Master Po
Hey. My name is Peter "Po" Smeallie. I used to perform in a band known as "Chameleon" back in middle school and high school. After that, I started making some tunes that incorporate rap lyrics, rock, and some jazz/pop. For the most part, much of my songs are either renditions of older songs or stream-of-consciousness raps.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I started up out of grade school in a community rock band known as "Chameleon." Comprised of three guitarists (one a guitarist/singer), one drummer, a band teacher mentor/guitarist, and one keyboarder (me), we rocked our city (literally) with the many rock, blues, jazz, and funk sounds of both the past and present (everything from Eric Clapton to Maroon 5), and played in a number of gigs, expos, benefits, and even a Washington, D.C. "Battle of the Bands." During our last year together (my junior year in high school), I slowly transitioned over to song-writing, and then eventually rap music (but never let go of my rock band past). In our last two Chameleon performances, I performed our debut rap-rock song, "View From The Ocean," on which the album title is based. Since then, I've been writing rap songs, recording them via computer and mic, and performing them live on stage. Despite my transition, I do try to stay very close to the music I grew up on, and many times incorporate piano/keyboard into my songs.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yeah. Rock Concert Gigs. Expos. This one performance I rapped in a top hat and cane.
Your musical influences
Linkin Park, Sublime, 311, Nas, Jay-Z, Andre 3000, Matt Kearny, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Beatles, The Eagles, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews, Fort Minor, Akon, Paul Simon, Incubus, Jack's House, and of course...Chameleon
What equipment do you use?
ACID, Blue Mic/Snowball, Garage Band, Keyboard, USB Cable, Paper, Pen, Computer, you get where I'm going...
Anything else?
Binge Responsibly ("The Simpsons Movie")
