Latest News
“A traditionalist rocker to be reckoned with, a worthy successor to the likes of Tom Petty.”
“Ultimately, treading that delicate balance between sophistication and simplicity is what makes Droge’s music tick.”
“Droge writes about the longing and doubts of relationships with the softer, more customized edge found in the work of his singer-songwriter heroes, including Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Petty and Gram Parsons.”
“Droge’s appeal remains rooted in the charm and intimacy of his own gentle style.”
“A songwriter of stature.”
ABOUT THE NEW ALBUM
Sixteen years ago, Pete Droge went looking for his birth mother; instead, he found her obituary. Rather than marking the end of the story, though, that discovery launched a remarkable journey of personal growth and healing, one that would find Droge reuniting with long-lost relatives, battling a mysterious illness, and finding himself in the process.
“It’s been transformational,” Droge reflects. “I learned so much about adoption trauma, grief and loss and perseverance and identity. I learned so much about myself.”
Droge explores it all with poetic grace on his captivating new album, Fade Away Blue. Recorded with Grammy-winning producer Paul Bryan (Aimee Mann), the collection is largely autobiographical, offering up a series of dreamy, cinematic snapshots from throughout Droge’s life as he reflects on the existential forces that mold and shape us. The songs are bittersweet, balancing longing and gratitude in equal measure, and the arrangements are warm and inviting to match, with a spotlight fixed firmly on Droge’s tender, comforting lyrics and understated delivery throughout. The result is an album a lifetime in the making, a rich, revelatory sonic memoir that faces down doubt and despair with love, resilience, and commitment at every turn.
You Called Me Kid
You called me kid
And I can’t thank you enough for what you did
You called me kid
Never in this life could anybody find
A more generous or precious gift to give• • •
“You Called Me Kid” is the lead track on my new album, Fade Away Blue. (Out now.)
The album is available wherever digital music is served. Pick up the LP/CD on Bandcamp or at a record store near you.
While it was written for my dad after he passed away, I dedicate the song to both my mom and dad, as well as to all parental figures of every variety.
So, whether you are an adoptive parent like my folks or biological, step, foster, grand, or any other kind, this song is for you.
Directed by John Jeffcoat, the video features snapshots from my scrapbook, along with photos submitted by fans that highlight significant parental figures from their lives.
SONG FOR BARBARA ANN
All I can do is keep singing for you
Pining for someone who I never knew
Hard to believe it was over before it began
I just wasn’t part of your plan
Barbara Ann• • •
“Song for Barbara Ann” is a recent single from my new album, Fade Away Blue. (Out now.)
The album is available wherever digital music is served. Pick up the LP/CD on Bandcamp or at a record store near you.
Songs that speak to my experiences as an adoptee are the cornerstones of Fade Away Blue.
“Song for Barbara Ann” addresses the other side of the adoption coin from “You Called Me Kid.” The song addresses the ambiguous grief I experienced when I decided to search for my birth mother, only to discover she had died just months earlier.
The video was directed by John Jeffcoat with animation and compositing support from The New Blank.
FADE AWAY BLUE
Now when the tears come
I know I’ve got work to do
I let the tears run
Fade away blue• • •
“Fade Away Blue” is the title track from my new album. (Out now.)
It’s available wherever digital music is served. Pick up the LP/CD on Bandcamp or at a record store near you.
“Fade Away Blue” speaks to the nature side of the nature vs nurture equation. Learning that I came upon my depression issues naturally made it possible for me to be more accepting of myself. As a result of that acceptance—and a good deal of therapy—thankfully, those depressive episodes have become increasingly rare.
Recorded with Grammy-winning producer Paul Bryan, the track features guitarist Rusty Anderson (Paul McCartney) and drummer Jay Bellerose (Robert Plant & Alison Krauss).
The video was directed by John Jeffcoat.
Join me on Substack
My Substack newsletter, Love Songs Etc, is where the action is.
What is Substack? It's like a newsletter mixed with a blog mixed with bologna. Mine is called Love Songs Etc. It's like a boxed set mixed with a memoir mixed with bologna.
Sign up for free, and my posts will arrive directly in your email inbox. Premium subscribers enjoy perks like early-bird tickets, high-resolution downloads of rarities, discounts on merch, and new music before it's released.