Local artist profile: Peter Fidler

THIS week we chat with prolific multi-instrumentalist and dobro master Peter Fidler.

What initially motivated you to become a musician?

I bought a guitar with birthday money, age five. It was a cheapie and painful to play, but I really wanted to play guitar and just kept going at it. Better instruments came along later.

I had a few lessons here and there but I’m mostly self-taught. I played along with the radio a lot when I was younger and that helped me develop my ear.

How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?

I guess I’m known mostly for my dobro playing, which is a lap-style slide – the distinct sounding dobro or lap steel guitar is thought to have originated in a rudimentary form in Hawaii during the 1880s. I’d always loved bluegrass and dabbled in the banjo but found my place on dobro which I picked up quite late, in my 30s.

I worked really hard at getting a strong technique and building speed, which is important for bluegrass picking. I sought out the best players and tried to play with all of them!

Which other bands or musicians inspire you?

I’m a Beatles nut. Jerry Douglas is my dobro hero. Tony Rice, Doc Watson, Norman Blake on guitar. Bill Monroe, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien on mandolin. Love Jimi Hendrix. Jerry Byrd and Sol Hoopii on steel guitar.

I’m also inspired by musicians I play with, like the incredible double bassist/singer/songwriter Liz Frencham and the human song-encyclopedia Chris Jacobs.

What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your career so far?

My biggest thrill was making my very first record back in my electric guitar days with Tyrnaround. Touring the USA with songwriter Bill Jackson. Meeting Jerry Douglas and Mike Auldridge! Hanging out with fine musicians and friends on the road and in the studio.

Playing to 10,000 people or just a couple of punters in a dive bar, all the highs and lows. I’ve had a great time making music.

How has your career been affected by COVID? Has there been little change or has it had a substantial effect?

After the trauma of having live music taken away for a long time, I think I came out of it with new skills and energy to play again. I spent a lot of quality time with my mandolin and steel guitar, and since the end of lockdowns I’ve had some great opportunities that I didn’t see coming.

How can people check out your music online?

I’m findable on YouTube and there’s an EP on Bandcamp but really, just come to a gig!

Do you have any coming up?

I play pretty regularly in the area. Check Facebook and gig guides for The Quarry Hillbillies, The Cartwheels, Jess Parker Band, Ramble Town.

There’s a good chance you’ll find me at Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville, I’ve been haunting that patch of carpet for nearly 15 years!

What would you say to young regional aspiring musicians who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Get the best instrument you can, it’ll help you to keep moving forward. Keep moving forward! Break some rules, but master them first. Say yes to everything until you learn what to say no to.

Find your people, play the long game and stay positive.