has changed the music over the years. So, what has happened to the artists over the years? Intellectual writing with feeling… I just don’t hear too often. When learning music I never really learned how to play my favorite guitarist’s style or my favorite band’s music. When I knew enough to play, I would let my feelings take it away and start to hone feelings and techniques to create something magical. Music isn’t about being the best or being the greatest. It’s about being YOUR best, YOUR greatest, by being the best that YOU can be. No Competition...we all just do what we do. I feel a lot of young musicians get caught up in learning to play other musician’s songs or they just want to be the fastest player. They never give themselves an opportunity to grow and see what they can write on their own. I have seen amazing players that can play any song but have never wrote or will write their own music. I’m looking forward to seeing what is to come because the age of technology is here which now gives kids a chance to be exposed to music they want to hear as well as music they would not normally hear on the radio or MTV/VH1,etc. When I was growing up, what was hot on the radio was Rap. I felt like an outcast liking and listening to stuff like Rush, Yngwie, Iron Maiden, Queen, etc. Technology gives us an open door to be turned on to ALL types of music...not just what the industry spoons out. DL: What equipment do you currently use for live gigs? Pete: Some of the gear I use for live performances: Yamaha and Parker guitars, Engl
5 HIGHLY ANTICIPATED GAMES OF 2014 1. Elder Scrolls Online: With one of the most successful western RPG franchises, the Elder Scrolls is moving to an online arena. Dozens of locations from previous Elder Scrolls game will be included in this title. Internet forums are rampant with stout praises and others harsh criticisms. Will Bethesda’s masterpiece franchise make the cut in the harsh world of MMO enthusiasts? Est. Release Spring 2014 PC/PS4/XboxOne 2. Halo 5: Who hasn’t heard of Halo, the title that changed first person shooters on console systems. Bringing physics and fun to a genre loaded with World War II and Army shooters. It’s time for it’s fifth incarnation, who’s ready for more Master Chief goodness? Release: 2014 Xbox One 3. Thief IV: The creators of stealth gameplay are back. A while back when Thief was released on the PC it was a marvel of it’s time in gaming. First person stealth action, where staying in the shadows was key, and blasting all enemies into oblivion wasn’t an option. If Eidos-Montreal sticks to what made Thief stand out, you’re probably already looking at an insta-classic. Release: Feb. 25, 2014 PC/Xbox One/PS4 DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
[Super Smash Bros Screenshot]
By Olin Ezra
4. Super Smash Brothers: Maybe it’s the kid in me, or I have a value for all things nostalgic but I’m really looking forward to this one. Several things make this game fun, including seizure inducing action that’s not stop from start to finish of the fight. Or maybe you can settle the dispute between Mario and Sonic once and for all. Adding even more characters this time around, will Nintendo be able to captivate audiences with it’s 4th incarnation of this successful franchise? Release: Fall 2014 WiiU/3DS
5. Witcher 3:This little, maybe even under-hyped title is pulling all punches, well, Geralt of Rivia is throwing them. Touting a world over 25 times the size of that in Witcher 2, fans are looking for even more endless hours of monster wrecking goodness. The Witcher series is known for it’s amazing story-telling and beautifully open 3d world. Look for this one to be a silent favorite in 2014. Release: Sometime in 2014 PC/Xbox One/PS4
LIVE 25