Musician and ASU junior Peter Roberts performs at the Saddle Bronc Grill on Friday, Jan. 4. Roberts is determined to become a successful country music star, and has plans to move to Nashville upon his graduation next year. (Photo by Edmund Hubbard)College is a balancing act of different responsibilities. But for one ASU student, balancing his school work with his country-music career is worth the sacrifices. Junior business student, Peter Roberts, is determined to become a successful country-music artist. Roberts began singing in Sunday night church groups and choir. His love for country music, however, was inherited from his two older sisters, who frequently listened to country music while he was in grade school. Roberts began writing his own songs and singing on his own during his junior year of high school. In his freshman year of college, he decided to begin the journey of becoming a country music artist.
"The funny thing is that I am from Arizona, so I don't have that southern twang or anything, but when I start singing, it just comes natural," Roberts said.
Roberts looks to famous country artists, including Arizona native Dierks Bentley, for inspiration on making it big in the country music industry, and especially with moving to Nashville.
"When I listen to country music artists, I love to research how they got started, what they did and didn't do and learn from what they did to succeed in the industry," Roberts said when talking about his plan on moving to Nashville like Bentley. "If he (Bentley) can do it, any Arizona guy can."
After graduation next year, Roberts is determined to move to the city where country music is king and focus on building his music career. Nashville is home to many country music producers who search for new talent usually playing gigs at the various country bars around the city.
"It's just getting out there and meeting as many people as I can to see what happens," Roberts said. "Many people try and don't get signed, so they give up. But for me, I know that's where I need and want to be."
Roberts is no rookie to facing challenges, though. He was told "no" at his audition for the television talent competition show, the "X-Factor," but his greatest challenge came two years ago. Roberts was diagnosed with melanoma and continues to fight the cancer. He remains highly optimistic and says battling cancer doesn't at all diminish his aspirations of becoming a successful country-music artist.
"I don't really think about it," Roberts said. "It is what it is. Whatever happens, happens. It plays a role in some of my lyrics, but it only makes me more determined."
Through all the challenges, Roberts found inspiration and encouragement from someone he didn't expect to hear it from.
"Last summer, I was kind of doubting and thinking of stopping," he said. "I told my mom, who wasn't really stoked about the whole Nashville thing, about my change in plans, and she was like, 'Why? You can totally do it. what's the matter with you?' I was shocked. It solidified my plans of country music and Nashville."
With incredible support from his family and friends, Roberts continues to reach for the goal of Nashville. For the past six months, Roberts has begun his solo country-music career performing at country-music venues across Arizona, including Saddle Bronc Grill in Fountain Hills and will soon play at the new Moonshine Whiskey Bar on Mill Avenue.
While singing covers of his favorite country songs and with his own album in the works, Roberts is strengthening his country music resume. He has started playing at different venues for more people and building a good relationship with the country-music communities in Arizona and Nashville.
"Once I get my mind set on something and it gets rolling, I don't want it to stop," he said. "And once I get to Nashville, I am going to keep it rolling."
Reach the reporter at hdiiullo@asu.edu or follow on Twitter @HaleighD_SP.
Disclaimer: Roberts is the roommate of sports editor, Edmund Hubbard. Hubbard was not involved with the reporting of this story.
