Christopher Peifer

Musician, Songwriter, Sound Designer

Christopher Peifer, NYC / Berkshires based musician, songwriter, sound designer

NEWS

Recording on the FOURTH power-pop album has commenced! Singles, leading up to late Summer ‘24 record release, will be announced.

Next gig alert, our NYC debut! Fri Apr 19 @ Berlin Under A, NYC w/ The Midnight Confessions and Valley Lodge

Pleased to be included here amongst so many great artists and friends on the Radio Indie Alliance Best of 2023! Looking forward to all the music 2024 brings.

The band played our first ever show Saturday, Nov. 4 @ Dennings Point Distillery, as part of the Beacon Bonfire Music + Arts Festival!

Interview / conversation, regarding inspiration, process, good tone, and the new touring band.
“In Session: Christopher Peifer” with Lucas Garret in Nippertown

Miguel's Baby just released a new comp featuring Steve Shiffman & The Land Of No covering the great Richard Thompson's tune “Wall Of Death” (CP on bass). Pleased to be in the company of many fine friends here!

A beautifully curated FREE compilation outta Sweden, of which I'm a part (my third with Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More)! If you like the artists herein, BUY their music! x

Chris shares the trials and tribulations of band and road life; the perils and pitfalls of a life in music - as well as some pluses and positives - on this episode of Dark Side of the Scene podcast!

“Wide Receiver” was featured on the gold standard of power pop and garage rock - The Rodney Bingenheimer Show on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, Sirius XM channel 21!

“Sacred & Profane” landed on some 2022 “Best of” lists, including:
Best of 2022 - Robert Kruetzer, Garagerocktopia, KUCR
Best of 2022 - Power Popaholic
Top Songs of 2022 - Local 518, WEXT
Best Powerpop Records of 2022 - Sweet Sweet Music Blog

Tracks from “Sacred & Profane” have been enjoying rotation on Bill Kelly’s Blackhole Bandstand on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, Sirius XM channel 21!

CP’s third power pop solo album, “Sacred & Profane” is officially released All Soul’s Day 2022. Available on all streaming platforms and on CD November ‘22.

A sneak preview of Sarah MacGhee’s artwork for the forthcoming album, “Sacred & Profane”:

Chris completed his annual 2022 Bike MS campaign to help those living with Multiple Sclerosis, and to defeat MS forever. In 8 years his friends have helped him raise over $20k. The team routinely exceeds $20k per year. Our victory lap around the isle of Manhattan was Oct. 23. See you next campaign (starting summer ‘23)!
Much gratitude, friends!

In the top 75, internationally, this week, per Radio Indie Alliance!

Chris' new single debuted Friday the 13th of May in the UK on Aldora Britain Records! Listen / download HERE!
‘Nowhere Fast’ will be included on his third solo power pop album, dropping this summer!
“New York powerpop maestro Christopher Peifer returns to Aldora Britain Records with his brand new single 'Nowhere Fast'. A relatable story for many, a tragicomic account of job hunting in post-pandemic times. It is a song of its time but with a classic sound. Driving, melodic and punchy. Peifer expertly brings together the worlds of punk, and vintage power pop. For fans of Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Big Star, Teenage Fanclub.” - Aldora Britain Records

Chris is “Spotlight artist” on Jim Prell’s Music Authority, airing in the US and UK the entire first week of Spring, starting March 21! Tune in to his rocking show!

2020: Suicide Mission. 2021: The Social Distance. Third one's a charm!
I couldn't have survived the pandemic, or achieved this success without you! I'm back in the studio, completing my Covid-years power-pop solo album triptych, and need your help! The third record drops Summer 2022, and then we take this show on the road! Thanks, friends! x Chris

“The Social Distance” landed on some “Best of 2021” playlists, including: Wayne Lundqvist Ford's Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More (Sweden); Dave O'Halloran's What Wave Dave, 94.9 CHRW Radio Western (London, ON); Jim Prell's The Music Authority (Space Coast, FL); Holger El Pres’ Cactus Rock Radio (Germany). Thanks for the spins and support in 2021. I’ll have new music for you in 2022!

