Editor’s Note: Riffs is an occasional profile of a notable professional musician in the Southland.
In the short time Pete Stillwell has been a south suburbanite, the singer, songwriter and guitarist has built a steady roster of hosting open mic nights and playing solo gigs and private parties.
The entrepreneur in business and music hopes to branch out to festivals and full-band performances next year in support of his forthcoming album release.
Pete Stillwell
Hometown: Oak Forest for the past two years since moving from Champaign; grew up in Paxton, IL.
Age: 37
Family: wife Amy and daughters, Kylie, 7, and Taylor, 5
Day job: Owner of FlipSwitch Consulting Group, a social media marketing company
Musical influences: “Oldies and classic rock played in my house growing up,” he said.
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Steve Miller Band, Bob Seger, Pink Floyd, Credence Clearwater Revival and the Beatles were regulars on the car stereo in the ’90s to and from baseball practice.
Formative years: “I’ve been playing some type of instrument since I was 7,” he said.
He started with piano, played trombone from fifth grade through high school and taught himself guitar in high school.
More recently: He was the frontman of the band Eclectic Theory based in Champaign from 2003 to 2008.
After getting married and taking some time away from the music scene, Stillwell hosted open mics in Champaign from 2012 to 2014. When he relocated to Oak Forest, he sought to do the same in the Southland.
“It really started with Hailstorm Brewing Company (in Tinley Park). I met the owner at a chamber after hours and ended up talking about his brewery and him wanting to start an open mic. Hailstorm has become my second home.”
Stillwell created the open mic night at Hailstorm two years ago and continues to host it every Thursday. That snowballed into hosting open mics elsewhere.
“I try to perform as little as possible at open mics because it’s not about me but the musicians to showcase their talent. Everybody gets three or four songs.”
In addition to open mic nights, Stillwell performs monthly at Hailstorm and regularly at Cuzin’s locations. He also plays private parties, weddings and other special events, including Frankfort Spirits’ recent anniversary party.
His former bandmate Matt McDuffie and saxophonist Fernie Martinez occasionally accompany him on gigs.
His material: “I cover songs from the ’50s to today … Tom Petty, the Eagles and Billy Joel to Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, Counting Crows.”
He also plays originals and is planning to release an album early next year.
“Once I produce this album I really want to get back into the live music scene with a full band at some point again and by next summer play more festivals. I also want to just continue to have fun with it and not take it too seriously because then it becomes a job.”
Songwriting process: “People always ask me which comes first, but usually the verse and chords come at the same time,” said Stillwell, who has four songs written so far for his upcoming release. “Once I get in a groove I can hash out a song in a matter of minutes sometimes, but then I add to it and subtract ’til it’s the finished product I want it to be.”
His gear: “I play a Cort acoustic guitar at home to practice on. It has a big full sound without being plugged in. And a Taylor acoustic when I perform.”
Advice: “First and foremost, I’d say get somebody to teach you to be technical and learn theory. At the same time listen to good music, stuff from the Beatles and the groups from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s that formed music we have today. Stuff today is not great music unless you know where to listen.”
Feedback: “Pete is part of the Hailstorm family,” said Josh Wabisczewicz, Hailstorm taproom manager. “With his help we have been able to have one of the better open mic nights in the area. His range of music talent can please a crowd of any age. He is always adding to his music catalog and is a walking jukebox.”
Where to catch him next: He performs every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bartolini’s Restaurant in Midlothian and hosts open mic every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at One Trick Pony Brewery in Lansing and every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hailstorm Brewing Company in Tinley Park.
Information: Find Pete Stillwell Music on www.Facebook.com.
Vickie Jurkowski is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.