Like the city he comes from (Belleville, Ontario), Pekoe Cat, also known as Kyle Woolven, remains relatively unknown in the vast world of music. However, this lack of recognition doesn’t deter his drive to create and progress. With the release of his new album, aptly titled “Belleville,” in the fall, Woolven continues to prioritize creativity over building a fan base. “I don’t like the idea of creating an entire album of the same song,” Pekoe Cat expresses. This sentiment is evident throughout “Belleville” as Woolven draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences, including Tame Impala, Neon Indian, Passion Pit, and even a touch of The Strokes. By refusing to confine himself to a specific sound, Pekoe Cat is gradually forming his unique signature style. Notable tracks to pay attention to on the album include “Chilly Weather,” “Loved Your Love,” and “Guitar Monster.” In 2020, Kyle Woolven experienced a taste of viral success with his parody promotional video, “Welcome to Belleville,” on YouTube. The comically cynical take on his hometown struck a chord with viewers, garnering over 100,000 views. Building upon this concept, Woolven seamlessly merged his music and comedy ideas, dedicating his new Pekoe Cat album to his beloved Belleville. Inspired by the hate mail he received from City Councillors in response to his popular video and subsequent skits, Woolven’s 2021 singles and videos shed light on the humorous side of life in Belleville, Ontario. One of Pekoe Cat’s distinguishing characteristics lies in his unique recording style, which he employed once again while creating “Belleville.” Many of his most cherished musical achievements are the result of spontaneous creation. Woolven writes fragments of songs and records his ideas simultaneously, never quite sure where they will end up until the final product comes to fruition. The process of playing around with sounds and seeing what sticks is what he enjoys most about the creative journey. Pekoe Cat’s newest single, “Reel Life,” delves into the existential question, “Is this reel life as real as it gets?” Always recording in his basement, Woolven leads an exceptionally solitary life, except when he shares his work with the public. “Reel Life” explores the constant need for attention that comes with a career in the arts, as well as the often unfulfilling process of promoting one’s art through digital media. For Pekoe Cat, the essence of his musical journey lies in the pursuit of creative expression. Undeterred by obscurity, Woolven embraces his unique recording style, draws inspiration from an array of musical influences, and humorously celebrates his hometown through his music. As he continues to evolve, Pekoe Cat’s refusal to conform to a specific sound is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners, making him an artist worth keeping an eye on as he progresses in his career.
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwoolven/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PekoeCatMusic