Chris has completed his SEVENTH annual Bike MS ride and 2021 campaign, having raised nearly $20k in that time, and topping $2.5k this year! Thanks to my friends for helping me destroy Multiple Sclerosis forever!

"The Social Distance" is ALBUM OF THE WEEK on Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More (Sweden)!

¡Muchas gracias, Pacopepe Gil, for spinning a track off the new record on Plástico Elástico in Madrid! "Midnight Radio" drops at the 38 minute mark:

The sophomore solo album is now streaming and available for download here: https://chrispei.bandcamp.com/album/the-social-distance Available on all major online streaming platforms, retail outlets, and CD in August, 2021.
Illustration by Sarah MacGhee

A single from the forthcoming album is featured on the Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More (SE) compilation!

The new single is on tap! Perhaps the most Westerberg-y song Chris has written? A kind of drinking song. A rousing ode dedicated to missed friends during the time of Covid. A longing to reunite with those we'll never see again at the bar. “It's also for my brother and partner in crime, Yubie, who was taken too soon. To those we've lost, and those who remain: until we meet again ... Cheers!”

The Luxurious Faux Furs’ “Like a Real Shadow” has been released on Mandinga Records (Brasil), and features tracks recorded by Chris, at Garageland NYC.

New single premiers on Aldora Britain Records (UK), ahead of US inauguration day release!

In the top 75, internationally, this week, per Radio Indie Alliance!

Rounding out 2020 (and into the new year) radio play for "Suicide Mission" (of which we’re aware), and continuing into 2021 and beyond with “The Social Distance” and more:
12/3, 1/7, 1/16, 3/25, 6/24 Andy Gregory's Local 518, WEXT Radio (Albany, NY)
12/7, 1/11, 1/25, 2/22, 3/29, 7/12, 7/26, 8/30, 9/27, 10/18, 12/27, 6/2, 7/7, 8/25, 11/9, 12/1, 1/19, 2/16, 4/6 Dave O'Halloran's What Wave Dave, 94.9 CHRW Radio Western (London, ON)
8/10, 12/17, 4/3, 7/17, 7/24, 8/1, 6/5, 11/6, 3/19 Wayne Lundqvist Ford's Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More (Sweden)
12/26, 1/2, 1/16, 2/6, 8/21, 8/28, 1/16, 1/19, 1/23, 2/6, 2/20, 4/1 Bill Kelly's Blackhole Bandstand on Little Steven's Underground Garage, SiriusXM channel 21
1/6, 1/20, 2/3, 3/31 The Evan "Funk" Davies Show, WFMU (NJ/NYC)
1/15, 3/26, 4/16 Andy Turner’s Zero Hour on WMSE 91.7 FM (Milwaukee)
1/29, 12/2 Craig Leve's Snap Crackle POP!, KWVA (Oregon)
2/20, 3/30, 8/7, 10/13, 3/13, 3/26 Marc Platt’s Radio Candy Indie Show on KOR (UK)
8/3, 8/11, 1/27, 1/30, 3/22, 4/12, 4/21, 6/17, 6/21, 7/9, 7/13, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/19, 8/25, 10/8, 11/26, 12/30, 1/15, 3/21-25, 5/30, 6/3, 8/18, 8/23, 11/1, 11/2, 11/30, 12/7, 1/5, 3/6, 3/27 Jim Prell's The Music Authority (Space Coast)
4/1, 7/19, 7/26, 2/28, 6/6, 11/14 Hanks Alternative Radio (TX)
3/27 The Rodney Bingenheimer Show on Little Steven's Underground Garage, SiriusXM channel 21
5/28 Pop Garden Radio (FL / GA)
7/24 Jeff Otf's Jeff of the Future 89.7 WITR (Rochester, NY)
7/13, 7/24, 7/12 Pacopepe Gil's Plástico Elástico (Madrid, Spain)
8/19, 1/13, 6/27 Holger El Pres’ Cactus Rock Radio (Germany)
8/10, 9/21, 11/30, 5/31, 11/1, 12/28, 2/7 Robert Kreutzer’s Garagerocktopia on KUCR (CA)
8/7 Garage Punk Hideout
9/23, 6/20 Radio Warfare with Tim Livingston (FL)
10/11, 6/2 & in rotation Chris Wienk Show on WEXT (Albany, NY)
12/14 The Amazing Wildfun's Killer Show (Alicante, Spain)
12/16 Le Zetto Music Show on Radio Radio Toulouse (France)
1/23 Alisa Ali’s New York Slice on WFUV (Fordham U Public Radio, Bronx)
These, in addition to: Karen’s Indies, Belter Radio (UK), Banks Radio (AU), Way Out Radio (UK), Radio Free Americana, PRX / PRI, Gargs Allard's Power Pop Portal, WGOT LP 100.1 FM (Gainesville, FL), Wassup Rocker Radio (Toledo, OH), Pop Radio UK; plus press from The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, IN), Lord Rutledge's Faster and Louder, Kirsten Ferguson at 518 Profiles, and Nippertown (Albany, NY), Saratoga Today, Broadway World (NYC), American Songwriter, Alison Rooney at Highlands Current (Hudson Valley), Jeremy Schwartz at Chronogram, Darryl Sterdan at Tinnitist, Emmanuel Nolo Marian at Under the Tangerine Tree (Italy), Niek Hoogervorst at Add to Wantlist (Netherlands), Tom Hilton at Aldora Britain (UK), Sweet Sweet Music Blog, Aaron Kupferberg at Power Popaholic, Jeff Dingler at Capital Region Living Magazine, Bernardo de Andres at Mi Tocadiscos Dual (Spain) ... THANK YOU for the spins and support!

What to do when “leadership” fails to address a global pandemic and national health emergency, resulting in the shuttering of the live entertainment industry, and leading us into a second wave? MAKE ANOTHER RECORD!
Riding high on the success of his full-length solo debut “Suicide Mission,” Chris has tracked and mastered 3 new songs, which will begin releasing as monthly singles in November. These will be included on the forthcoming album (working title: “The Social Distance”), scheduled for Spring 2021. Without a doubt, there will be several topical numbers, and no holds barred.
Todd returns on drums, knobs, and faders at Roots Cellar in Cold Spring, NY.
Updates will be posted here. Stay tuned, and stay well, friends!

Bike MS 2020 marks Chris’ 6th consecutive year working and riding to elevate awareness, and raise funds to research, treat, and destroy Multiple Sclerosis. I'm sad the big ride (which is always the reward for a well-waged campaign) is canceled due to Covid, as is the band's annual live musical tribute (which is always a joy), but the team and band WILL be engaged together in virtual events, including this tribute to The Faces’ Ronnie Lane (who succumbed to complications of MS): TRACK / VIDEO - 100% of proceeds goes to the National MS Society. UPDATE: My friends raised nearly $3k on my behalf, and at my insistence ;) this year (for a five year total of $15k), putting me in the top 200 fundraisers again. Stay tuned for the 2021 Bike MS, kicking off this summer. xo - Chris

¿Destino? First radio play for "Suicide Mission" was in Madrid (the title of the lead-off track, and my favorite city). ¡Muchas Gracias, Plástico Elástico! Intro at 18:00:

Chris is excited to announce the new record is now streaming and available for purchase!
Timing, as they say, is everything (ha!) ... This is art and love in the time of coronavirus. Your support directly benefits working artists - especially at this difficult time. Thanks for your support!

The cover illustration to “Suicide Mission” is by Sarah MacGhee!

