Peter Fleming is a Maghera based Composer and Songwriter with a rich background in the music industry. His most recent work includes composing the music in The Black Equestrian documentary created for Black History Month, which is now available to stream on ITV HUB.
Peter is also the songwriter for his wife’s book series, The Weatherbies. The lovable characters living in the fantasy world of Skytown, each have an educational message to spread about the environment.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started off playing bass in a band called SCHEER, originating in Derry/Londonderry. Back in 1995, we were signed to 4AD and Warner Bros.
What genre / style do you create in?
Mostly Cinematic. I am a pop/rock/singer songwriter.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
I suppose it would be handling Irish Publicity for international stars such as Dolly Parton, Tom Waits and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys amongst others.
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
To convince people within the music industry to actually listen to the music you create. Once they do, the rest is up to the music itself.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
First would be recovering from a Stroke. Second would be promoting my music as a composer within the industry.
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
I am married with two grown boys. Both my work and hobbies include music, so a lot of my time is dedicated to it. Since the stroke, I enjoy going for two hour long walks in the morning around 6:30am.
Tell us about your most recent work?
I composed the music for a documentary called The Black Equestrian with a very talented young Film Director in September 2021. It aired on UK network channel Together TV in October at various times as part of Black History Month. It was then picked up by ITV as part of their Breaking Borders Series and is now streaming on ITV HUB.
What would you like us to tell people about?
The Weatherbies, I think every child should get to experience the fun and educational value of their world, Skytown. The series was created by my wife, Yvonne, and I wrote the songs for its debut album.
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
Composer of Documentaries and Songwriter for The Weatherbies.
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
Being in Moscow in early 2000 playing a gig and staying in an expensive hotel that had the whole second floor rented out as a brothel with its own entry and exit.
Also, going to the first McDonalds on Red Square for a burger while I was there.
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
Stay the course, you will eventually succeed if you are as good as you think you are.
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
The Weatherbies. Spread the word, you won’t regret it.
Who do you look up to and why?
My Wife Yvonne. She is a force to be reckoned with in business. Her determination to keep developing and finding new avenues for The Weathebries is immense. She is a great songwriter and lyricist and I love her to bits.
To find out more about Peter’s work with The Weatherbies, go to theweatherbies.co.uk