When I think of Urban Nomads there’s no other sub culture that stands out to me than artists and musicians. These creative people colour our world, create soundtracks for our lives, and give so much to society that I feel sometimes they’re not recognised and appreciated as much as they should be.

Could you imagine a world without art?

So as I continue on the Kindness campaign, celebrating the diversity of our communities and the acts of kindness that bring us all together, I sit down and chat with local Brisbane musician, Peter Golikov, and find out about his one true passion, music. 

Firstly, can you please tell the Boom community a little about yourself? 

I am a musician/producer living in Brisbane, Australia. My current live funk band GOLDEN SOUND performs at venues and festivals around Brisbane and beyond. 

At what age did you start learning an instrument and who was your teacher?

I started playing classical piano around the age of 8, and with a Russian father I had no choice in the matter. I can still remember my very first lesson on piano, and over the years I had several teachers, all down a classical path. 

Once I heard the funk though I immediately switched to more jazz orientated mentors, who taught me to listen rather than read music. That was the start of the journey into jazz, funk and soul music. I’ve never looked back.

Did your Russian heritage have an impact on your music, and if so, how?  

Yes I think it did. 

From a young age I was always exposed to music at home as my parents loved  entertaining. There was always large Russian parties at our house, with singers, people playing accordions, bongos, and the piano, any day of the week. My father Oleg played a mean Boogie Woogie on the piano!

At the age of 10 I started Russian dancing with an ensemble that used to perform at many multi cultural events here and interstate. That was another lesson in rhythm and pulse which carries through to my current music. 

After growing up playing piano, when did you make the transition to other instruments and what inspired you to continue?

In the summer of ’93, when I was in high school, I started playing drum kit in a grunge band, and this led into my stint as Russian on Percussion at Family Nightclub for 8 years. I worked in electronic music during this time with my live band Pty. Ltd., touring internationally and releasing several albums.  

After I saw James Brown at Byron Bay Blues Festival in 2004 and it changed my life. I started my current band Golden Sound in 2007 and since then I have released 3 albums and toured the festival circuit and played local live venues around Brisbane. There was never a question of whether to continue as that was the path I chose at an early age.

Music was always more important to me than anything else, and one has to sacrifice many things in the search of the dream. I was taught early on that one has to be either committed or crazy to get into the music game. I think that’s what attracted me to it. 

You have a band called Golden Sound, how would you describe the style of music you create? 

I would describe it as talk box inspired cosmic funk. Golden Sound is essentially a funk band, recreating James Brown inspired grooves into a palette of sonic goodness.

What musician has inspired you the most with your music and why? I think I may know the answer 😉

James Brown was by far the biggest influence on me! As I mentioned, I saw him perform for the first time in the summer of 2004 at Blues Fest in Red Devil Park, Byron Bay, and it blew my mind... showed me the path forward towards the funk.

If you could choose anyone, who would you most like to collaborate with? 

I always wanted to do a soul track with Dan Sultan actually. I love his gritty, husky voice, plus he is an amazing guitar player. 

What’s the most memorable gig you’ve ever played? 

I think it would have to be with my previous band Pty. Ltd. when we performed in Chicago at Slicks Lounge, which was an underground Chic House Music Club hosted by DJ Derrick Carter (who is house music royalty) It was 2am on a Tuesday night when we emerged from behind the curtain and greeted by 300+ people that took house music very seriously. It was a baptism of fire for us, but the crowd was poppin’ on the good foot by the first track. It was a great moment! 

If there was one thing you could change in the music industry what would it be? 

Ha, I think it would be for artists to be able to earn more for their music being played through streaming sites. Even more so now in 2021 with so few gigs happening and no one really being able to tour still. I think some more support for the entire Art's industry is needed with so many cuts occurring in recent years. 

How do you feel the internet and sites like Spotify has impacted musicians? 

In the sense that it cuts out the middle man, record label people, it's a great platform. You can record a piece of music and have it released in a short period of time. I think that it can also create a lot of content, which isn't always a good thing. They should be giving artists a much larger cut of their earnings though. 

But perhaps they're just the new large record companies of the modern era, keeping the vast majority of profits, which is what the business aspect of the industry revolves around.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

"Always look people in the eyes” - especially when u meet them for the first time!

And also "Always watch your back" - it seems to have worked so far.

What advice would you give someone young thinking of launching into life as a musician today? 

It depends if they are a laptop bedroom artist that never plays live or someone that really wants to perform in front of people. The live scene can be great but also very taxing. It takes a lot of commitment to tour, rehearse, record and plan gigs. So generally only the ones that really love it continue to do it. I see a great younger indy scene coming through the ranks here in Brisbane, which is really great to see.

Our winter collection is called ‘Kindness’… How would you define kindness, or what’s your interpretation of kindness? 

To always observe love and respect towards another.

Is there a particular moment of kindness in your life - given, received or even observed - that stands out to you?

For sure! When I was in Kathmandu in 2003 we arrived during a Strike and the army controlled the streets, but I remember sharing a meal with a local family we visited. They were so generous it gave me faith in humanity.

And lastly, what does it mean to live a big, beautiful life? 

To do the things that make you happy and the you’re passionate about. Also to show love and respect towards others.

RESPECT. 

Peter G wears the funky Boom Shankar Queens jacket and flares from our Urban Nomads collection - as you can see this cool combo in cotton suits both guys and gals - and we love people who like dressing individually and owning their look - How stylin' does Peter look!!!

Grand Jacket ~ Queens ~ BUY NOW

Grand Flares ~ Queens ~ BUY NOW!

You can check out his music, buy his albums, and keep in touch with any upcoming gigs on his social pages... Jump over and give him a like! 

Instagram / Facebook / Website / Spotify

Shout outs to these creative legends too!!

River for the photos... Check him out on Instagram!

Marcus from HD Media for the Rainy Afternoon video clip

Dan Schist for The Search video clip... Check him out on Instagram!