Chris is recording a new album, at Roots Cellar Studio, in Cold Spring, NY. Todd Giudice is at the controls, and on drums for these sessions. Influenced by the likes of The Replacements, Bash & Pop, Hüsker Dü, Bob Mould, Roy Orbison, Nick Lowe, Big Star (and maybe a little tequila), Chris is forming a new, regional power pop trio, and planning to release album in the Spring, and start touring ASAP, 2020.

Now producing voiceovers for fiction, nonfiction, self-guided audio tours, podcasts, commercials, and more. Referrals appreciated! I will be adding to this VO reel.

George Street Playhouse's "The Immigrant" was named #2 on NJ Arts' Best 12 Theatre Productions of 2019!
Chris is proud to have sound designed with such a brilliant team on this beautiful and memorable production.

Beginning with our autumn shows in Beacon, NYC, Albany, Saratoga, and Philadelphia, Blockhouses’ debut record “Greatest Hit Songs of All Time” is available for purchase, and released October 1 for digital download and streaming!
Download on
Amazon and iTunes
Stream on
Spotify and Apple Music
Singles, demos and other deep cuts available on
Bandcamp

Blockhouses has recorded basic tracks to 16 new songs at Kawari Sound in Philadelphia, then mixed and mastered at Westmont Station, with Pete Donnelly (The Figgs, NRBQ, Soul Asylum, Shelby Lynne) at the controls.  Press release
The new album will be released on STOMPER (The Figgs, Mike Gent and The Rapid Shave ... ).
Fall tour dates are being added.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS NYC 2019 campaign was a success! You helped me hit the "Elite 200" (of about 3,000 riders), raise more than $3k, and put the team over $27k. The bike team / band is featured here, in Saratoga Living. Our 3rd annual music tribute show gathered an additional $1,200 for the cause. We took our victory lap around Manhattan on October 20.

The short documentary, "Harv", for which we did audio post and sound design, is WINNER, Greenwich Village Portraits category, 2017 Greenwich Village Film Festival.   WINNER, Best Documentary, 2018 Inwood Film Festival.

New Orleans’ The Luxurious Faux Furs have laid down some serious mojo to tape at Garageland, got dunked in our reverb tank, and released three vinyl records:  Two 45rpm 7-inchers on Hexbeat, and their smokin’ LP, “Let Me Ride” on Beast Records, France (2014).   Our work together also appears on Beast Records’ Sampler, Volume 2:  “Only the Best”.

Blood & Stomach Pills released their sweaty “What Rough Beast” album (2018), which we live-tracked in Brooklyn on the hottest day of the year.
Recording of their NEW album, with plans to go vinyl, begins September 2019 - most auspiciously, on Friday the 13th!

Congrats to Josh Diamond & The Brooklyn Soul, whose music was produced at Garageland (Chris played bass and organ), and subsequently placed in an episode of “Happy Endings” (ABC)!
Clients have included Another Saturday Night:  vinyl LP on Slow Gold Zebra; The Brought Low:  demo, in anticipation of their “Third Record” on Small Stone; Tony Award winner, John Gallagher, Jr., who laid down tracks in our first (downtown) studio; New York Botanical Gardens, for which we produced their self-guided audio tour app; NYC House Concerts, showcasing some of NYC’s top classical soloists and ensembles.

Gorgeous Machines is our music licensing arm, music and soundscape for film, t.v. and commercial.

Christopher was songwriter, music director, sound designer and musician for “Dark Hollow”, at Theatre 80, as part of the New York International Fringe Festival.

Sound Design this season takes Chris to Primary Stages, Cherry Lane Theatre, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, and George Street Playhouse.  Special thanks to Liz Chaney, Scott Killian, and Donghyuk Chang.

Chris has appeared on camera, playing guitar, in the Amazon Studios series “Mozart in the Jungle”, directed by Jason Schwartzman.