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Doug Petty is an American pianist, keyboardist, arranger, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles. He’s currently the keyboard player for the iconic Tears for Fears, but that’s just the start. Doug has recorded and performed with numerous artists, including Rihanna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Enrique Iglesias. His work extends to film soundtracks, contributing to movies such as “Moonrise Kingdom” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” . Petty is also an adjunct professor at the USC Thornton School of Music. He has produced records for artists like Shawn Colvin and Audra McDonald and composed music for Disney TV series such as “Amphibia” and “101 Dalmatian Street.” We cover much of this amazing history and more in our catch-up with Doug.
To listen / watch:
- Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
- Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Doug’s musical upbringing
Doug’s education at Eastman School of Music
Piano, orchestration and arranging over a career
Doug’s approach as an educator of young musicians
The early gigging years
Working with Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin – Holiday Songs and Lullabies
Working on Britney Spears’ first album
Working with Enrique Iglesias
Joining Tears for Fears
The challenge of recreating Tears for Fears keyboard sounds live
Doug’s Tears for Fears keyboard rig
Doug in action with Tears for Fears at Madison Square Garden
Doug with Tears for Fears BBC Piano Room
Doug’s arrangements on display – Rihanna at the American Music Awards
Doug’s work with iconic Chinese singer G.E.M.
Doug’s film work
Working on animated classics such as Happy Feet and Frozen
Keeping music human in an era of emerging AI
Doug’s thoughts on train wreck moments and falling off stage
Tag a Keyboard Player: Patrice Rushen
Desert Island Discs: Goldberg Variations: Glenn Gould (1981 version), Gaucho – Steely Dan, Encouraging Words – Billy Preston, Organ Grinder Swing – Jimmy Smith, So – Peter Gabriel, Live At Fillmore West – Aretha Franklin, Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
Thumbnail photos come from the amazing Emily Rath Orzabal via Doug’s Instagram
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
