It would be hard to find a songwriter more woven into the fabric of rural Minnesota than Drew Peterson. Brought up on a farm knowing that there are no shortcuts in life and hard work reaps rewards, Drew has carried that philosophy over to his musicianship and his songwriting. With that as a foundation, Drew fit so perfectly within the Rieder Homestead’s wood and nails…fitting it like your favorite old pair of shoes. His songs reflected life with a clever approach and a dry wit, that left us smiling and brought us to our feet.
-David Dennison, Music Curator at Rieder Homestead Concerts
Drew Peterson
Bio
Drew Peterson is an independent Americana singer-songwriter who has captivated fans across the Midwest for over 20 years. Since fronting the Minnesota-based group Forty Watt Bulb, Peterson has spawned two other successful Roots projects; the twangy, upbeat Dead Pigeons and bluegrass-influenced Boxstore Bird.
Peterson comes from a long line of musically inept Norwegian Farmers (unless you count Grandpa Pops, the town drunk, who played the harmonica and the concertina for booze). Peterson was not born with musical talent. Mom bought him a guitar at a church rummage sale for five dollars and it was then he decided he wanted to become a musician. Growing up on a farm in rural Minnesota, he tackled this endeavor the way he had been taught - hard work and lots of practice. And practice is what he’s been doing for 20 years. His passion has always been crafting lyrics and songwriting.
Peterson has built a unique brand that transcends the genre. With clever, dry humor and thought- provoking lyrics, Peterson’s music is like oil over gravel. Drawing on influences from John Prine, Tom Waits, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, among others, Peterson offers the world upbeat tunes with a soft- spoken gravitas that belies his years.
With a performance style that can transform from intimate listening room to rowdy festivals and bars, Peterson always gives his heart and soul to the stage. And with each new performance, he works to connect with the audience through storytelling.