Local Artist Spotlight: Pat Obert

My Town My Music’s Local Artist Spotlight

The next installment in MTMM’s Local Artist Series features Pat Obert. Pat is the lead singer, guitar player, and primary songwriter of garage rock band Under the Pavilion. He has been playing guitar for nearly 10 years, and his life’s passion is performing on stage.

Pat discovered that passion early in life. At the age of six, he performed for the first time at his parents’ church. He remembers looking out into the congregation and really liking the smiles he brought to people’s faces as he sang. That was his moment, and he’s been hooked ever since.

During high school, music was more than just a pleasure for Pat. His teenage years brought struggles with major depression and self-harm issues. But he would turn on some music, and all that pain and angst would disappear, at least temporarily. “Music was the best medicine, and it helped me cope with my feelings,” he says. “I really hope the music I have written can help someone like that.”

What has been your favorite performance experience?
That’s an easy one. We opened for Har Mar Superstar and Bad Bad Hats in May. It was a sold out crowd of 250 people. The most surreal moment was when we started to walk on stage and the whole place started cheering. That was one of the most unforgettable feelings of happiness I have ever had.

What’s the funniest/strangest thing that’s happened to you while performing?
There was this one time when a very drunk old guy walked up to Taylor (my bassist) and started talking to her in the middle of a song. It wasn’t even anything important or to give us a compliment. He was just trying to make small talk by asking our ages and what not.

Which artist would be most intimidating to meet?
The most intimidating artist would definitely be my idol and musical genius, Fred Durst.

What does live performance mean to you? Why is it important to our community?
Live performances really showcase an artist’s true talent.

Do you have any projects in the works?
We are currently working on our first EP and we should have it released in the next few weeks.

What do you see as strengths of the Rochester music scene?
Every person in Rochester is hungry for a legitimate music scene. There are more and more opportunities for original acts to play shows here. I think Rochester’s music scene is the best it’s been in the last 10 years.

What aspects of the local scene do you feel could use improvement/more attention?
I think the scene around here is great, but it is very competitive. I think a lot of times people’s egos get in the way, and that doesn’t create the most welcoming environment among bands. We are all here to play music, right? Why not help each other out?

What is your idea of a perfect venue, as a performer and/or fan?
A perfect fan is someone who appreciates original music, supports the local music scene, and is willing to listen to music they might not normally listen to. A perfect venue is a venue that supports bands/musicians that play original music. It’s so monotonous to see a band at a bar playing “Living on a Prayer” for the 1,000th time. Venues that support original music and people’s art are very appreciated by the Rochester music scene.

You can catch Under The Pavilion at Elysium IV – Kalokeri Circus, on July 29th. Tickets available at: https://events.sparxo.com/elysium4

They’ll also be looking for your votes next month to get them into the Local Music Showdown held September 9th at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds. Be sure to cast your vote when voting opens!