Now Endeavor consists of two Detroit songwriters and vocalists who mix their love of varied genres, including soul, hip-hop, classic rock, electronic blues, R&B, with a tad bit of jazz. Their music names, Just Pete and Thom The Disco Spider, bring positivity, playfulness, and spontaneity on their latest EP, Survival (Hip Video Promo). With their latest single, “You Know Me,” the song is an exemplary display of musical goodness with the message of kindness, good deeds, and positivity, changing the trajectory of the future with surprising rewards.
The music video for “You Know Me” features Pete and Thom as their counterparts, driving on the road seeing the world in distress, yet staying optimistic throughout during challenging and trying times. They even stop to rescue a cat meowing in the attic of a burning building, along with building friendships along the ride (Hip Video Promo). Just Pete and Thom The Disco Spider chatted with us about the creative process for “You Know Me,” the influence of their home city, Detroit, on their music, the genres featured on their Survival EP, what else is coming up, and their fun favorites.
We love the enthusiasm and positivity of your latest single “You Know Me.” What was the creative process like for this song?
Thom The Disco Spider: Pete actually took the reins for the vocals of that song. The instrumentation was produced by a friend of ours named Terrence; he goes by T-Rez. I have a tendency to procrastinate, so I was sitting on the beat for a while. I finally got around to asking Pete if he wanted to start working on it and he said, “Yeah, I have an idea.” He sent it over and the whole damn song was done. I was like shit, cool…I can go eat Taco Bell and take a nap.
Just Pete: I wanted the fans to feel like they already knew me, so I imagined talking to them while I wrote it. When you get to know me, good things happen.
You both hail from one of the best cities that some of the most iconic music came out of, Detroit. How has this city influenced your lyrics and music?
Thom: I’ve actually been living in California for the past 2 years or so. I love to defend Detroit when I’m with my peers! You’re absolutely right. Detroit had so much influence with Motown and even a strong influence on propagating Techno in the US. However, Detroit has had its struggles as a city and an idea. My city went from being known as a hub for arts and production to a punch line. I remember watching the television show Smallville as a teen. One character, Kara, woke up in Detroit with amnesia. Everything was all dark and dreary. I was like what the hell?! I wouldn’t say there is any particular aspect of Detroit that I incorporate in my music, but I do feel like an underdog with the reputation the city has now. It gives me motivation to prove we’re still a great city.
Just Pete: We all know its history, but Detroit is now known for its tough streets and people. Sometimes I use that gritty feel for my music, and sometimes I want to do the opposite. And no, it’s not just like 8 Mile.
You guys’ latest EP, ‘Survival,’ features a blend of soul, hip-hop, classic rock, blues, R&B, and jazz. What was the creative process like while writing for and producing it? Who are some of your biggest influences in each of these genres too?
Thom: I am definitely happy with the sound of Survival. This time, there were no songs based around live instruments. We’ve had at least one song with live instruments being the backbone on each of the previous EPs. In a way, we had to leave our comfort zone as writers. With that said, it has been a struggle with the pandemic. This is probably one of the EPs we’ve churned out the quickest because the production was all electronic. Electronic production was really the only way because I live too far from Detroit now. We worked with some outside producers on most of the tracks as well.
Just Pete: We vibed out and put some sexy on it. You might hear a hint of Chris Brown.
The video for “You Know Me,” features both of you in animated counterparts, driving on the road, seeing sadness in the world, but keeping the optimism high. Was that the original idea behind the video, or did it evolve from something else?
Thom: I think that our brand of humor can have a Kafkaesque and an almost ironic or nihilist approach. It resonates with some people, but I think there is a fine line between putting too much meaning and theory behind something and just doing what you feel in your gut. I just felt like this song was straight forward, so the video should be too. Love and do good things without expectations. I kind of came to that conclusion after revisiting South Park during the pandemic. I feel like South Park used to tell stories that didn’t always have some political meaning. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the political commentary, but once in a while, I like to go back and enjoy some of the earlier episodes that weren’t as socially heavy.
Just Pete: I wanted to let the girls know I have a sensitive side.
Are there any more singles and music videos planned throughout the year?
Thom: Yeah! We already finished filming a music video for “Catfish.” It should be out sooner than later. That one was a live video. I’m surprised we pulled it off in the pandemic. We’re also working on a video for “Peru.” I’ve been inspired by the 1975 having artists dropping all these cool visuals and content during this time.
Just Pete: Two more baby!
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?
Thom: The first concert I remember was when Say Anything came to Detroit once. I was working midnights at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. I snuck out and met up with a friend to watch Say Anything’s set at The Fillmore. I still have some clips from recording on my 240p camera phone haha! I couldn’t stay for Motion City Soundtrack after, because I had to get back to work! I regret not staying now. By chance, I ran into a girl I matched with on Tinder on my way out of the Fillmore and had a chat with her! I ended up being super late back to work anyway.
Just Pete: Trey Songz. Justin Timberlake.
What was your first album on CD and/or vinyl?
Thom: No, no, no, neither! The first album I bought with my mom was Aquarium by Aqua on cassette tape. I’m pretty sure we bought it at Sam Goody. Oh boy….I’m getting old. I love that album to this day. It’s feel-good music, you know?
Just Pete: What Thom said.
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Thom: Hard to pick. This is how I feel at this moment, but it’s subject to change!
- Say Anything – Helped me to come to grips with my anxiety and paranoia.
- Blink 182 – Showed me you don’t need to be overly complex to write good music.
- Michael Jackson – KING
- Luther Vandross – Love the way he takes hold of a track and makes it his.
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – John Frusciante is amazing and inspires me to continue to write.
Just Pete: Now Endeavor, Now Endeavor, Now Endeavor, Now Endeavor, Now Endeavor
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Thom: I don’t really believe in guilty pleasures! Like what you like without caring what others think. Though I’ll tell you that I am embarrassed at the amount of money I spend on things that will probably end up giving me diabetes while watching telenovelas.
Just Pete: Nah.
How have you been keeping busy during the quarantine/pandemic?
Thom: I’m a lifelong student of Spanish, so I’ve been incorporating lots of Spanish TV into my routine. I figure if I’m going to sit on my ass and watch a screen, I might as well get something out of it. It makes me wonder how students of English feel talking to English speakers with varied accents around the world. Just when I get a little comfortable with one accent, the next show I watch will be set in a different part of the Hispanic world. I like the challenge though.
Just Pete: A lot of outdoor activities. You can’t keep me in the house.
Connect with Now Endeavor on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Stream their music on Spotify.
