Episode 27 Peter Himmelman Part 1: Journey of a Singer-Songwriter, Recording Artist, TV & Film Composer, Speaker, Consultant, and Author

Some people’s decisions have led them to rather challenging places, but Andy’s friend and artist Peter Himmelman is truly living a dream. In this first part of a two-part interview, Andy and Peter dig deep into the past. Listen as they chat about their first meeting, the growth of Peter’s career, and why his faith became significantly more important.  Peter recounts the moment that he was first moved by music and how deeply it moved him. His older sister had a turntable with internal speakers and he heard all the classics. The music he heard was so impactful that it led him to make music of his own.  Fast-forward to his teen years and he found himself in a band creating music and eventually living in a band house financed by his ability to create therapeutic songs for children with autism and anxiety.  Peter shares his story from the time that the band first came together and what it took for him to realize what was most important in his life. His faith has helped him to see the joy and beauty in a very complicated world.  Listen as they chat about his career and why his faith made such an important impact in both his life and his professional journey. They leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger as they discuss how Peter’s life and career have changed during the time of Covid, for both the good and the bad.  Tune in next week to hear the second part of this amazing conversation, which includes a deep dive into his songwriting.   Show Highlights: [00:00:10] Learn more about Peter Himmelman and his background with Andy. [00:02:22] Peter and Andy reminisce about their younger years.  [00:03:56] Hear Peter’s first memory of being moved by music.  [00:05:36] Listen to why he felt he needed to prove himself to his parents.  [00:08:17] How did Peter and his first band find their unique style so early on?  [00:10:57] What it’s like to meet new musicians for the first time after playing with so many other amazing performers.  [00:13:16] Who were Peter’s role models?  [00:14:30] What was his experience like at his “band house” early on?  [00:16:52] How did he finance the house. [00:20:59] Learn more about that time for Peter and his band.  [00:23:17] Did the Beacon Theater showcase, in New York City, result in anything for him?  [00:28:09] How did his first band, Sussman Lawrence, manage to have so many things go right and still not “make” it?  [00:31:38] The story behind the song, that landed his first record deal, This Father’s Day. [00:38:31] Peter’s unexpected and wild experience with a pair of psychics and how it influenced a major career-changing decision.   [00:50:34] Why he turned down major performance opportunities in the face of his faith. [00:53:14] One of the tenets of Judaism that really affected Peter’s life and career. [01:02:16] How his faith has impacted his career and his practices. [01:04:06] Did his team have a problem with his beliefs?  [01:07:10] Has he found resolution between his beliefs and his dreams?  [01:10:19] Why this pause has been amazing for his life.    LINKS & RESOURCES   Peter Himmelman: www.peterhimmelman.com www.bigmuse.com www.letmeoutbook.com https://ffm.to/pressonalbum https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterhimmelman/#337d49c61271 https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oTe4zcu5jeIY2nM8gOSSi Song mentioned: This Father's Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elNAtV9A7jI   Follow The Music Makers:  The Music Makers on Instagram   The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston.   Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment    Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz