Second acts in music are rare. Those fortunate enough are often front people with the benefit of wide name recognition. But what if you aren’t the front person? What if you’re the keyboardist? Any what if your band was a moderately successful indie rock band that didn’t end so much as fizzle out? What should your next steps be?

    “This is a crazy thing to do with your life. I mean with two kids? That’s insane,” remarks Bauer, 36, part way through our interview.  He’s right, of course. The life of an artist is fraught with risk. The creative, financial and personal risk anyone undertakes can feel daunting. But to Bauer, “if you don’t drop everything and go for it, you shouldn’t be doing it. I’d love for this to be a happy, but unfortunately that’s impossible.”

   Bauer is articulating perhaps one of the core reasons why this series exists, to provide opportunity to independent artists, most of whom feel that their path is less chosen by them then for them. An artist MUST create and present it to the world. Those with that hunger will risk everything for it. To allow them time in the studio to showcase their vision is the least we can do.

    Speaking of vision, the sprawling “You Always Look For Someone Lost” is a create example of what Pete is capable of. Though sewn together with hooks that showcase his resonant baritone, it billows with textures you might find familiar. Clouds of effected piano, organ, guitar, lap steel and group vocals push forward and retreat as an acoustic guitar charges through the center.  It’s clear where he’s been, but exciting to see where he’s going. “I want this to feel like the start of something new, at least that’s what I’m hoping,” Bauer says.