My life's work has been about bringing people together and finding our voice. Empowerment can come from building community and facilitating an environment where optimism can flourish and where social change can happen.
My life's passion is music. These two elements combine as the focus for my first album in two decades, a record that is bringing together songs of hope, of inspiration, heart connection and universal love. I am excited that we're putting together an album of community songs, rooted in a hymnal folk tradition that will hopefully work in a variety of settings - the campfire, the community hall, the school or even the football terraces.
In an age marked by division and disconnection, collective singing is more vital than ever. It reminds us of what it means to be human: to raise our voices in harmony, to listen deeply, to come together around a shared vision. I believe in the power of music to change the way we see the world.
How it came about
In today’s divided world, where are the universal anthems? There is a sense that new songs of hope and empowerment are needed more than ever, when we consider the impact of classics such as 'We Shall Overcome', 'This Land Is Your Land', 'Blowin’ in the Wind' and 'If I Had a Hammer'.
These weren’t just soundtracks to activism; they were tools of resistance, uniting voices in community, on marches and at gatherings. The voices of hope, justice, connection and vision were led by the likes of Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Joan Baez, The Weavers and Peter, Paul and Mary and we're still singing their anthems now..
After hearing the voice of Gitika Partington and her delightful album 'All The Bees' - recorded with Kirsty McGee - I felt called to write and sing some community-led songs with her. By the summer 2024, I'd started with a few songs and Gitika was leading some stirring group singing sessions at the August Campout. It was thrilling to hear our new songs 'This Is The Fire', "If I Had a Voice' and 'Bubble of Love' in this social context.
Inspired by this, I enrolled on a song-writing course recently with Brian Eno. He surprised and delighted me with a homework task to write a song of revolution, a song that that asks 'What future do I want for the world?" This was a perfect example of synchronicity.
What difference will it make?
Protest music comes from the heart and the times we live in. We need to reinstate songs which provide a visceral response. Reclaim the ‘Kumbaya’ spirit, take it back from the cynics and to dream a new world into being through song.
So the calling is to craft this album of multi-purpose simple and timeless melodic pieces rooted in a hymnal folk tradition, songs intended for everybody to sing that can work in a variety of settings. The perfect antidote to a fragmented world.
More details on the album https://tinyurl.com/thisisthefire
Pete Lawrence Track Record
Music has been a central part of my life and it's often described as the universal language. It connects people on an emotional level more effectively than any other means. That's why it has always been so resonant for me. My own journey into music started with playing drums and joining several bands in my hometown of Leamington Spa and also at University. After moving to London and working in record retail and distribution, I set up the Cooking Vinyl label in 1986. The first album I produced was a highly unusual mould-breaker, a spontaneous cassette recording in a field! This recording featured a private concert (just me listening) from an unknown singer-songwriter made at a festival in the Texas hills around the campfire. It went on to sell around a million copies.
Then followed The Big Chill festival in 1994. In recent years I've been putting my efforts into a voluntary community project - Campfire Convention. My priority has been to put my energy into successfully creating communities of people based around enjoying music as well as looking at reimagining the world we live in and the legacy we leave for the generations after us.
“Pete's ability to predict our cultural and media future were brilliantly manifested by the success of the Big Chill. It is a pleasure to recognise him as the inventor of such a major movement as the chill out scene. His cultural impact has crossed all international borders and is still in style worldwide. Over the years I've always looked to Pete for his profound knowledge of all things cool and elegant. His large fan base of tastemakers also reflects his quiet sense of integrity. Pete has always led the way, and many of us joyously follow him. He is a genuine visionary who has had a colossal impact on us all.”
Erica Ruben, Former Executive Producer of Central Park Summer Stage, New York
“Pete Lawrence has a knack for being just a few key steps ahead of everyone else. When he started Cooking Vinyl, he didn't follow trends but anticipated them. More so when it came to creating The Big Chill, the event that set the stage for what became an international chillout music movement that lasts to this day. Along with all this is an ethic that works towards collaboration, bringing people together and networking. I am not alone in looking keenly forward to what’s coming next. With such a track record, You can be sure whatever he does will be worthy of interest. And maybe, yet again, emulation.”
Gerald Seligman, Ex Director of WOMEX and advisor to the UNESCO Creative Cities initiative
“Pete Lawrence is a legend. In addition to his not inconsiderable DJing & producer skills, he has a gift for bringing together lovely people and creating something really special.”
Mr Scruff, DJ
"Pete and Katrina put their heart and soul into The Big Chill - an event that we all loved and became part of the fabric of British life for many, many years"
Norman Jay, DJ and broadcaster