From jamming with griots, to becoming a student of a respected Hindustani master of music, via classical cello training at Birmingham conservatoire, Pete Yelding’s musical background is incredibly varied. His live shows are an amalgamation of his experiences as a musician, tying together cello, sitar and his voice to create a “melodically intricate and texturally visceral” performance. 

His family name, Yelding, is a Romany name with an illustrious history in the Circus and travelling fairs, and is a proud part of Pete’s identity. He is informed by this and his unbridled curiosity and interest in his ancestral roots is evident in much of his work, always through a well researched political and post-colonial lens. 

Pete is a unique performer who uses the vehicle of composition, improvisation and performance to evoke his lived experiences and ancestral history. This combined with talent, intrigue and a thoroughly diverse musical knowledge base, we are very excited to have Pete on the podcast.

This podcast was written and produced by Harriet Paintin and Will Paintin, edited by Will Paintin and hosted by Josh Middleton.